The StayVA 2016 Conference Cooking Contest is always a big hit! This year was no exception. (See our previous post on the
winner of our Annual Conference Cooking Contest.) No cooking contest is possible without talented participants. It also isn't possible without our distinguished judges! Let’s give a big thanks to the 2016 Cooking Contest judges:
Judges of the StayVA 2016 Conference Cooking Contest
Mike Faul, owner of Potter’s Fire: Mike, a conference sponsor, also set up a beautiful display with our other vendors. So, if you browsed the vendor fair, you may have seen a few samples of their “unique handmade pottery.”
Fun Fact: Potter’s Fire offers three different collections—Heritage, inspired by Mike’s father, who served in the military in both the Vietnam and the Korean War, Artisan, and Agape.
Robey Martin, Food Blogger. As a food blogger and restaurant reviewer, Robey Martin is no stranger to judging cuisine. And that's why we were delighted to have her on our judging panel.
Click here to check out Robey’s written pieces for Richmond Magazine.
Click here to browse her Instagram.
Fun Fact: Robey writes for a number of other publications besides Richmond Magazine. They include Grid,
Virginia Craft Beer Magazine, and Beer Advocate.
Carolyn W. Dull, Staunton Mayor: That’s right! The mayor of our host city of Staunton, VA participated as one of our contest judges. Since Carolyn's election as mayor in 2014, she now has many duties. They include Chief Financial Officer, a Certified Public Accountant, and Business Manager for the Augusta Correctional Center. Not to mention, her role as mother and grandmother.
Fun Fact: Carolyn used to be in a country-rock band called Whiskey Creek.
Simon Marsh, Chef: Simon's presentation at the conference was on customizable “Gueridon Service,” using local ingredients. His humor was refreshing as one of our cooking contest judges.
Fun Fact: Simon refers to himself as the “English Chef with British humor.”
Sylvia Yoder, innkeeper, The Buckhorn Inn: As an innkeeper, Sylvia is no stranger to B&B food. She and her husband, Garlan, run The Buckhorn Inn in Churchville, VA. As the creator of the “
BEST EVER country breakfast full of farm fresh organic ingredients,” Sylvia was a natural addition to our group of judges.
Fun Fact: The Buckhorn Inn dates all the way back to 1811, was originally known as Dudley House, and also served as lodging for Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and his wife.
Thank you again to all of our judges who volunteered their time and expertise to the StayVA Cooking Contest!
