The First Annual
Summer Solstice
Appetizer Challenge and Cocktail Party

To Benefit The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Colorado Chapter

On July 1, 2009, Bravo's TOP CHEF New York contestant Melissa Harrison, Denver Avalanche Defenseman John-Michael Liles and Denver Magazine Food Columnist Stacey Brugeman judged small plate creations from Denver’s hottest new restaurants.

Download some of the recipes below!

On behalf of the Colorado Chapter and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, thank you for attending the First Annual Summer Solstice Appetizer Challenge. With your donations and the support of our sponsors, we netted over $10,500 from the evening!

The sponsors assured our success! A huge THANK YOU to...

Daniel Ascher and Root Down                           Denver Magazine   

Jeff Cruse and Brasserie Felix                            Dining Out

Olav Peterson and Bistro One                            EchoChef Services

Paul Reilly and Encore Restaurant                   The Jet Hotel

Crop Vodka                                                          Boulder Brewery

The Hotel and Spa at Cordillera                        The Blue Jeans Bar

The Colorado Nuggets                                        Ahbe Baby and Toddler Wear

As a special bonus, please enjoy these Appetizer Challenge recipes provided by our celebrity chefs.Download recipes (PDF):

• From Brasserie Felix Restaurant: Duck Roulette over Red Onion Marmalade with Goat Cheese Croquette Crostini
• From Root Down Restaurant: Organic Heirloom Cherry Tomato-Tarragon Tart with Haystack Chevre & Peach Lavender Chutney
• From Encore Restaurant: Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Organic Summer Fruit Salad and Cucumber Vinaigrette
• From Bistro One: Bistro One Metzaluna