'Joes' vs. 'Pros' at the World Food Championships!
Hi all!
I’m Annakate, and I’m a member of the Just A Pinch Kitchen Crew. The adrenaline is still high after our time in Las Vegas for the World Food Championships! We had the distinct pleasure of hosting 17 Just A Pinch members who had won a slot to compete! This was QUITE an honor, as our group was the only set of non-professional competitors at the event! Our folks went head to head against hundreds of restaurateurs, chefs and professional competitors. The weekend was a blur of chopping, sautéing, baking and zooming around…and we had a blast!
We kicked off the weekend with a team meet-up so everyone could get to know one another. Just A Pinch is a wonderful place for folks to connect online, and it turns out it’s just as wonderful meeting each other in person. Our group boasted members from across the country, and there was frequent joking about suitcase contents: pots, pans, spatulas, blenders, spices, sauces and more. A genuine spirit of camaraderie was present within the group right from that first meeting.
The following day marked the beginning of competition. Our crew did a group grocery shop that felt just like Supermarket Sweep, everyone hurrying off to get the items they needed! Then it was back to “Kitchen Alley” on the grounds of Bally’s Resort for some serious cooking.
I was so impressed by how all of the Just A Pinch competitors rose to the occasion! Cooking in a 10x10 booth with nothing but an oven and propane burners can be challenging, to say the least, but our home cooks were all champions! Each cook was given three hours to prepare their winning dish (below), one presentation sample and five tasting samples for the panelof judges. Talk about excitement! It was down to the wire for everyone and the Kitchen Crew was thrilled to be in the thick of it to lend a hand.
Hosting the event was Adam Richman, star of Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” and “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America.” He took special time to meet up with the ‘Pinchers and shared encouraging words before the finalists were announced. Turns out, he has a very soft spot in his heart for home cooks, having learned a ton from his own mother whose recipes and cooking methods he felt could stand up against any professional chef. It was so touching and so sincere. Color us charmed.
As the first round of competition came to a close, we all gathered in front of a large stage right on the Las Vegas strip, to hear the names of the lucky Finalists. Before I knew what was happening, we were dancing in the streets, cheering and crying, laughing and hugging… Just A Pinch had THREE Finalists: Linda Bonwill, Jackie Mento and Lori McClain, each winning $1,000! It was joyous chaos.
These talented gals each then prepared and presented a second dish featuring one of the sponsor ingredients. The food was so fantastic… and, in fact, it was announced that Linda Bonwill WON the Side Dish Category!!! The excitement was overwhelming. Linda won $10K and the honor of having the Best Side Dish in the WORLD!
If that wasn’t exciting enough, the next day Linda qualified to compete at the Final Table, the ultimate honor. Not only was she the only home cook, but also the only woman to qualify! Beating out TWO of the pros to take 5th place!! (Note: She actually got 4th place but celebrity judge Robin Leach changed his vote at the last second which sent the crowd into a frenzy, and chants of “Just A Pinch” erupted!)
All in all, it was a wonderful and exciting time at the first-ever World Food Championships in Las Vegas! It was touching to see the camaraderie and supportive spirit that pervaded each of the events. On behalf of the entire Kitchen Crew, we feel so thankful to be part of such a wonderful group of people. Three cheers for our home cooks!!
These home cooks have won a chance to cook with the pros at the 2012 World Food Championships in Las Vegas, NV. It's the "Joes v. Pros," and these talented guys and gals may walk away from Vegas with some serious bragging rights... and prize money!
We're proud to be teaming up with the WFC folks to offer these lucky Just A Pinch members the EXCLUSIVE opportunity to compete in this invite-only event... hosted by Adam Richman, star of Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" and "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America."
Leave a comment below to wish the competitors well and subscribe to all the latest updates from the Finals in Vegas!
Invitation to prepare and and compete with their winning recipe November 1-4 at the 2012 World Food Championships (WFC) in Las Vegas, NV... where prize money of up to $50,000 is up for grabs!
Waiver of all WFC entrance fees
$1,000 Voucher towards travel expenses
Honorary Kitchen Crew status (Boo yah!)
★ Runners-Up each receive:
Invitation to prepare and and compete with their winning recipe at the 2012 World Food Championships (WFC) in Las Vegas, NV... where prize money of up to $50,000 is up for grabs!
Honorary Kitchen Crew status
(Runners-Up responsible for own travel & competition expenses.)
Congratulations to all you fab cooks out there! We were inundated with bushels of delicious entries in the Just A Pinch World Food Championship contest, and it's clear that ALL of you have got some serious cooking chops!
We're thrilled to announce these 25 lucky entrants whose recipes won them their very own exclusive invitation from Just A Pinch to compete at the 2012 World Food Championships in Las Vegas! These kitchen "Joe's" have earned the opportunity to battle the country's best cooking pros in what is sure to be a heckuva foodie face-off!
Feeling like a winner yourself? ENTER TO WIN some tasty prizes of your own!
The Just A Pinch "WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIP" (the “Contest”) begins August 15, 2012, and ends September 17, 2012. Entries must be received by 3:00 p.m., C.T., on September 17, 2012 and entrants must be current members of the Just A Pinch Recipe Club. Submission of Entry Materials (defined below) constitutes entrant’s acceptance of and agreement to be bound by these Official Contest Rules and the decisions of the Contest judges.
The Contest is void outside the 50 United States and where prohibited and is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Do not proceed in this Contest if you are not at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of, and located within, one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia at the time of entry. Internet access and photo uploading capability is required to enter. Participation in this contest is a benefit of membership to Just A Pinch Recipe Club and is open only to members in good standing. Entrants (members who submit Entry Materials, as defined below) must be current members of the Just A Pinch Recipe Club at the close of the entry period in order to be considered for the Prize.
ENTRY: Visit the Recipe Contests section of the Test Kitchen on http://www.justapinch.com to complete the registration. Then follow the links and instructions to enter one or more of your best original recipes and corresponding photo(s) of the prepared dish (recipe and photo collectively referred to herein as "Entry Materials"). Multiple entries will be accepted but each entry must be for a separate and unique recipe. Entry Materials must be created by and original to Entrant. Entrant represents and warrants that the Entry Materials do not violate or infringe any copyright, trademark/trade name, logo, trade secret or intellectual-property right, or other proprietary right of any person or entity. Failure to adhere to the rules of entry will make Entrant’s submission ineligible for entry into the Contest.
ELIGIBILITY: Entrants must be current members of the Just A Pinch Recipe Club (in good standing) at the close of the entry period in order to be considered for the prize. The Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC d/b/a Just A Pinch Recipe Club, 110 Third Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, and any other organizations affiliated with the sponsorship, fulfillment, administration, prize support, advertisement or promotion and/or their respective agents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and members of their immediate families or persons residing at the same address are not eligible.
WINNER SELECTION: Members may submit recipes for contest consideration from 3:01 p.m., C.T., on August 15, 2012 through 3:00 p.m., C.T., on September 17, 2012. Just A Pinch Recipe Club's very own Janet and the Kitchen Crew will review each entered recipe and choose one (1) Grand Prize winner in EACH of five Categories: 1.) Barbecue, 2.) Chili, 3.) Burgers, 4.) Sandwiches, and 5.) Side Dishes. Additionally, four (4) Runners-Up will be selected in each Category. All judging is based on overall flavor, ease of preparation, originality and presentation. Winners will be notified by first-class mail, telephone or email. Winners will be required to provide proof of eligibility (to be kept confidential), as well as an acceptable image of Winner for use in contest-related promotions. Decisions by the judges are at their sole discretion and are final and binding in all respects.
PRIZE(S): One (1) Grand Prize in EACH of the five (5) Categories will be available to be awarded in the Contest, consisting of an offer to prepare and compete with the winning recipe at the 2012 World Food Championships (WFC) in Las Vegas, NV; waiver of WFC entrance fees; a travel voucher worth $1,000; and induction into the Just A Pinch Honorary Kitchen Crew. Approximate Retail Value of each Grand Prize: $1,250.
Four (4) Runners-Up Prizes in each of the five (5) Categories will be available to be awarded in the Contest, consisting of an offer to prepare and compete with the winning recipe at the 2012 World Food Championships (WFC) in Las Vegas, NV; induction into the Just A Pinch Honorary Kitchen Crew; and a limited edition Just A Pinch Chef's Hat. Approximate Retail Value of each Runners-Up Prize: $100. Note that Runners-Up are responsible for own travel, accommodations and any/all applicable expenses and/or fees.
Prizes are nontransferable and may not be redeemed for cash. Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal value.
WINNER RESPONSIBILITIES: As a condition of being declared the Winner and being eligible for Prizes, the Winner must sign and deliver to Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC a CONTEST AGREEMENT AND WAIVER prepared by Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC. If the Winner fails to comply with this requirement, the Prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. Winner MUST BE ABLE AND WILLING TO BE IN LAS VEGAS, NV NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH NOVEMBER 4, 2012 to purchase groceries for and prepare their winning recipe at the 2012 World Food Championships. Winner is responsible for any and all taxes derived from and/or through the Contest, and Winner’s winnings, if applicable. The winning Entry Materials and any performance, demonstration, participation or appearance by the Winner in connection with the Contest or the Prize (the “Property”) will be deemed a Work Made For Hire by Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC under the copyright laws of the United States, but if it cannot be so deemed, then Winner irrevocably sells, assigns and transfers to Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC all of Winner’s right, title and interest in and to the Property, including, without limitation, all copyright and trademark rights, in the United States and worldwide, therein, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged. Entrant warrants and represents that Entrant has the power and authority to grant the rights granted herein. If any Winner or Prize notification is returned as undeliverable, Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC, in its sole discretion, may cause the Prize to be forfeited and an alternate winner selected. Further, Winner's participation in the 2012 World Food Championship events is contingent upon satisfactorily completing all REGISTRATION AND WAIVER material provided by World Food Championship. All travel arrangements are the responsibility of Winner.
USE OF NAME AND LIKENESS: Entrant grants permission for Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC and those acting pursuant to Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC’s authority to use, in perpetuity, Entrant’s name, picture, voice, performance, likeness, biographical information, statements, property, prize information, demonstrations, recording and/or other appearance or participation in connection with the Contest and Entry Materials, any and all of which may be altered, changed, modified, edited, used alone, together or with other works, and/or used in distorted, illusory or composite form, as solely determined by Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC, for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further compensation, at any time(s), in all media now known or hereafter discovered worldwide, including, without limitation, print, radio and television broadcasting, cable casting, audio/visual, closed-circuit exhibition, and on the Internet, without notice or review or approval. Winner further grants permission for Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC to provide winner's name, likeness and contact information to World Food Championships.
RELEASE/DISCLAIMER/LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Entrant releases Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC and Contest judges and their respective affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, employees, officers, directors, members, shareholders, employees, agents, representatives, distributors, advertising and promotion agencies, sponsors, and their respective officers, directors, members, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents (individually and collectively, “Releasees”) from, and agrees that Releasees shall have no liability for, and shall be held harmless and indemnified by Entrant against, any and all liability for any injuries, losses or damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind to person(s), including personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property, or violation of intellectual-property rights, or rights of publicity or privacy resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in connection with participation in the Contest and the participation in, acceptance, possession or use of any Prize. The Releasees are not responsible for and shall not be liable for: (a) printing or typographical errors in any Contest-related materials; (b) technical failures, including, without limitation, electronic, hardware or software program, network, telephone, Internet, website, ISP availability or computer malfunctions, failures, or difficulties of any kind; or (c) any injury or damage to persons or property that may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Entrant’s participation in the Contest or receipt or use or misuse of any Prize, or travel or accommodations in connection with any Prize. Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC may refuse to make an Entry available on its website or discontinue posting an Entry on its website for any reason, as determined by Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC, in its sole and absolute discretion. Any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Contest, but in no event attorneys’ fees. Under no circumstances will Entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and Entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, indirect, punitive, special, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses. Just A Pinch Recipe Club LLC is not responsible for judging decisions or actions of any sort by World Food Championships.
ENFORCEMENT OF RULES AND RIGHT TO SUSPEND, MODIFY OR CANCEL CONTEST: Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC reserves the right to take any action as it deems necessary to enforce these Rules and ensure the fair operation of the Contest, including, without limitation, disqualifying Entrants who do not comply with these Rules. Just A Pinch Recipe Club, LLC reserves the right to suspend, cancel or modify the Contest for any reason whatsoever.
GOVERNING LAW: The Contest, including construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of this Agreement, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to choice of law or conflict-of-law principles. Any disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected in any way with the Contest or any Prize awarded shall be brought exclusively in a federal or state court in Williamson County, Tennessee.
MISCELLANEOUS: In the event that any provision of these Official Contest Rules conflict with the law under which the Rules are to be construed or if any provision is held invalid by a court with jurisdiction over the parties to the Rules, such provision will be restated to reflect as nearly as possible the original intentions of the parties in accordance with applicable law, and the remainder of these Rules will remain in full force and effect. If either party fails to insist upon or enforce strict performance by the other party of any provision of the Rules, or to exercise any right under the Rules, such a failure will not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment to any extent of such party’s right to assert or rely upon any such provision or right in that or any other instance. These Official Contest Rules constitute the entire understanding between the parties as to the Contest and supersede all prior agreements and understandings relating to the Contest.
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