FIRC Night Out Culinary Showdown
Hosted by Breckenridge Ski Resort & Keystone Resort
Get ready for a hometown culinary throwdown like no other! Join FIRC for an exciting, high-stakes food competition that's as delicious as it is impactful. Not only will you witness Summit County’s finest chefs battle it out using fresh, seasonal ingredients from FIRC's very own food markets, but every bite you savor helps strengthen our community.
With over 7,838 community members served and 32,717 essential services provided by the FIRC team, your presence at FIRC Night Out directly supports your neighbors in need. Watch top chefs compete for the title of 2025 FIRC Night Out Culinary Showdown Champion and get the chance to cast your vote for the best bite of the night!
This is more than just a competition – it’s a chance to make a real difference, one bite at a time. Plus, we’ll have renowned judges on hand to crown the winner and make this a night to remember.
This event is recommended for guests 21 and older due to the presence of alcohol. Valid ID required for certain tastings and experiences. Because of the nature of this event, we cannot guarantee that dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated. Please reach out with any questions.
A big thank you to our amazing sponsors for making this our biggest fundraiser of the year. Don’t miss out – come excited, come ready to vote, and come support a cause that makes a meaningful impact in our community!
With over 7,838 community members served and 32,717 essential services provided by the FIRC team, your presence at FIRC Night Out directly supports your neighbors in need. Watch top chefs compete for the title of 2025 FIRC Night Out Culinary Showdown Champion and get the chance to cast your vote for the best bite of the night!
This is more than just a competition – it’s a chance to make a real difference, one bite at a time. Plus, we’ll have renowned judges on hand to crown the winner and make this a night to remember.
This event is recommended for guests 21 and older due to the presence of alcohol. Valid ID required for certain tastings and experiences. Because of the nature of this event, we cannot guarantee that dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated. Please reach out with any questions.
A big thank you to our amazing sponsors for making this our biggest fundraiser of the year. Don’t miss out – come excited, come ready to vote, and come support a cause that makes a meaningful impact in our community!
Location
The Maggie
605 South Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424
(wheelchair accessible)
605 South Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424
(wheelchair accessible)
Date & Time
June 26, 2025
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
DRESS CODE
Mountain Chic
PARKING
Please park in F-Lot for free parking after 3PM
PHOTO/VIDEO
This event will be photographed and live produced by AfterFive Media
Meet the competition
Get ready for the ultimate culinary clash! Returning champions and bold newcomers alike will throw down in a fierce kitchen showdown—all to help feed our community, one unforgettable dish at a time. Can Matt Vawter and the Rootstalk Team hold onto their crown as FIRC Night Out – Culinary Showdown Champions, or will a new team rise to steal the title in 2025? The heat is on!
Aurum
Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge offers innovative New American, farm-to-table fare with unique cocktails & craft beer, topped with a wine list creatively sorted by music genres! Join us for a daily happy hour in this beautiful dining venue with stylish, rustic-chic environs – a Breckenridge local favorite.
Bistro North
At Bistro North, we believe that food should not only taste great, but it should also be an experience that engages all your senses. Our menu is carefully curated with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonality.
Breckenridge Mountain Dining
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between runs or savoring a sit-down meal with panoramic views, Breckenridge Mountain Dining offers something for every taste. From hearty comfort foods to fresh, locally inspired dishes, we’ve crafted menus to fuel your adventure and elevate your ski day. Wherever you roam on the mountain, great food is never far away.
Rootstalk
Rootstalk explores the notion of connection through the cuisine, hospitality, and beverage programs. The aim is to connect guests with farmers, ranchers, winemakers, and other producers; while providing a space where people can connect with each other during their dinner.
Sauce
Steeped in years of family tradition from the Sauce on the Maggie’s history of Italian restaurants from the east coast to Breckenridge, we specialize in family style dining, which is great for larger tables to come in and sample from several dishes being passed around the table like in the old country.
Vinny's
Discover the extraordinary flavors crafted with the utmost care, using locally sourced, organic, natural, and fresh ingredients. Our commitment to the environment and your well-being is evident in every dish prepared by the skilled hands of Chef Vinny and our exceptional staff.
Learn more about the competing chefs HERE
Schedule of event
4:00 PM - Sip & Savor Experience with matt Vawter
Sip & Savor guests are invited to join Matt Vawter, owner of Rootstalk, and the 2024 FIRC Night Out – Culinary Showdown Champion. Enjoy a private cocktail hour, where delectable appetizer bites, and a specialized wine tasting offered by LuxWines will be presented as you mingle with fellow guests, chat with the culinary masterminds behind Rootstalk, gain first access to the venue, and connect with FIRC Night Out sponsors. Rootstalk and LuxWines will be pairing the appetizer bites with three different wines to provide a unique tasting experience. This intimate event offers a unique opportunity to savor signature bites, sip on 3oz wine tasters, and enjoy an unforgettable night filled with great company and gourmet flavors.
Wine tasting and Appetizer Bites will be paired together with the combined expertise of Matt Vawter; Rootstalk and Jeff Tufford; LuxWines. Each Sip & Savor Ticket will also include two complimentary drink tickets which can be redeemed at the bar - opening at 5:00 pm at the beginning of Round 1.
Wine tasting and Appetizer Bites will be paired together with the combined expertise of Matt Vawter; Rootstalk and Jeff Tufford; LuxWines. Each Sip & Savor Ticket will also include two complimentary drink tickets which can be redeemed at the bar - opening at 5:00 pm at the beginning of Round 1.
5:00 PM - Doors Open, Round 1 - Appetizer Bites
As the event kicks off, the bar will be open, and guests are invited to indulge in delicious appetizer bites crafted by our All-Star Chef Teams! Everyone in attendance will have the chance to cast their votes for the best appetizer by 5:30 p.m. The top two teams will then advance to face off against the reigning champion, Matt Vawter and the Rootstalk Restaurant Team, in a thrilling LIVE final entrée round. Who will take home the coveted title of 2025 FIRC Night Out – Culinary Showdown Champion?
Each General Admission Ticket will include two complimentary drink tickets to be redeemed at the bar. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
Each General Admission Ticket will include two complimentary drink tickets to be redeemed at the bar. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
6:00 PM - Final Round begins - Entrée competition
Throughout the final round, the three competing restaurant groups will have just 60 minutes to craft mouthwatering dishes using mystery boxes filled with ingredients commonly found in FIRC's food markets. Each group must showcase the unique ingredients in their box, unleashing their creativity and culinary expertise to whip up something truly extraordinary on the spot. Don’t miss the excitement as they race against the clock to impress the judges—come out to cheer on your favorite teams and experience the culinary magic live at FIRC Night Out - Culinary Showdown!
9:00 PM - showdown Concludes
The 2025 FIRC Night Out – Culinary Showdown Champion will be crowned, honoring the skill and passion of our local chefs. By supporting this event, you're helping us continue our mission at FIRC Summit Resource Center— opening doors and unleashing our community’s potential!
We will also be presenting the 2025 Golden Whisk Auction, a once in a lifetime dinner that will be prepared by chefs from the competing restaurants together. Check out details below for more information!
We will also be presenting the 2025 Golden Whisk Auction, a once in a lifetime dinner that will be prepared by chefs from the competing restaurants together. Check out details below for more information!
FIRC Night Out - Culinary Showdown Golden Whisk Auction
This year, we are honored to showcase an exclusive auction. The 6 Chef teams are offering a dinner party for up to 10 people to be held in the Golden Whisk Auction Winners home!
For the first time ever, chefs from Aurum, Bistro North, Breckenridge Mountain Dining, Rootstalk, Sauce on the Blue, and Vinny's are getting together to prepare a 5-course meal for one lucky individual in their home!
The dinner will take place on an agreed date and time between the Golden Whisk holder and the Chefs of these esteemed restaurants.
The Golden Whisk Auction will be held live at the end of FIRC Night Out - Culinary Showdown. In order to participate, guests must be in attendance. The bidding will start at $5,000 for this once in a lifetime, exclusive event.
Come ready to outbid your neighbors for a chance to win an exclusive, one night only dinner with some of the best chefs in the country!
Come ready to outbid your neighbors for a chance to win an exclusive, one night only dinner with some of the best chefs in the country!
2025 Judges
FIRC is honored that renown culinary legends will be judging this year's competition. We are so excited to introduce these spectacular judges:
Denise Mickelsen
VP, Communication at Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation
Denise Mickelsen oversees the Colorado Restaurant Association’s and Foundation’s communication, marketing, and public relations efforts in support of the state’s dynamic restaurant industry. Before joining the CRA, Denise served as food editor at 5280 Magazine and previously worked in the test kitchens at Saveur and Martha Stewart Living, on the editorial staff at Fine Cooking, and as culinary acquisitions editor at Craftsy, a Denver-based digital media company. She holds a culinary arts degree and cooked professionally in renowned Manhattan restaurants before entering food media.
Alex Fitch
Marketing Manager, at The Pinnacle Companies
Hi, I’m Alex Fitch. I was born and raised here in Summit County and graduated from Summit High—where I had a lifelong love of cooking drilled into me by Mrs. Vantiger’s hearty Southern twang. I took every one of her catering classes, and to this day, food and cooking are some of my biggest passions (especially when I’m not ski mountaineering or getting banged up on the rugby field).
After spending almost a decade away exploring the world, I made my way back home with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for this community. These days, I work with the Pinnacle Companies, and am a part of Pinnacle Gives, where is a proudly support FIRC however we can!
FIRC has always meant a lot to me—I still remember volunteering at the thrift store during high school and college. I’m honored to be part of FIRC Night Out and grateful for the chance to support the amazing work they do for our community.
After spending almost a decade away exploring the world, I made my way back home with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for this community. These days, I work with the Pinnacle Companies, and am a part of Pinnacle Gives, where is a proudly support FIRC however we can!
FIRC has always meant a lot to me—I still remember volunteering at the thrift store during high school and college. I’m honored to be part of FIRC Night Out and grateful for the chance to support the amazing work they do for our community.
Julie McCluskie
Colorado State Representative
Speaker McCluskie has served as a State Representative since 2018 and was re-elected in 2022 to represent House District 13, which includes Chaffee, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Park, and Summit counties. She is the first woman Speaker elected from the Western Slope.
Over her six years as a State Representative, McCluskie has served on the Rural Affairs and Agriculture, Education, Appropriations, Wildfire Matters, Early Childhood and School Readiness Commission committee, and as Chair of the Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance. Most notably, she was honored to receive an appointment to the prestigious six-person Joint Budget Committee in January 2020 and was appointed Chair of the JBC in November 2021. Over Speaker McCluskie’s time as Chair of the JBC, she carried the state’s budget, making record investments in public schools, higher education, and health care. Currently, McCluskie serves as Speaker of the House of Representatives, providing leadership and guiding legislative priorities for the Democratic Caucus.
Over her six years as a State Representative, McCluskie has served on the Rural Affairs and Agriculture, Education, Appropriations, Wildfire Matters, Early Childhood and School Readiness Commission committee, and as Chair of the Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance. Most notably, she was honored to receive an appointment to the prestigious six-person Joint Budget Committee in January 2020 and was appointed Chair of the JBC in November 2021. Over Speaker McCluskie’s time as Chair of the JBC, she carried the state’s budget, making record investments in public schools, higher education, and health care. Currently, McCluskie serves as Speaker of the House of Representatives, providing leadership and guiding legislative priorities for the Democratic Caucus.
Live Production team
FIRC is absolutely excited to share with you this OUTSTANDING team for our live in house production/coverage of FIRC Night Out - Culinary Showdown for 2025. Local celebrities, Kelly and Matt Renoux will be returning to FIRC to MC the event, and entertain us all night! Scott Cowperthwaite, owner and founder of AfterFiveMedia will be running the production with his team to ensure live footage and exceptional experience throughout the night.
Kelly Renoux
Director of Employee experience
at copper mountain resort
at copper mountain resort
Kelly is a Summit County local actress and singer who has worked with Theatre Silco and Backstage Theatre. She is the Director of Employee Experience at Copper Mountain Resort and is on the boards of The Summit Foundation and Early Childhood Options.
Matt Renoux
9News mountain reporter
Matt has been the 9News Mountain Reporter for 27+ years and is preparing for his 10th Olympics coverage, heading to Italy in February. He is also a culinary expert having eaten for his entire life and has mastered the art of cooking Blue Aprons. His favorite ingredient is corn.
Scott Cowperthwaite
Owner/Founder of AfterFIVEMedia
Scott Cowperthwaite is a fifth-generation Colorado native. Scott is a business owner, consultant, brand and strategy expert and is a DJ, photographer and marvels in the outdoors. Scott founded AfterFiveMedia over 20 years ago and AfterFiveMedia provides strategy, branding, websites, graphics, video and event production. Scott and his team are thrilled to be a part of this year’s event!
Check out this teaser from the 2024 FIRC Night Out - Culinary Showdown!
Meet the culinary stars behind the heat! The 2024 FIRC Night Out – Culinary Showdown chefs are ready to bring the flavor, the fire, and the fierce competition. This unforgettable event wouldn't be possible without their passion—or the incredible support from our local restaurants.
If you thought last year’s battle was spicy, just wait. This June, the chefs are turning up the heat, sharpening their knives, and cooking with something to prove.
If you thought last year’s battle was spicy, just wait. This June, the chefs are turning up the heat, sharpening their knives, and cooking with something to prove.
Let the showdown begin!
Thank you to our sponsors
Below is a list of remarkable organizations that make FIRC's work possible. Please thank and support the organizations, whose generosity helps to make Summit County thrive!
Presenting Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Beverage Sponsors
Can't Attend, but still want to help?
For every $20 donated to FIRC, the organization is able to leverage those resources to provide $200 worth of food to local workers and families shopping at FIRC's Community Food Markets.
Please consider giving to make sure FIRC can continue to support our local community!
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