Epicurean delights: awards from the 37th annual gala

The 37th annual Epicurean Delight gala featured small plates from 28 restaurants and drinks – wine, beer, cider, coffee, soda – from 23 stations as well as the opportunity to raise money for Vitalant, formerly the Inland Northwest Blood Center.

The dinner, dance and raffle took place Nov. 9 at the Spokane Convention Center. More than 1,000 guests attended the sold-out gala.

Six culinary awards were given at the event. I helped judge the entree category. Winners are:

Outstanding Hors d’oeuvre – Beacon Hill Catering and Events for its creamy leek and goat cheese tartlet

Outstanding First Course – Downriver Grill for its red wine-braised wild boar with carrot and coriander puree and brioche toast

Outstanding Entree – Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops for its frenched lamb rack

Outstanding Dessert – Just American Desserts for its autumn ginger sandwich cookie

People’s Choice Best Restaurant – Taste of India for its chicken korma

People’s Choice Best Libation – One Tree Hard Cider and Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

On the web: epicureandelight.org.