HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – A festive tradition returns to the Island Resort & Casino next month.
The 2025 Taste of the Island: Holiday Edition cooking show will take place on Thursday, December 11. The event will feature cooking presentations and decorating demonstrations, food and gift vendors, and a specially-crafted holiday drink.
“We’re so excited to have another holiday cooking show here at the Island Resort & Casino,” said Island Food and Beverage Director Stephen Gakstatter. “We’ve been doing this for several years now, but this year, we’re going to have it in our brand new Convention Center grand ballroom. We’re going to be able to have more people, more vendors, and this is just a wonderful event space.”
For this year’s event, the public has an opportunity to become part of the show. Now through November 29, attendees can submit their favorite holiday recipes for a chance to have them included in the evening’s menu.
“My two executive chefs and myself will go through the recipes,” Gakstatter said. “The recipes that we do pick out, these individuals will actually go into our state-of-the-art convention kitchen. They will be able to work with the chefs on having their recipe be made into a larger quantity. After that’s produced, we’re going to put it on a buffet line for all of the guests that come to the show to try.”
Presenters include the Yooper Goddess and the team from Elmer’s County Market. Gakstatter says the show is sure to be an evening of fun, good food, and holiday spirit.
“It’s a warm time of the year, and there’s a lot of love out there,” he said. “This has always been a very close-knit event where everybody comes together and shares and enjoys. That’s what the holidays are all about.”
Tickets are on sale now at the Island Resort & Casino, the Escanaba Daily Press office, and Elmer’s County Market. Tickets are $20 per person or $100 for six. To submit a recipe, click here.
WZMQ 19 is proud to once again sponsor the Taste of the Island: Holiday Edition cooking show.
