Taste of the Season winners announced

The 20th anniversary of Taste of the Season drew a sell out crowd as the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce celebrated the local culinary community at the annual event.

More than 30 area chefs and restaurants showcased their skills and creations Friday night at the Sea Pines Country Club. Chefs competed for bragging rights to "Best Cuisine."

Aqua Grille Lounge won Best Cuisine. Chef Eric Seaglund served walnut encrusted sea bass served over sweet potato risotto finished with a cherry gastrique.

Red Fish came in second with grilled sea bass with a wasabi cream sauce and soy glaze served on a bed of udon noodles with wakame salad. Third place went to Michale Anthony's veal cheeks with creamy polenta.

New this year was the Cake Design Showcase in which six area confectionery artists competed. Sheri Davis of Sheri's Edible Designs took the honors of Best Cake with a towering submission of gift-wrapped packages in sweet trimmings, topped with a snowman. Signe Gardo of Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery Café created a tribute to The Nutcracker that placed second.