CONTRIBUTED

Feast on some of the best food in the area on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the annual Culinary Showcase organized by the Moore County Chamber of Commerce.

More than a dozen eateries will present their top gastronomic creations at the showcase, which moves to Pinehurst Resort this year due to its increasing popularity. The Culinary Showcase caps off the resort's annual food and wine festival. Thanks to this partnership, guests will not only eat exceptional food, but will sample wine from 25 vineyards.

"We're excited about our new venue," says Patrick J. Coughlin, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber. "Our guests are the real winners."

Eateries compete for the people's choice award as well as honors bestowed by a panel of judges. Michelin three-star rated chef Robert Sisca will judge alongside a Biltmore Estate chef and local dignitaries. Eateries are rated on taste, presentation and originality, and awards are given for best entree, appetizer and dessert, with the Culinary Cup going to the eatery with the highest score in all three categories.

Penick Village surprised guests last year by taking home the Culinary Cup. The continuing care retirement community will return this year to defend its trophy. Other eateries secured thus far include Sandhills Community College, The Market Place, Ledo's Pizza & Pasta, Cold Stone Creamery, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Belle Meade, Pine Knoll, Green Gate Olive Oils, Country Club of North Carolina, 1895 Grille, Fairwoods at No. 7 and Southern Prime Steakhouse.

Newcomers to the competition include The Market Place, Ledo's Pizza and Pasta and Doodle Fairies Cupcakes N'Moore. The Market Place owner Bonnie Black is undaunted by the competition.

"We have really good food and want to go up against the big boys," she says.

Guests can expect dishes ranging from divine seafood dishes to elegant cupcakes and everything in between; plus, they can feel good about indulging their appetites. A portion of the proceeds from this event funds scholarships for students in the Culinary Arts program at Sandhills Community College. The scholarship covers the costs for a year of the two-year program. Other proceeds support Chamber member programs.

"The Culinary Showcase isn't just about eating; it's about the entire taste experience and enjoying the company of friends," says Coughlin.

The showcase was made possible through a partnership with St. Joseph of the Pines. Other sponsors include 235 Food, Aberdeen Coca-Cola, Aging Outreach Services/Outreach NC Magazine, ALSCO Inc., The Fayetteville Observer, Fore Properties, Gorenflo, Bierbaum & Campbell PLLC, Jellison Press Printers, Penick Village, The Pilot LLC, Sarvis Management and Real Estate Services Inc., STAR 102.5, WLHC-FM - Life 103.1, and WIOZ-550 AM.

The mission of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce is to provide quality, value-added services and programs to members to unite Moore County area businesses in a committed effort to strengthen the economic environment and thus, improve the quality of life for all of Moore County.

With more than 700 members, the Chamber is instrumental in advancing commerce and community and exists to help strengthen the local economy and promote and preserve a quality of life that is second to none.

To purchase tickets, call the Chamber at (910) 692-3926 or visit www.moorecountychamber.com. Tickets are $50 per person and include food and beverages.

The showcase, held at the Carolina Hotel, begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m.