Ogden's Own Distillery, makers of Five Wives Vodka and Underground Herbal Spirit, was one of 11 producers from around the country to earn "Distillery of the Year" honors at the 2012 New York International Spirits Competition. Also at the competition Underground Herbal Spirit received a silver medal in the liqueurs category while Five Wives Vodka earned a bronze. At the New York event, now in its third year, judges sampled and evaluated close to 400 distilled spirits — a 25 percent increase from last year — and spirits were judged against their peers in the same price range. More than 34 countries submitted their brands to be critiqued by buyers, retail store owners, restaurant/bar owners, distributors and importers.
Winning sandwich
Michael Woodburn, who works as the food court manager at Hill Air Force Base, was the winner of the "GrillMaster" competition, sponsored by Charley's Grilled Subs and Charleys Philly Steaks. Woodburn, a resident of West Point, won the contest with his original recipe for Hot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, which features a sweet and spicy sauce made with pineapple and habanero peppers. The sandwich beat out hundreds of entries and will be featured on the restaurant's national menu in 2013. "This was an absolute dream come true," said the 44-year-old Woodburn. "I got into food service 24 years ago because I love creating new flavors and dishes."
Wine school
Learn basic grape varietals, tasting techniques and food pairings tips during the three-week "Award In Wine" class, offered by The Wine Academy of Utah. This beginning level class, taught by local wine expert Jim Santangelo, is aimed at both wine enthusiasts and hospitality professionals.
When • Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 (review and test); 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where • Viking Cooking School, 2233 S. 300 East, Salt Lake City
Cost • $235 per person; including study booklet, exam, lapel pin and certificate.
Details • Call 801-486-9463 to register or visit wineacademyofutah.com
Holiday shopping
Local independently owned businesses will sell their products at several different events this week:
Gift expo • Friday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Salt Lake Community College, Larry H. Miller Campus Conference Center, 9750 S. 300 West, Sandy. Visit: mbrcslcc.com/expo.
Ethnic fair • Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. Live music, dance performances, and the Trees of Diversity are part of this free event. Visit: culturalcelebration.org
Farmers market • Sunday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wheeler Farm, 6351 S. 900 East, Murray. Continues the first Sunday of every month. Visit wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org.
Hanukkah market • Sunday, Dec. 2, noon to 6 p.m. at the I.J.& Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 North Medical Drive, across from University Hospital, Salt Lake City. Will include local vendors of arts, crafts, books and Jewish foods.
Meet the maker
Kent Fortner, of California's Road 31 Wine Co., will be in Salt Lake City to talk about his 2009 and 2010 vintages.
When • Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where • La Caille, 9565 Wasatch Blvd., Sandy;
Cost • $30; includes appetizers and wine tastings
Details • Call 801-942-1751 to reserve your spot.
