17th Annual Quady Dessert Competition - 2005

Celebrating the talent in the pastry kitchens of our city, this year's dessert competition will have the judges' sweet tooths aching with delicious creations. Wine pairing with Elysium is the key component of the competition while technical skill and creativity pull it all together. This year 26 competitors bring their skills to the North West Culinary Academy on Saturday and Sunday, the 26th and 27th of February.

Competitors will complete their desserts, plate them and serve them to a panel of pastry chefs, chefs and knowledgeable food and wine media. The top 10 finalists will prepare desserts for the 500 guests at the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival's Trade Day Luncheon on Thursday, March 17th. Announcements of winners will take place at that time.

Crediting the pastry kitchens with the most favourite part of any meal in a restaurant, this year's competitors will inspire all wine and dessert lovers.

Prizes

1st Place:  A trip for two to California in the summer to visit Quady Winery in Madera and then on to a 4-day fly-fishing horseback pack trip high in the Sierra Mountains where you will relax by the campfire and forget about baking. Everything will be prepared for you by accompanying chefs and guides. A truly memorable trip.

Also included in First Place prize package is an Estate Box of Valrhona Chocolate and a serrated chocolate knife.

2nd Place:  One Nights Complimentary Bed & Breakfast at the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver with breakfast for two in Herons Restaurant and dinner for two to the value of $100. in Herons Restaurant.

Also included in Second Place prize package is an Estate Box of Valrhona Chocolate and a serrated chocolate knife.

3rd Place:  A selection of Quady wines and an Estate Box of Valrhona Chocolate.

Top 10 finalists who have used Valrhona chocolate in their recipe will each receive a surprise gift package from Far-Met Importers and a selection of Quady wines.

There is very limited viewing area at the Academy, but if visitors would like to squeeze into a small space and see what their favourite pastry chef is preparing, judging commences at noon both days.

North West Culinary Academy

2725 Main Street

Vancouver

Noon til 4pm

Anthony Gismondi’s Tasting Notes - 88/100 Quady Elysium California Black Muscat 2003

Intense spicy, peppery, red licorice, floral, black cherry aromas with some citrus and mineral tones. The palate is rich and fresh with a fine acid sugar mix and just a touch of astringency but there is plenty of juicy orange, black cherry, spicy, mineral, honey and orange peel flavours. A bit sweeter and more intense than the Essensia with some added zip. Fun and tasty.