Register Now for the 2023 Blueberry Cook-off!
Blueberry Whoopie Pies entered in the 2021 Blueberry Cook-off.
Registration is now open for the Blueberry Cook-off event that will be part of the 3rd Forest Heights Blueberry Festival on Saturday, June 3.
This event has become a much-loved part of the festival with lots of incredible food for everyone to enjoy!
The competition will take place in the late morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and bigger lunch-time appetites! The only rule is that whatever you bake, brew, cook or otherwise prepare must include blueberries as a primary ingredient. The following awards will be given:
Most Delicious
Most Unusual
Best Presentation
Best Overall
Two of last year’s winners, Jay Domingo and Rebecca VanderPlaats, are leading the event this year. If you have any questions, reach out to them at smoggo@gmail.com and/or rebeccavanderplaats@gmail.com.
Some cutlery and paper plates/bowls will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bringing whatever special bowls, plates, cups, etc. are needed to serve their creations. Participants are required to bring enough for three judges and the emcee. Plus, they’re encouraged to bring enough for onlookers to try.
As with last year, the number of participants will be limited! Participation is free, but registration is required.
This Year’s Judges
We have two new judges joining the panel this year. Plus, neighborhood wise guy and blueberry host, Jeff Griggs, has agreed to return as emcee! The judges are:
Kalin Hill (a.k.a. Chef Kaydot) grew up in Forest Heights and attended Clarke Central and the culinary program at Athens Technical College. He has recently moved back from Atlanta where he worked as a chef at the Georgia World Congress Center and the Mercedes Benz Stadium. He now caters many different events in Athens and assists with coordinating bookings for DJs, bartenders, decorators, photographers and other event staff. He loves the heat and excitement of the kitchen, but is equally drawn to the delight that a well-plated and tasty dish can produce for diners. (Contact Chef Kaydot about catering your next event at chefkaydotservices@gmail.com or 706-461-9487.)
Donnie Langdon, owner of Classic City Carpentry, is a gifted carpenter and craftsman who is passionate about his wood designs. His talents range from making custom cutting boards, furniture, home renovations — both interior and exterior. Basically, anything that can be fashioned from wood, Donnie can make it. He also loves making custom updates to his home, just up the road in Homewood Hills, which makes his wife, Alix, very happy!
Rashe Malcolm has been part of the Athens community for many years. As the owner of Rashe’s Cuisine, she has brought us foods inspired by her life and family background in Jamaica and the deep South since 1993. Rashe’s Cuisine now employs three generations of her family and offers a bevy of services including catering and cooking lessons. Rashe even has her own blend of coffee!
