HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Tuesday, the Island Resort & Casino and the Daily Press put a Christmas twist on their annual cooking show.
Chefs, bakers, and foodies filled the Island Convention Center for a special holiday edition of the Taste of the Island Cooking Show.
“We have such a great show tonight,” said Island Food & Beverage Director Stephen Gakstatter. “We have Executive Chef Kristina Pomeroy and Executive Chef Willy Carden showing side dishes we put a lot of time into. These are special dishes everybody seems to have during the holidays.”
Attendees enjoyed those dishes at the buffet while the chefs discussed the recipes. Another presenter showcased the best ways to deck holiday treats.
“Nycole Mercier is here,” said Daily Press Publisher Sarah Greenlund. “She worked for Gordon Ramsay, she was on the Food Network, and she works at Elmer’s right now. She’s going to do cookie decorating demonstrations.”
Between presentations, guests indulged in a Sayklly’s chocolate fountain, won door prizes, entered a raffle to support the Salvation Army, and purchased goods from local vendors.
“This was the first time for me,” said Karie Huskey, owner of Karie’s Edible Arrangements. “It gets my name out and gets other people that haven’t seen me before. I just like to give back to the community. It’s for a good cause, it’s fun, and it’s Christmas.”
Some attendees even got to tell the crowd about their favorite dishes.
“It’s all about sharing today,” Gakstatter said. “I’m going to go out and talk to a lot of our guests who are here and find out their recipes and hopefully we can share some great recipes for the holiday season.”
Gakstatter and Greenlund say the Taste of the Island: Holiday Edition was a perfect way to inspire guests who are preparing to make delicious meals this Christmas.
“We’re in the midst of the shopping season, so I think it’s a nice little break for everybody just to sit down and focus on themselves,” said Greenlund.
“It brings everybody together, which is so important over the holidays,” Gaksttatter said. “I’ve met such wonderful people and wonderful vendors, and it gives an early start to the holiday season.”
The next event the Daily Press is looking forward to being a part of is the Women’s Ice Fishing Clinic at Blade’s Bait and Tackle on December 28. For more information, click here.
