Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Travel + Leisure Entry Title: Over the Hills and Far Away Entry Credit: Christine Muhlke Judge Comment: Vive la France! This is top quality travel writing that tells a narrative story without coming off like a laundry list of activities. The writing avoids cliches and knows its audience: sophisticated diners who balance the sybaritic pleasures of the table with a full day of exploration and exercise. The reader is right there with her through every step, bite, discovery and emotion. You feel it, taste it and appreciate it. The words and descriptions are the sharing of a wonderful armchair journey that creates an inspiration to make a traveler want to go to Auvergne, France where as she says, “the world can still feel pure”. SPECTACULAR.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Smithsonian Magazine Entry Title: Passion Fruit Entry Credit: Tom Downey Judge Comment: Aah the power of passion fruit- durian divine! This story takes the reader to Malaysia, where the best durian is grown. This feature not only pulls you in with its great writing and plotting, it explores the question of why people get so obsessed with this famously malodorous fruit, and how the difference between revolting and delicious can be a toggle switch. It's quite a ride, with nicely drawn characters and a lot of education. It is an impressive deeper dive into the to and fro of mystery as to why the durian is so intriguing. SUBLIME!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Mark Orwoll Entry Title: “The Real Story on Dominica Is Bush Rum. Lots of Bush Rum. For, um, Medicinal Purposes…” Entry Credit: Mark Orwoll Judge Comment: Bush Rum Bonanza- BRAVO! Orwell takes you on his sipping eye-opening journey as he unveils the unique aspects of Caribbean Bush Rum. Who knew? Well written, humorous, and intriguing that makes the reader laugh & learn & wanting to travel to Dominica to taste it. CHEERS!
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Mark Ellwood Entry Title: The Breakfast Test: Why the Morning Meal Is the Most Revealing Way to Judge a Luxury Hotel Entry Credit: Mark Ellwood Judge Comment: Luxury starts early as the bounties of breakfast beckon! Fantastic feature with a unique angle supported by relevant quotes & examples as to how and why worldwide hotels care about how guests perceive and can enjoy their first meal of the day. Ellwood sets the scene about a hotel’s commitment to service, quality and diverse offerings that can shape a traveler’s opinion on their venue choice and enjoyment for the rest of their stay. TERRIFIC!
