Online Contest Videos - Santa Margherita Wines

2010 Contest Finalists

Thank you to all the great amateur chefs from across the country who entered the 2010 Santa Margherita Great Taste Challenge! The talent, creativity, and wine pairing skills were fantastic — it was a pleasure watching the videos and testing the recipes. It was a tight race, but after a month of public voting the three entries shown below have been declared the 2010 Great Taste Challenge Finalists. Check out their unique creations and wish them luck as they head off to the Finale event in Chicago this fall!

If you would like to view the 2010 entries that did not advance to the final round, please click here.

Laurie Lufkin

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Name:: Laurie Lufkin
Location:: Essex, MA
Recipe Title:: Creamy Seaside Shells with Pan Seared Scallops
Paired Wine:: Pinot Grigio
Occupation:: Well, I have a few. First, I am Mom to fabulous 9 year old Lily. Second, I own a promotional products, screen printing and embroidery business which I run from my home. And third, I work part time for my family business, Essex Marina.
How I Got Into Cooking:: I learned to cook at the aprons of my Mom, grandparents and the rest of my talented family.
When I First Tried Santa Margherita:: I took a dear friend for a little ride “Down River” in my boat, and they thanked me with a lovely bottle of chilled Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. We shared a glass of wine while cruising on the beautiful Essex River.
Food & Wine Pairing Philosophy:: Wine and food should enhance and compliment each others flavors; however, I also believe that wine choice is a personal preference and you should drink what you like.
Fun Fact:: Our Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk team has raised $250,000+ to cure cancer in my sister’s memory.

Fred Piccinni

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Name:: Fred Piccinni
Location:: Lynnfield, MA
Recipe Title:: Pasta Ala Fazio
Paired Wine:: Pinot Grigio
Occupation:: IT Project Manager
How I Got Into Cooking:: I come from a large Italian family, and everybody cooks except for me. One day when I criticized one of my wife’s dinners, I figured I better learn to cook for myself or starve.
When I First Tried Santa Margherita:: About 10 years ago, my older brother turned me on to Santa Margherita while out cruising on his boat.
Food & Wine Pairing Philosophy:: Since I first had it during the summer, I always associate Pinot Grigio to summer foods: fish, pesto, cold pasta…
Fun Fact:: I am not a real cook, but I like to entertain for my family and lots of friends. Food and wine is always a must!

Paul Phanthalangsy

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Name:: Paul Phanthalangsy
Location:: Torrington, CT
Recipe Title:: Seafood Pasta
Paired Wine:: Pinot Grigio
Occupation:: Student
How I Got Into Cooking:: How? The ladies, of course. I’ve always heard they like a man who knows how to cook.
When I First Tried Santa Margherita:: I was introduced to the wine by a good friend at one of our social gatherings.
Food & Wine Pairing Philosophy:: My philosophy is that a dish can be more adventurous when you have the right type of wine to go with it.
Fun Fact:: I like to Dream Big; to take risks in life because you’ll never know what opportunities it will hand you.