In November, chefs from Oregon’s Tribal Casinos gathered at Chinook Winds Casino Resort for the very first Rez Kitchen Tour. The Rez Kitchen Tour, made possible by a grant from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, was designed to showcase traditional tribal cuisine in a two-day culinary competition. The event hosted chefs from 8 of Oregon’s 9 Tribal Casinos.

On the first day of the competition, nine teams each prepared two dishes – a salmon dish and a dish of the chef’s choice –  for a private panel of judges. I had a “back-stage pass” for this portion of the competition and was amazed by the fantastic looking plates that were served (photos in slideshow above). If smell-a-vision were such a thing, I’d also share with you the fantastic smells that were coming from each of the team’s stations.

During the second day of competition, the public was invited to come and sample food from each team and vote for their favorite. It was during this part of the event that I tasted a piece of venison so flavorful and tender that I wished I hadn’t spent the majority of my life claiming that I didn’t like venison.

Over 400 ballots were cast, naming the Chinook Winds Team the People’s Choice winner.  Other winners were:

• 1^st Place – Spirit Mountain Team #1 – Raymond Nelson and Carl Hoover
• 2^nd Place Tie – Seven Feathers Casino – Alan Freeman, Brandy Stumpe and Lucas Schrock –and – Wildhorse Casino Resort – Brian Von Eggers and Bruce Mecham
• 3^rd Place – Spirit Mountain Team #2 – Jake Johnson and Manuel Diaz

The Rez  Kitchen Tour is slated to be an annual event, stay tuned for next year’s location!