Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Marcia DeSanctis Entry Title: Alla Bolognese Entry Credit: Marcia DeSanctis Judge Comment: Bologna beautifully beckons as Marcia DeSanctis presents a delectable zig and zag through the Po Valley and the gastronomic capital of Italy that includes Parma and Modena. Her mouthwatering descriptions of the food and the stories behind the ingredients – from winemakers, pasta artisans, butchers and cheese mongers – jump off the page and onto the plate. It makes for a fully heartwarming feature that combines culture and cuisine, highlighting tastes and traditions from then-to-now that is completely enticing.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Midwest Living Entry Title: Cooking Forward Entry Credit: Hannah Agran Judge Comment: Hannah Agran’s gripping prose takes readers to the heart of the matter of this special restaurant, its menu and the purposeful pride chef Johnny Clark reflects in honoring his grandmother’s legacy and his Ukrainian heritage. Agran’s words showcase culinary replenishment laced with cultural loss that feeds the soul and unveils regional tastes and traditions. As Clark says, the Ukrainian way is to "keep on keeping on," and this story highlights a delectable gem of a restaurant destination.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Pier Nirandara Entry Title: Diving and Foraging for Wild Food in Cape Town’s False Bay Entry Credit: Pier Nirandara Judge Comment: Pier Nirandara has written a fabulous, thought-provoking piece that is beautifully woven together from start to finish. As readers, we experience her experience. Gathering is key, from the initial underwater foraging adventure to the prep of dishes using those local ingredients and then sharing a meal that is rich in flavor, history and heritage. Nirandara showcases how appreciating nature is where we find a place of belonging. no matter who we are or where we are from.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Daniel McGinn Entry Title: The best sandwich in Philadelphia might not be a cheesesteak Entry Credit: Daniel McGinn Judge Comment: Sandwiches are sensational! Daniel McGinn’s article is filled with flavors and flair as readers join him on his delicious quest in Philadelphia for the ultimate sandwich, from cheese steak to the Schmitter to banh mi. His descriptive story brings each bite alive and serves as a well-written guide for travelers who seek them out too.
