Each year, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel holds a gingerbread house competition set to various Christmas story themes where elaborately decorated edible creations are displayed in the hotel’s Park Lounge (lobby) throughout the Holiday Season. This year’s gingerbread house theme is Dr. Seuess’ 1966 rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel will partner this year with Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts to give students a chance to creatively showcase their talents and win a monetary scholarship donation to their Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts tuition and/or supplies.
“We decided to align with Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts to give culinary students a hands-on opportunity to show off their skills, which could result in a tuition scholarship,” said Pastry Chef Winnona Herr, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. “This is a fun and interactive competition where we can engage with our community and challenge the students to unleash their creativity. What could be more fun than creating themed gingerbread houses for a chance to reap scholastic rewards?”
Students are challenged to create gingerbread houses constructed and composed completely of edible materials and erected on a board that measures 24 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches long. The main structure will be constructed primarily of gingerbread and must be to the theme of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Any entry with non-edible components will be automatically disqualified.
The first round of judging takes place at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in mid- November 2012. Finalists are awarded the opportunity to have their gingerbread houses on display at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel throughout the 2012 Holiday Season where the final judging occurs. All entries will be judged in five categories: 1.) Overall appearance; 2.) Originality and creativity; 3.) Difficulty; 4.) Precision; and 5.) Consistency of theme.
Prizes will be awarded for the top three competitors through a scholarship donation to their Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts tuition and/or supplies in the following amounts: First place is $1,000; Second place is $500; Third place is $250.
Locals and travelers alike will have the opportunity to view the final selections at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in the hotel’s Park Lounge from November 23, 2012, through the end of the year.