BocaBeacon.comThe Boca Beacon is Boca Grande's weekly community newspaper.

Subscribe via email

Grab our RSS Feed

From the Inn’s kitchen: Fest showcased island’s flair for food

I have sincerely enjoyed my first several weeks here on our beautiful island I now call home. It is quite a change of environment from my native Ireland, as well as West Virginia, where I’ve spent the past 10 years. I am very excited about the new flavors, influences and atmosphere of this beautiful tropical area and the endless culinary possibilities that present themselves.

As things in Boca Grande start to come to life this fall, I have had the pleasure of taking part in the First Annual Boca Grande Chamber Fall Festival Barbecue Cook-Off last weekend as master of ceremonies last weekend.

It was wonderful to get everyone together and see the enthusiasm not only for this community, but for the ability to assist the chamber with their scholarship fund drive for the children of the island.

In total, we had 15 participants for Saturday’s Barbecue Cook-Off, consisting not only of restaurants and chefs, but individuals who had a passion for cooking, as well.

With the various individuals of the community voting for their favorites, I’m pleased to say that the winner of the 2009 Boca Grande Fall Festival Barbecue Cook-Off was the Pink Elephant Restaurant (Chefs Michael Katz and Adam Monteverde) and their award winning beef brisket.

In second place was Hudson’s Grocery, and their delicious ribs.

Congratulations to all of the teams! We sampled everything from ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, fish and of course chili made by the Boca Grande Fire Department.

All of the food was phenomenal and it couldn’t have been a better event. The real winners of the day however, were the individuals who came out and shared a beautiful Saturday afternoon together, and of course the children who are the recipients of the chamber’s scholarships.

The Fall Festival and the Barbeque Cook-off were a great way to really kick-off the season. My culinary team and I met so many nice people, as well as other talented chefs during the process of putting this event together.

During the cook-off I saw everyone working hard and most importantly, having fun! All of the participants were doing what they love, and sharing this passion with others … I’m not sure it could get any better than this!

I am eager to immerse myself in our island community and in the strong culinary tradition that exists here. The history and heritage of The Inn and the Boca Grande restaurants is an important one, which I am honored to be a part of. It was wonderful to meet so many of you at the festival and also at this week’s Community Open House at The Gasparilla Inn. I look forward to continuing to meet everyone and hope to see you around the island and at the Main Dining Room in The Inn this season.

(Editor’s Note: Peter Timmins is the executive chef at the Gasparilla Inn and Club. His column, focusing on Boca Grande’s culinary world, will appear on a regular basis.)