It’s all about sibling rivalry. Nelson chef Amanda Skidmore is headed to Sandpoint, Idaho to compete in a head to head cooking competition with sister city chef Reese Warren.
As Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving, Skidmore, a chef at All Season’s Cafè will represent Nelson as she cooks up a magical culinary creation in a black box competition. Neither chef will know the ingredients until the moment they open the black box. They will have one hour to prepare a winning dish.
Skidmore is looking forward to the challenge.
“I just spent the last week in San Francisco on my honeymoon,” said Skidmore. “The food was very inspiring there. From all of the Asian influences, to the fresh seafood, and to the farm fresh preparation of California cuisine. It was nice step into another city and feel inspired.
“I have no idea what ingredients I will be working with, that is the essence of the black box competition,” she said.
“I am looking forward to seeing a new city, meeting new people and representing Nelson in the competition. I am honoured to have been chosen.”
The October 11 event takes place in Sandpoint’s Granary Arts District as part of an Oktoberfest weekend celebration.
Visitors are also invited to enter a logo in their “I love My Sister-City” competition with a choice of prizes from either Whitewater Ski Resort or Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Only a two-and-a-half hour drive away, Sandpoint is closer than other popular BC holiday destinations like the Okanagan.
As the City of Nelson officially became sister city with Sandpoint in March 2014, this is the first in a series of events organized by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism executive director Dianna Ducs and Sandpoint Chamber representative Kate McAlister. The initiative is also supported by the Nelson and District Chamber and City of Nelson.
“Who knows what great sister rivalries will come playing off the sister scenario,” said Ducs.
“There is a sense of fun and play with ‘I love my sister’. We’re pretty excited about getting the sister city creative off the ground,” she said. “Kate has been awesome to work with; we’re getting excited and inspired.”
Nelson will take its turn hosting an art focused event in the spring. Ducs said Nelson Brewing Co and MickDuff’s will be working together to create an I love my sister brew.
“Beer can’t cross the border but they can share the packaging and the recipe of the two brews. Nelson Brewing Co. will be sending a brew master down there.”
There’s a possibility local coffee roaster Oso Negro will create a special coffee blend with Evans Brothers Coffee.
The two sister city chef’s cook off is Saturday, October 11 from 2 to 3 p.m.