Avenue Magazine and Fiasco Gelato Announce “Give us a Taste” Contest Winners
MEDIA RELEASE
July 15, 2013 – The results of the Avenue magazine/Fiasco Gelato “Give us a Taste” contest are in, and it’s a tie. The contest, which launched June 3, invited Calgarians to submit unique gelato flavour ideas. The panel of judges was so impressed by all the finalists it was unable to determine a single grand prize winner. The result was a surprise double winner.
The winning flavours of “Give Us a Taste” are Fat Elvis (peanut butter, banana and bacon) by Dani Ossa, and Mimosa with Pop Rocks (champagne, orange, pop rocks and gold flecks) by Ryan Massel (@immrfabulous). As winners, Ossa and Massel will each receive free gelato for a year and the opportunity to work alongside Fiasco Gelato to create their winning flavours for retail. Fat Elvis and Mimosa with Pop Rocks will be sold on the Fiasco Gelato food truck and at the Fiasco Pop-Up Gelateria in Bridgeland Market throughout the month of August.
“The response to the contest was overwhelming. Avenue readers really love their gelato, and their sophisticated and adventurous palates clearly shone through in the 200-plus flavour combinations they came up with,” said Jennifer Hamilton, executive editor of Avenue.
Fiasco Gelato selected the six finalists after the contest closed June 30. Among the submissions were flavours as simple as chocolate and as unexpected as chicken nugget. On July 15, Jennifer Hamilton and Fiasco Gelato chief idea officer James Boettcher joined Tara Slone on Breakfast Television Calgary to announce the six unique flavour finalists. In addition to the two winning entries, finalist flavours included Fig and Prosciutto, Nanaimo Bar, Ginger Lemon Crème Brûlée and Pear Prosecco with Rosemary. Each finalist will receive a $25 gift card to Toscana Italian Grill.
“With such amazing participation by Fiasco fans, we were bound to end up with two absolutely amazing and equally unique flavours,” said James Boettcher. “Calgary has become a mecca for innovative culinary culture, and we are very proud to be a spoke on that wheel.”
Following the announcement of the six finalists on Breakfast Television Calgary, a blue-ribbon panel of culinary experts met at Fiasco Gelato headquarters to select a grand-prize winner. The panel included Jennifer Hamilton (@jenntotheh); James Boettcher (@jamesboettcher); John Gilchrist, food critic and writer (@gilchristjohn); Connie DeSousa and John Jackson, co-chefs and co-owners of Charcut Roast House in Calgary (@charcut); Julie Van Rosendaal, food writer and critic (@dinnerwithjulie); Dan Clapson, food writer (@dansgoodside); and Tara Slone, host of Breakfast Television Calgary (@taratheslone). It took the panel much deliberation and several tasting sessions to arrive at its decision.
“Give Us a Taste” winners Fat Elvis and Mimosa with Pop Rocks will be featured flavours on the Fiasco Gelato food truck at Avenue’s first ever Best Neighbourhoods Block Party on August 17.
###
Fiasco Gelato (@FiascoGelato) is a Calgary artisan gelateria that’s trying to make the world a better place, one tiny spoonful at a time. Established in 2003, Fiasco creates premium gelato the old-fashioned way: in small batches, simply, honestly and filled with passion.
Avenue (@AvenueMagazine) is Calgary’s premier city and lifestyle magazine. Since 1994, Avenue has delivered award-winning design and intelligent, provocative perspectives to an audience of active, affluent and sophisticated Calgarians. Avenue tells Calgary’s stories monthly through architecture, personalities, arts, fashion, food, events and urban life.
For media information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Executive Editor | Avenue magazine | 403-232-7722