Michelle and Mark Thomas and Al Hauser
By Marianne Christy
The Fire and Spice Festival at the Seventh Lake House of Inlet was held under sunny skies on Sunday, May 3, with hordes of lovers of all things hot and spicy stopping by to sample the culinary creations of competing amateur and professional chefs.
Lee Haynes, Jillian Manion, April Deis and Kaitlyn Payne.
PHOTOS BY GINA GRECO
Judges John Frey, Stephanie Clark and Lee Haynes tasted the variety of entries that ranged from mild to hot, to sweet and savory.
First prize honors went to Jim Hansen for his Grill Thai Chicken. Sonja Poe won second place for her Crunchy Coleslaw; Craig Woods was the third place winner for his Thai Coconut Soup; and taking fourth place was Katy Staab with Jalapeno Tequila Carrot Cupcakes.
Stu Card
The People’s Choice winner was Chad Gardner’s Fiery Cheddar Ale Soup. Gardner took first place in last year’s competition.
Aside from sampling the entries, festival-goers enjoyed food created by chef Jim Holt, tequila tastings provided by 1921 Tequila—the main ingredient of the event’s signature margaritas—and live music by Joe Bolton and John Christy.
Holt and his wife Chris, Seventh Lake House owners, have hosted the event for the past 22 years—20 of which have been blessed by seasonably warm temperatures.
Rachel Ricci and Bill LoVine
