Battle of the Hors D’oeuvres Nets BIG Win for Windsor Essex Mentoring Programs!
The Battle held Sept. 19, 2018 was hard fought but in the end there were a lot of winners at the recent 32nd Annual Battle of the Hors D’oeuvres to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex Foundation.
“This is such a fun event and we’re very grateful that our community continues to support it with such great enthusiasm. We managed to again surpass last year’s totals, as well as also bring some well earned attention to some of Windsor Essex County’s finest food and beverage participants,” says Becky Parent, Executive Director. “And best of all we have 800 happy children and youth who are able to continue to benefit from our programs. This money stays local and goes directly to our 7 mentoring programs.”
The signature event has raised over $1.8 million over the 32 years it’s been going strong. This year the event netted $65,000 and attracted 570 attendees.
Caesars Windsor, the presenting sponsor, hosted the event in the Augustus Ballroom and what a night it was.
Our emcee Dan MacDonald brought a ton of fun to our program and the talented Jake Van Dongen provided some top notch music. The food, wine, beer and dessert were spectacular and proved yet again the unique and top-quality culinary talent that proliferates our region.
And the winners!
- Critic’s Choice Best Restaurant Twigg’s Bar & Grill
- Dish: Short Rib Crostini
- Critic’s Choice Best Hospitality/ Epicurean Smashed Apple Gourmet Catering
- Dish: Fried Chicken Bao
- People’s Choice First place Smashed Apple Gourmet Catering
- Dish: Fried Chicken Bao
- People’s Choice Second Place The Hub
- Dish: Gourmet Ground Sirloin Slider
Melissa Popkey of Twiggs Bar & Grill in Emeryville (Lakeshore) has now participated three years in the Battle.
“It’s something different. It’s a good way to meet new people and get our name out and it supports a great cause,” says Popkey.
Battle was transformed into an after-business, mix and mingle event – with no long speeches and a venue to sample a range of elaborate hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and dessert.
Chefs were battling it out for their chance to win the Critic’s Choice Award which was voted on professional local judges, and the People’s Choice Award which was voted on by event guests.
And chefs take this contest very seriously as evidenced by the range of appetizers served such as: Audacious Arancini, Surf and Turf Beignets, Fried Chicken Bao, Kamikaze Salmon Tartare, Fried Duck Confit Ravioli, New Yorkies, Tandoori Spiced Fish & Chips, Gourmet Ground Sirloin Slider, Deep Fried French Onion Soup, Haddock Ceviche Taco Bowl and Short Rib Crostini.
Battle of the Hors D’oeuvres Participants
- Assumption College Catholic High School students – Appetizers upon entry
- Assumption College Catholic ppet
- Critics’ Choice Award Judges
- Chef John Kukucka – Essex Golf
- Dessert Sponsor: Sweet Revenge Bake Shop
Critics’ Choice Award Judges
- Chef John Kukucka – Essex Golf and Country Club
- Chef Daniele Palanca – Ambassador Golf & Country Club
- Pina Ciotoli – Windsor Eats
- Yvonne Pilon – President/CEO of WeTech Alliance
All funds raised from Battle stay in Windsor and Essex County and support the seven youth mentoring programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex. These programs support youth, families and adult volunteers in mentoring relationships where youth gain life experience and achieve personal growth.
“Changing the course of these young lives can in turn change our community’s future”, says Parent.
As the leading child and youth mentoring agency in Windsor and Essex County, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been providing children and youth with adult mentors and life changing relationships for over 50 years. Currently, the agency provides mentoring programs to over 800 children and youth in our community.
“Being mentored by a trusted adult has been proven highly successful in completion of high school and post-secondary education, reducing bullying and at risk behavior such as drug and alcohol use and contributing to higher self-esteem and self-confidence”, says Parent.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex is always in need of volunteer mentors. To find out how you can help visit online.
