For many people, cheese is the first thing that springs to mind when they think of Armstrong.
And the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce is making the most of that connection with its annual Commercial Restaurant Grilled Cheese Competition, sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Canada.
“The 2016 Grilled Cheese Competition is being planned for the months leading up to Nov. 5, with the public being the judges,” said Patti Noonan, chamber executive director.
The ballots will be available at participating restaurants starting Sept. 12. The contest closes Nov. 1, with the winner announced at the event, Nov. 5.
The inaugural Grilled Cheese Competition took place in November 2015, and the owners of what was then Margarieta’s Restaurant, Scott Ciccone and Lee Courts, took home the award.
Now celebrating their newly renovated and renamed space, the Station Diner, their award holds a place of honour in the restaurant.
“We feel honoured that our 2015 entry, the train wreck grilled cheese, was an oozy, gooey creation deemed the best by public ballot,” said Ciccone.
Courts said he and Ciccone are looking forward to defending their title this year.
“What this year’s entry will be, remains a mystery,” he said.
Also entered in 2015 was Fairways Bistro and Catering at Royal York Golf Course, with a pesto chicken grilled cheese, the Leaf and Bean with a classic grilled cheese panini and the Wild Oak Cafe and Community Market with its harvest grilled cheese, which was so popular it is still on the menu.
“All of the entries received enthusiastic support, with ballot counts very close,” said Noonan.
The list of participating restaurants will be announced in September.
Armstrong restaurants wishing to participate should contact contest organizer Patti Ferguson at 250-546-8707.