The Second Annual Wiscasset Area Chamber “Battle of the Boards,” a charcuterie challenge, is coming to Wiscasset Saturday, Aug. 24. Wiscasset Area Chamber in partnership with Maine Tasting Center will host the event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maine Tasting Center, 506 Old Bath Road, Wiscasset.

 

Competition entry fee is $30 for chamber members and $45 for non-members. General admission is $20 and may be purchased at the website or at the door. Food demos, cash bar, and fun will round out the event!

 

Charcuterie boards have gained popularity in recent years and is basically a serving board used to display meats, cheeses and other foods. But it has expanded to include anything your heart desires! It can be a themed board, a holiday, a certain cuisine, or anywhere your imagination takes you! Be sure to do a little Google searching for some fantastic ideas!

 

The 2023 first place winner, Dragonfly Cove Farm, will return to defend its title, so be prepared and aware!

 

Contestants will be sharing an eight-foot x two-foot table. Boards will be judged on Taste, Originality/creativity, and Appearance/presentation. Please see contest info at https://wiscassetchamber.com/botb-contest-rules/

 

Cheryl "Shep" Rust, owner for 40 years of Le Garage Restaurant in Wiscasset, is one of three judges this year. She has owned and operated Le Garage since 1977. During those 40 years, she has devoted herself not just to the restaurant, but also to the community and the state, volunteering many hours on various committees and nonprofit organizations. She has received recognition many times for her contributions. We look forward to her expertise in the culinary field! Shep will be signing the chamber cookbook dedicated to her! Available for purchase.

 

Mike Urban, our second judge, is a New England-based food and travel writer, book publisher and the author of several books on New England cuisine: Clam Shacks, Lobster Shacks, The New England Diner Cookbook, The New England Seafood Markets Cookbook and Unique Eats and Eateries of Maine. He is a regular food writer for Yankee magazine. He has been covering the Maine food scene for more than a decade through his writings and personal appearances. Mike will be doing a book signing of his newest, “Unique Eats and Eateries of Maine.”

 

We are pleased to have a third judge join us this year, Jason Nappi, Newscenter Maine weather man and, as he describes himself, “You know I love the weather, but did you also know I love pizza, ice cream, nature and all things food?” Jason maintains an active Facebook page and website blog, commenting on many foodie items, including his favorite, pizza and ice cream.

 

Cash prizes will be awarded: First, $300; second, $200; third, $100; and People’s Choice award as well. Deadline for contestants is Aug. 16, so please register today. Contact the chamber at 207-882-9600 or go to https://wiscassetchamber.com/battle-of-the-boards/ 

 

Sponsors for the event are Maine Homestead, Inc., Lyman, Maine, https://www.mainehomesteadmarket.com/ and Snowdon Customs, custom charcuterie boards and accessories, https://snowdoncustoms.com/