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BEST IMPRESSIONS CATERING TAKES BEST OF SHOW AT FIRST-EVER "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CATER?" EVENT
Top Five Scorers Make Up Vintage Motor Club's New Preferred Catering List
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 30, 2009) – Best Impressions Catering placed first last night at Vintage Motor Club’s first-ever "So You Think You Can Cater?" competition hosted by Chef Lou Petrozza of Hell’s Kitchen fame. Four others – La-Tea-Da’s, The Speedway Club, BOUK Management and A Tasteful Solution – rounded out the top five and were named to the venue’s 2009 list of preferred caterers.
Nearly 200 people attended the event at Vintage Motor Club in Concord that was created to introduce the new venue to the event industry and business community, while determining the facility’s preferred catering list. Other participating caterers included Armin's Catering, Chef Charles Catering, Side Porch and Something Classic. The event, produced and managed by Sterling Events, was created and promoted by BRANSTORM PR & Marketing, Vintage Motor Club’s agency of record.
"As a former, full-time caterer for 17 years, I am very familiar with the effort it takes to put on and participate in an event of this caliber, "said Chef Petrozza. "All of the caterers deserve two thumbs up for a wonderful job. I felt surrounded by the best culinary talent in one room than at any other time in my career. The Panna Cotta (prepared by Something Classic) blew me away and was far better than the one I recently had at Gordon Ramsay’s At the London in West Hollywood."
All nine caterers participated in the heated competition for the top five spots by preparing an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Guests voted on the best appetizer and the judges scored entrees and desserts. Best Impressions’ Angus beef burger on a mini-brioche roll topped with pepper jack cheese with a side of shoestring sweet potato fries, was the crowd favorite. Its’ winning entrée and dessert combo included pan-seared black sea bass served over white truffle risotto and a dark chocolate truffle torte accompanied by a chilled strawberry soup.
"I was very impressed with the effort of all the caterers, and of course, pleased with the outcome of the competition," said Dave Byron, owner of Best Impressions. "We have participated in other catering contests in the past, but not with as many caterers in such a fun format. What a great way to experience this new venue."
Chef Petrozza delivered his unofficial "Lou Review" to the crowd prior to the judges’ verdicts. Best Impressions’ sea bass and Something Classic’s petit filet mignon – tied for Petrozza’s favorite entrée; Side Porch’s bruleed bananas was his top dessert choice.
Entrees and desserts were judged on presentation and appearance, taste, originality and mass appeal. The competition’s six high-profile judges included: Scott Padgett, Mayor of Concord; Chef Jim Noble of Noble’s Restaurants; Stacey Simms, co-host of WBT’s Charlotte Morning News and author of "I Can’t Cook, But I Know Someone Who Can"; Robert Krumbine, senior vice president of special events at Charlotte Center City Partners; Amanda Hollingsworth, director of Speedway Children’s Charities Charlotte Chapter; and Mike Rucker, retired Carolina Panther.
Brooke Johnson and her team at Sterling Events dressed the 15,000 square-foot facility in a variety of themes to showcase all the event possibilities at Vintage Motor Club. Vendor partners, who donated time, product and/or services to make the event a success included: Party Reflections (event rentals), By Design Event Group (décor installation) Michael Catlow Group (photography, videography and DJ) First Impressions Party Linen (linens), Uptown Event Productions (lighting and sound), The Speedway Club (bar) and Empire Distributors (wine).
Vintage Motor Club is located in Concord, N.C. just minutes from Lowe's Motor Speedway, I-85 and Highways 20 and 49. Housed in a 100-year old classic red brick Southern Mill, the 15,000 square-foot vintage car- themed facility is ideal for corporate events, charity galas, weddings and race functions. With dividable space, capacity of 1,000 and ample parking, it is an event planner's dream. For more information, visit their new website at www.vintagemotorclubnc.com or call 704.786.4090.