Bonita Springs, Fla. – Mel’s Diner, affectionately known as “Southwest Florida’s kitchen,” has always understood that comfort food means more than wholesome ingredients and familiar dishes -- it also means of memories home, family and simpler times.
 
To celebrate those qualities, the company will hold a “Gourmet Recipe Contest,” allowing guests to share their favorite comfort-food recipes, as well as the stories that inspired them.

The competition will cover four categories: Chili, meatloaf, casserole and an open category.  Entrees will be judged by Fred Scherger, director of culinary operations for Mel’s Diner, as well as other Mel’s executives, on the following criteria, weighted as indicated:

Clarity of the directions and ease of preparation (25%)
Creativity (50%)
Perceived appeal of the dish to the public as a “Gourmet” item (25%)

Entrees will be accepted from February 15 to March 31, 2006 and can be submitted online via the Mel’s Diner website (http://www.melsdiners.com) or by mail -- submission forms will be made available at each Mel’s Diner location.  Entrees must contain a complete list of ingredients, preparation method and a story behind the homemade recipe. Rules, requirements and general information on the contest can also be found on the Mel’s Diner website.

All contest participants will be invited to a “Gourmet” party on April 18, 2006 at the original Mel’s Diner in San Carlos, Florida, during which the results will be announced and winners will be awarded.

Contest winners will receive $200 in cash, $100 in Mel’s Diner gift certificates, be featured on the Mel’s Diner website and have their recipes presented on an insert inside the current Mel’s Diner menu and included in the forthcoming Mel’s Gourmet Diner Cookbook.

Currently, Mel’s Diner boasts 10 locations throughout southwest Florida and plans to add four more stores by 2007, including restaurants in Cape Coral, Naples and Sarasota (2). While its reach may be widespread, each store continues to pride itself on that same sense of family friendly service, high value and made-from-scratch comfort foods that has made the concept such a success.  As part of its recent brand revamping, which will come into fruition in 2006, the company recently added a number of new gourmet dishes to its comfort-food-filled menu.

###

Media Contact:
Ashley H. Hallmark
Quantified Marketing Group
407.936.1010
321.663.1209 c.
ahallmark@quantifiedmarketing.com


News:
Press Releases | In the News | Press Kit | Downloads