Chefs Challenge Culinary Competition Returns to Boyne Mountain, April 29-30, 2011

WHO:
Culinary teams and local food/beverage producers from throughout Michigan

WHAT:
A competition inspired by the cult sensation Iron Chef America and the famous “Secret Ingredient,” Chefs Challenge is the culinary must-attend event of the year in Northern Michigan.

WHERE:
Boyne Mountain Resort – Boyne Falls, Michigan

WHEN:
Friday, April 29

6:00-10:00pm - The weekend starts with the Meet & Greet at the Snowflake Lounge in the Clock Tower Lodge. Mingle with the judges and culinary teams, while being served hors d’oeuvres prepared by the competition high school teams.

Saturday, April 30

9:45am-4:45pm - Seminars | Michigan Food & Beverage Vendor Showcase
11:00am-2:00pm - Tasting Competition
6:00pm - Cocktail Reception
7:00pm - Iron Chef Cook-Off & Dinner
9:00pm - Presentation of Awards to Chefs Challenge Winner

WHY:
To raise money and awareness for Challenge Mountain – a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization providing adaptive outdoor recreational opportunities to people with special needs and their families, free of charge. For more than 25 years, Challenge Mountain has been dedicated to providing a venue for sports, outdoor recreation, and leisure skills to those with physical disabilities or mental challenges. The goal of all programs is to help create happy, healthy and longer lives. 231-535-2141 | www.cmski.org

HOW:
Chefs Challenge food competitions are designed to showcase Michigan food and drink products and their creative applications in a meal. It is an opportunity for Michigan establishments to showcase their talents and gain exposure for their establishment, while raising funds for Challenge Mountain. Activities include a Tasting Competition, Culinary Seminars, Food & Beverage Displays and of course, the Chefs Challenge Cook-Off. www.Chef-Challenge.com

COST:
Friday night Welcome Reception: $10 per person

Saturday Tasting Competition: 8 tickets for $25 (Additional tickets, quantities of 4 for $15 or 8 for $25)

Saturday night Iron Chef Cook-Off & Dinner: $60 per person online in advance; 75 per person at the door

INFO:
For information on exhibiting or sponsorships, contact Rebecca Harris: becky@chefs-challenge.com

For information on competing in the event, contact Chris Kibbitt: ckibit@nmu.edu

For media inquiries, contact Dianna Stampfler: dianna@promotemichigan.com

LODGING:
Available at Boyne Mountain starting at $67 for hotel accommodations and $118 for Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa. Call 800-GO-BOYNE (462-6963) and ask for “Chefs Challenge” rate. www.BOYNE.com

Chef’s Challenge Event Welcomes Spring to Northern Michigan

The finest Chef teams from Northern & Southern Michigan will again compete in the 2nd Annual CHEF’S CHALLENGE for CHALLENGE MOUNTAIN event at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, April 24-26. The event celebrates Springtime Splendor Week in Michigan, highlighting Michigan’s great agricultural diversity and its growing wine and craft beer industries.

The North vs. South competition on Saturday will again feature fantastic entrée samplings by 12 chef teams, complimented by fine Michigan wine and micro-brew tastings. North & South winning teams will be chosen by the public and professional culinary judges, and face off in an “Iron Chef” competition dinner that evening.

Well-known Michigan Chef Hermann of HERMANN’S in Cadillac, and Chef Michelle Bommarito, frequent participant on Food Channel competitions, are among the judges at the Iron Chef show-down. All proceeds benefit Challenge Mountain, which provides adaptive outdoor recreational opportunities for the developmentally challenged.

With the soft economy, the Governor and First Family, as well as all legislators, are being encouraged to set an example and attend. Instead of heading south for Spring Break, they are reminded it’s a perfect time to explore Michigan’s many historical and cultural venues, as well as participate in the outstanding recreational options that surround us.

In the words of Platinum Partner Farm Bureau Insurance Director of Strategic Marketing, Jack Stucko, “We look forward to the Chef’s Challenge rapidly becoming a great Michigan event. The ’09 concepts on the table assure a broad involvement for Michigan families, students, culinary organizations, agriculture and businesses to promote Michigan and its many resources in people, ideas, performance and creativity.”

Complete details are available at www.chefs-challenge.com, which will be updated as various seminars are finalized. Or call (231) 535-2227.

Nightmare Awaits - Nightmare at Challenge Mountain

(BOYNE FALLS, Mich) -- Hidden in the fog covered hills of Boyne Falls lies a creepy castle that once was a ski lodge. The castle awaits you with terrifying things that are looking for you. When you arrive, you are immediately greeted by creatures that come out only at a special time each year. These things lure you to the castle where your nightmare begins.

A slow trip through the mist takes you back in history to some of our most frightening of times. The Salem Witch Trials show you there is no way out. Lizzie Borden stalks you and you run. Through a drain maze of spiders, bats, and even a dog man you seek your escape. But to no avail. You come to a line that leads you to of all places, a haunted basement. The basement is filled with horror beyond your wildest fears. As you run, finally you reach the outside only to take a trip through what you think is a place to relax, aaaahhh, fairy tales. Only these fairy tales are definitely not like the ones you were read as a child. Quickly you hear things breathing close by. Oh what could they be… Run, run, faster, faster, don’t look back it might get you!

Challenge Mountain is the place in the hidden fog covered hills and the 7th annual Nightmare at Challenge Mountain is set to begin on Friday, October 3 and will run each Friday and Saturday in October including Halloween from 7-10pm.

Challenge Mountain is located at 2205 Springbrook Rd., Boyne Falls, MI. The cost for the Nightmare is only $10 for adults and children are just 2 for $5 accompanied by an adult. Each ticket is a season pass meaning you can come as many times as you want. You never know what you might miss.

For more information or driving directions you can visit www.challengemtn.org and click on Nightmare as you enter the website or call 231-582-1186. Plan to attend if you are brave enough, but be afraid, be very afraid.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sue Moody, Executive Director
231-582-1186
cmski@challengemtn.org