Chef Liam McNulty from Nk’Mip Cellars Winery, hams it up for the camera during the gourmet hot dog contest. More than 30 wineries that belong to the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association took part in the initial Uncork the Sun event, which was held last Thursday evening in Oliver to kick off Oliver’s annual Sunshine Festival. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
It was a close call, but chef Jeff Van Geest from Miradoro Restaurant was crowned “top dog” at Uncork the Sun in Oliver Community Park on July 10.
Van Geest went up against chef Liam McNulty from Nk’Mip Cellars in the gourmet hot dog contest.
Both chefs were kept hopping as they served long lineups of people waiting to try McNulty’s “Hickory Dickory Dog” and Van Geest’s “Legend of the 47 Ronin.”
After some uproarious cheering, Van Geest walked away with the title.
Uncork the Sun saw 31 different wineries represented.
Tony Munday, executive director of the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, was so busy pouring wine that he hardly had time to take part in the other activities.
“It went really well. It was great to see so many people dancing.”
Munday noted that big name blues band Brickhouse was definitely the highlight of the evening. “They were fantastic.”
Munday said wine lovers were excited to try so many different wines in one location without having to drive anywhere.
Carol Sheridan, manager of Oliver Parks and Recreation, estimated 250 people attended the event.
“I thought the event went very well and we were really encouraged by the turnout for the first one.”
Sheridan said the highlights for her were the chefs cooking up their signature hotdogs and seeing so many people dancing to Brickhouse.
“ We learned a lot and definitely plan to host
Uncork the Sun again in 2015, bigger and better!”
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
Courtney Fossett from Moon Curser Vineyards holds up their offerings during Uncork the Sun in Oliver Community Park on July 10. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
