Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
Southern California Director of Sales and Executive Chef Jeff Farlow from Catering at Wente Vineyards. By all accounts the cook-off was a smashing success. "The feedback was really terrific," Beard said excitedly. "Every year there's a new twist, and this one was fantastic." Her enthusiasm was contagious. The three teams whisked and stirred and flambéd their way to some outstanding creations, which were paired with entwine wines, Wente Vineyards and Food Network's especially food friendly line of wines during the presentations to the judges. The winning Chopped team, The Kingstons, included Carolyn Mulas, Ken Snyder, Allen Harding, Steve King, Adrian Ruiz and Alex Rivera. In the end, The Kingstons team won with their "Pete Rose" entry, prevailing over The Valley Boys, who made a Mediterranean bruschetta, and Team Southern, who delivered a flavor-packed couscous dish that they paired with the entwine Merlot. Out on the golf course, meanwhile, golfers from north and south made their way around in the bright sunshine and sizzling temperatures. "It's just a great day to be out here hitting the ball," said Marc Gutierrez, Director of Northwest Sales for Wente Family Estates. Todd Breaux, Rick Ursem, Jeff Frerking and Jason Yeager braved the hot temperatures at the Wente Shark Shootout. Marc Gutierrez (left), Director of Northwest Sales for Wente Family Estates, holes a putt as Randy Rose, Brad Muck and Brian Torkelson look on. september 2013 / the tasting panel / 119 TP0913_104-156.indd 119 8/22/13 10:31 PM