Culinary Excursions

05/29/2026

adds to ! Congratulations to Nate and Analise for winning their categories May 2026. Way to represent with World Food Championships!

Washington State showed up with talent, flavor AND two cooks who rose above an elite field to claim their place on the road to 🎟️‼️

Congratulations to Chef Champion Nate Ryan and Pastry Champion Analise Mutchler, winners of the Top Tastes of Washington State in Ocean Shores.

Both champions now advance to in Indianapolis, where they’ll take their shot on the world’s biggest Food Sport stage 🌎🍽️

05/28/2026

Happy ! to some of the entries at !

05/26/2026

The Celtic Sunflower carries Spectrum Color Creations! Featured at February , check out this display in Ocean Shores and the message behind it.

05/24/2026

Washington State Chili Cookoff
May 2026

BEST BOOTH
1st Place
Jim Volz
Lucky Dog Chili

2nd Place TIE
Barb Schamberg Birdcage Crafts
Pranee Stuitt Crafting State of Mind

3rd Place
Heather Mills Norwex

4th Place TIE
Washington Ramos Egg Roll Hut
Brian Lee Chili Spice Melange

5th Place
Nicole Holliwell I Got Meat dba Bob's Freakin' Nutz

(Best Booth was elevated to a SPECIAL AWARD in 2026. In memory of Phyllis Shaughnessy of the North Beach. Shopping and food vendors, plus chili cooks were included.)

05/23/2026

Variety! Top Tastes of Washington State May 2026 with a selection of food vendors in conjunction with Washington State Chili Cookoff. FOOD and FUN!

Send a message to learn more

05/22/2026

Washington State Chili Cookoff
May 2026
Ocean Shores Convention Center

BEST BOOTH
JIM VOLZ

Clean, organized customer service. He had color chili peppers cloths on equipment.
Alway at his both with a smile, so were his helpers!
(Comments by Mystery Judge, representing Green Lantern Lunch Program.)
Voting included shopping vendors indoors, chili cooks and food vendors outdoors.

Congratulations to Jim Volz and team!

05/22/2026

Top Tastes of Washington State
May 16 and 17, 2026
Ocean Shores Convention Center

And the winners are...

Nate Ryan
Analise Mutchler

Congratulations and thank you to all the Culinary Competitors!


(Photos: Jacqueline Horton)

05/22/2026

Top Tastes of Washington State May 2026 scenes from the event.
(Photos: Jacqueline Horton).

Send a message to learn more

05/21/2026

Top Tastes of Washington State Judging Panel May 17, 2026 at Ocean Shores Convention Center sharing their culinary viewpoints. Day #2 for the Culinary Competition.

Watch for Winners announcement coming May 21 (5: 30 pm).