Culinary Showcase Theater

West Texas Culinary Showdown
Monday, June 23
11:30 - 1:00
Chef Paul Peterson of Café Cenizo in the Gage Hotel, Marathon, Texas will take on Chef Rory Schepisi of Boot Hill, Vega, Texas in this culinary showdown. Their West Texas signature dishes will be judged by a panel of city slicker judges. And the winner will have bragging rights as the “Best in the West!”

Chef Peterson’s Texas roots run deep – he is the former owner of Little Texas Bistro in Buda and has received numerous accolades for that restaurant as well as for his current efforts at Café Cenizo. Chef  Schepisi is a new comer to Texas, landing in Vega after competing in the reality TV show Popularity Contest and as a runner-up on the Next Food Network Star.  So who has what it takes to be the Best in the West?  Join us Monday, June 22 at 11:30 and find out!

Viva Tequila!
Tuesday, June 24
11:30 - 1:00
Tequila has come a long way from its time as a low end liquor favored by college kids at beach parties. Now, tequila is a high end boutique spirit that can be appreciated for its subtle flavors. This is also one of the fastest growing spirits in the US with hundreds of brands being introduced.

Join Jim Baron, owner of Blue Mesa Grills in Dallas, as he shares how he has created a unique niche in the market by featuring tequila – tequila tastings, tequila dinners, featured fruit drinks and more! Tequila distributors will also be on hand to share their insights into the growth of this spirit.

Then, sample some of the best tequilas on the market  and learn the difference between Silver, Reposado and Anejo.  We’ll see you Tuesday, June 23 at 11:30.

Working the Crowd: From Front of the House to Front of the Camera
This special "chefs only" training session is designed to give chefs the tools they need to be successful as they interact with their customers, with live audiences at events and on television. The session will be led by national television food personality Sissy Biggers and Chef Charles Clark of Ibiza in Houston and Chef Mark Schmidt of Cafe 909 in Marble Falls will join her to demo the skills she teaches. More..

U.S. Pizza Team - Throwing Dough Higher than Ever!
Sunday, June 22 - Tuesday, June 24
Watch the US Pizza Team perform stunning tricks and learn to throw dough with the team. The US Pizza Team is made up of the best pizza makers, pizza throwers, fastest pizza makers and largest dough stretchers in the country. You've seen them on the Food Network - now check them out in person! The dough will be flying!

Another first at the 2008 Southwest Foodservice Expo!
The “Best of the Southwest Pizza Competition” makes its debut this year! Inspired by the U. S. Pizza Team, and sanctioned by PMQ Magazine, this competition is sure to be an exciting addition to the show floor. The competition is limited to eight registrants. What’s at stake? A chance to compete in the America’s Plate National Championship in Orlando, Florida, September 5-7, 2008! For more information or to register to compete Click Here