Why restaurant hop when you can taste it all in one spot?

That is exactly what more than 400 Moore County residents did Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Culinary Showcase at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. The Moore County Chamber of Commerce Culinary Showcase presented an unparalleled global sensory experience for all.

As Moore County's most-anticipated food event, guests were treated to an experience like no other with samples from Moore County's favorite restaurants, caterers and resorts from white linen to checkered cloth!

"I am so proud of the high-caliber of restaurants and chefs we were able to feature this year," said Patrick J. Coughlin, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. "The Culinary Showcase isn't just about eating- it's about the entire taste experience."

Chefs participating in the Culinary Showcase also competed for The Culinary Cup (Best in Show), Best Appetizer, Best Entre, Best Dessert Awards, Best Presentation and People's Choice.

After an extremely tight competition, the winners are:

Best Appetizer The Carolina Dining Room

Best Entre Elliott's on Linden

Best Dessert The Carolina Dining Room

Best Presentation The Carolina Dining Room

People's Choice Award The Magnolia Inn

The Culinary Cup The Carolina Dining Room

Participating facilities include the Carolina Dining Room of the Pinehurst Resort, Cold Stone Creamery, the Country Club of Whispering Pines, the Darling House Pub & Grill, Elliott's on Linden, Henry's Gelato, One Fifty West at the Jefferson Inn, Little River Golf and Resort, the Magnolia Inn, Mid Pines Golf and Resort, Moe's Southwest Grill, Moore Delights, National Golf Club, Panera Bread and Rhett's Personal Chef and Catering.

In addition to showcasing the culinary arts talents, the event also supports the Sandhills Community College Culinary Arts program by presenting two scholarships to two students during the evening's festivities. This scholarship will allow local students to further enhance their education locally.

These scholarships were presented to Victoria Summers and Deanna Tripolitis, who are both currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Sandhills.

The Culinary Showcase was made possible through a partnership with UNC Pembroke. It is presented by Aberdeen Coca-Cola, Alsco, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Crescent State Bank, First Bank, Four Oaks Bank, Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., Harris Wholesale;

Hobbs, Upchurch and Associates, Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte, McBrayer Chrysler Dodge Jeep, McGill Associates, Panera Bread, Penick Village, Phillips Ford, Pinehurst Magazine, Pinestraw Magazine, Progress Energy, Prudential Gouger, O'Neal and Saunders Real Estate, RBC Centura, Star 102.5, The Pilot, Time Warner Cable, Village Printers, Whistle Stop Press Inc., 550 WIOZ, WLHC FM Life 103.1 and W.O.W. Pets.