Imagine a child’s smile on Christmas day as he opens a new toy (possibly the first in his life) that you helped make possible.
Imagine your tingling taste buds as you savor creative cuisine while sampling bites from some of the finest chefs in Central Oregon.
Imagine the flavor of the perfect pairing of a beer or wine complementing the savory sample.
Now imagine repeating this five times throughout the evening, all in the inviting atmosphere of a new home built by one of the finest craftsmen in Central Oregon.
Of course, all these experiences rolled into one evening can only mean that it is time for the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) Holiday Chefs on Tour. Mark your calendar now for Saturday, December 2 from 3 to 6 p.m.—you’ll want to save the date.
Each stop will pair with a chef who will be offering a taste of the fare they prepare at their respective restaurants. Participating restaurants include The Row at Tetherow, Bad Boys BBQ, Mother’s Downtown Kitchen, 10 Barrel Brewing, and Aloha Café. Each delectable bite is presented in a cocktail-type format, perfect for socializing with other attendees, talking with the builder about the home’s features, touring the home, or even picking up some home and holiday decorating ideas. It’s a fun event to kick off the holiday season, whether you’re socializing or networking.
To get you in the holiday spirit, each home on the tour will feature festive decorations and a specially themed tree designed by Melissa Knopp, wife of COBA executive vice president Tim Knopp. The trees will be available for purchase for $250, along with raffle drawings for a cornucopia of goods donated from businesses around town at the stop at tour sponsor Standard TV & Appliance.
Now in its fourth year, the COBA Holiday Chefs on Tour will include four newly constructed homes by four different COBA builders. This year COBA is featuring homes that cost under $600,000. Homebuilders include Franklin Brothers, Hayden Homes, MonteVista Homes, and Palmer Homes.
“We wanted to showcase to the community what beautiful, quality-built homes you can invest in for under $600,000,” says Mandy Weidman, vice president of sales for COBA. “This year, we have homes on the tour ranging from $365,000 to $555,000. It is important to us to highlight all areas of town and all price ranges.”
Though houses in this price range can be found in various neighborhoods throughout Bend, Holiday Chefs on Tour is focusing on homes in the northeast and northwest areas of Bend that are within 10 miles of each other.
“Holiday Chefs on Tour is designed so people can experience the home as it was designed to function—you can eat great food and interact with friends as if you were in your own kitchen,” says Luke Pickerill, owner of MonteVista Homes, who is featuring one of his projects on the tour. “The tour isn’t a sales pitch to buy a home,” assures Pickerill, first vice president for COBA.
MonteVista Homes specializes in homes for people who are looking for their first home, downsizing, or even investing in a second or third home. Each home features affordable prices with luxury amenities including granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and great finishes throughout.
Custom builders Franklin Brothers focus on designing floor plans that are open and spacious so you can better entertain family and friends in a luxurious yet affordable environment.
Hayden Homes has been offering high-quality homes for hardworking families in Central Oregon since 1989. Their variety of plans allows homebuyers to personalize features, colors, and finishes to make a home uniquely theirs.
Palmer Homes has been building homes in Central Oregon since 1977 and provides exceptional homes at affordable prices. They offer new and innovative designs, while incorporating various historical architectural styles.
For the second straight year, presenting sponsor Standard TV & Appliance will host a celebration along the tour route, complete with raffles and prizes. Community-minded businesses contributing to the raffle include Awbrey Glen, the Tower Theatre, Bend Downtown Business Association, High Desert Chamber Orchestra, Wanderlust Tours, Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours, Art and Wine, Oh My!, and Hooker Creek.
Chef Justin Birtola from The Row at Tetherow will prepare food on-site. There will also be a no-host bar with cocktails. And, if you get into the holiday spirits a bit too much, COBA will ensure that taxis and Uber drivers are available to get you home safely.
In the past three years of the Holiday Chefs on Tour event, COBA raised more than $15,000 in cash and new toys for Toys for Tots. COBA hopes this year will bring another $5,000, plus toys, to the organization. Toy drop-off bins will be at the homes as well as Standard TV & Appliance.
“There are so many deserving organizations that help out children and families,” said Weidman. “We are thrilled to give to Toys for Tots again this year. We know the gifts will bring a smile to every child in Central Oregon on Christmas Day.”
Those who are not COBA members can purchase the $34-per-person tickets by heading to the COBA website at www.coba.org/events/event/holiday-chefs-tour. COBA members receive a $5 discount off the event price by calling the COBA offices at 541-389-1058.
A word of advice: reserve your spot now, since a limited number of tickets will be sold. Like last year, the event is expected to sell out. Don’t miss your chance to make memories by getting into the holiday spirit, sampling food from some of the best chefs in the Northwest, and making new friends along the way, all while helping to put a smile on the face of a child.
http://www.bendbulletin.com/sp/sp_bendhomes_feed/5732403-151/2017-coba-holiday-chefs-on-tour