‘Glorious’ at Gloria Ferrer

Appetizers the order of the day at ‘Bites Challenge'|

Four excited (and possibly shaking in their boots) finalists will compete Saturday, Oct. 10 for the $5,000 prize in Gloria Ferrer’s first “Glorious Bites Challenge,” a contest entered by 400 cooks from 36 states to create the best appetizers.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards and “Top Chef” runner-up Brooke Williamson are on a mission to discover the most “glorious” appetizer recipe in the country that best pairs with Gloria Ferrer’s Sonoma Brut. Regional semi-final cooking events in New York and San Francisco determined the finalists.

“We were blown away by the creativity of our entrants and it should be a very exciting and delicious final event,” says Gloria Ferrer spokesperson Eva Bertran.

The 2015 finalists and recipes competing for $5,000 prize include:

Carla Jolis of New York who made Passionfruit Shrimp on Macadamia Crackers; Donna Wolfe of Hamilton, New Jersey who created Fried Lobster & Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Sweet Thai Chili Dipping Sauce; Napa’s Jamie Brown-Miller with Pâté, Shallots, Blue Cheese and Figs; and Newhall’s Merry Graham who made Lemongrass & Ginger Crab Crisps with Asian Apple & Vietnamese Avocado Mash.

All appetizers will be judged on originality, taste appeal, overall appearance/presentation and ability to pair with the Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut.

In addition to Williamson, final event judging panelists will include sommelier Christopher Sawyer, Sondra Bernstein of the girl & the fig, and Michelle Heston, regional director of public relations at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. The cook-off will be emceed by author and wine consultant Leslie Sbrocco, known best for her “Check, Please” program on KQED.

A native of Los Angeles, Williamson began her culinary career at a young age as a teacher’s assistant at the Epicurean Institute of Los Angeles. Williamson recently placed first runner-up on season 10 of “Top Chef.” She also starred as a host and mentor on MTV’s first foodie series, “House of Food,” recently won her battle on the popular Esquire series, “Knife Fight,” and has competed on Bravo’s newest series, “Top Chef Duels.”

Admission includes all food and wine tastes. $40. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets at www.gloriousbites.com.

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