On Thursday evening, Lincolnshire Health and Rehabilitation Center hosted an Ultimate Culinary Showdown. The event was held outside in some beautiful weather and brought together community members and local restaurants to showcase their culinary skills. Each restaurant was asked to create either an appetizer involving bacon, a dessert involving strawberries, or both.
Area restaurants such as Asparagus, Roxane’s, Pepe’s, U-Cook Entertaining Cooking School, and Cute as a Cupcake Bakery participated. Spring Mill Health Campus also brought their chefs in to create something for everyone to enjoy.
“We have selected some of the top chef’s and top restaurants in the Merrillville area to come out for a good, fun competition,” said Kelly Petty, Regional Director of Business Development for Lincolnshire Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Those partaking in the event were treated to a variety of culinary treats. Meatballs, twice baked potatoes, eggplant, cheesecake, cupcakes, and more were handed out by local chefs. The event was important for more than just giving exposure to local restaurants, but also for bringing the community in to see the Lincolnshire campus and all it has to offer.
“It helps highlight the services from Lincolnshire. We offer short-term rehabilitation, long-term care services, respite care, and hospice care. You name it, we do it. It is just a nice way to get everyone out, get the community involved, and get people excited,” explained Petty.
No culinary showdown would be complete without a panel of expert judges, though. Judges for the event included Lincolnshire’s own Executive Director, Max Schankerman, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce President Sue Reed, and Merrillville Fire Department’s Phil Hasier. The judges were excited to take part in the competition.
“I think this is good. It’s unique, you’ve got people out and learning about local restaurants and businesses that are here,” explained Reed. “It sounded like fun and it’s for a good cause.”
Hasier agreed that the event was beneficial for the community, but also pointed out its importance for the residents of the rehabilitation facility.
“Not everyone who is in a rehab facility is able to leave the grounds. They have limited access sometimes, and at an event like this they can get a taste of things other than what comes from their own kitchen. They also get the community out to visit with them.”
Residents could be seen mingling and enjoying their time with visitors and restaurant representatives. They also enjoyed their ability to vote by placing poker chips into cups on each table. Spring Mill won the People's Choice Award for their twice baked potatoes and strawberry cheesecake dessert.
The Grand Prize was awarded to the restaurant that scored best in multiple categories, agreed upon by the three judges. After a short deliberation, the prize, and it’s beautiful trophy, was awarded to Asparagus for their braised duck appetizer, which won the hearts (and stomaches) of many in attendance.
The event successfully brought together community members and those in the rehabilitation facility, giving them the opportunity to sample some new cuisine, and enjoy some great company.
“This is a fun event for people of all ages to enjoy, and they get to sample some amazing food from some amazing restaurants,” said Petty.
For more information on Lincolnshire Health and Rehabilitation Center, visit: http://lincolnshirehrc.com/