The talented staff of the Wilmington Convention Center – the newest and largest convention center on the North Carolina coast – took home three awards at the recent Epicurean Evening, an annual charity event featuring food, drink and competition from the area’s best restaurants and noted chefs. The Wilmington Convention Center continues to heighten the culinary reputation of the North Carolina coast, an area known for its fresh seafood and delectable cuisine. Over 450 attendees wined and dined on culinary creations from nearly 25 restaurants in and around Wilmington, N.C., including nearby Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

The event, which benefited the Methodist Home for Children, was hosted by the convention center and held in the 12,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom under illuminating chandeliers.
The waterfront building’s staff took home the following honors:

• Bronze: Best Booth Decorations
• Silver: Best Food Presentation
• And for the Second Year in a Row: People’s Choice Award

Scott Frazzetta, the Wilmington Convention Center’s executive chef, and his team created a People’s Choice masterpiece with a Lobster Strudel topped with a Champagne Cream Sauce, filled with Shiitake Mushrooms and Caramelized Leeks. Frazzetta and the convention center received the same honor at the 2011 event with his now famous Lump Crab Cakes with Fresh Ginger and Vodka Remoulade with Purple Sweet Potatoes and Grilled Corn.


“The people have spoken, and we are honored to receive the People’s Choice Award for the second year running,” said Wilmington Convention Center general manager, Susan Eaton. “We want to continue raising the bar for meeting and convention venues by offering more than just fantastic meeting spaces, but also creative cuisine, gracious hospitality, eco-friendly practices and an idyllic riverfront setting.”

The convention center’s award-winning dishes and presentation are part of SAVOR…Wilmington Catering, the full in-house catering service operated by SMG, dedicated to using the freshest foods and preserving the spirit of fine Soutern cuisine. With multiple dining options, SAVOR caters to all needs and tastes while maintaining menus distinctive to any event, ranging from annual conferences to wedding receptions.


Chef Frazzetta added, “Each menu we create reflects our coastal location, and our partnerships with area vendors. We strive to achieve the right flavor and presentation for every dish we put out.” The Silver LEED certified Wilmington Convention Center, located along the storied Cape Fear River in Wilmington, N.C.’s historic river district, offers organizers and attendees a variety of spaces including a 30,000-sq. ft. Exhibit Hall, 12,000-sq. ft. ballroom, more than 15,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space and nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space. Attendees also have the opportunity to enjoy the coastal breeze on the 12,000-sq. ft. riverfront lawn or take in the sophisticated maritime design of the building and the vintage photographs located throughout that celebrate Wilmington’s historic past.

Convention attendees don’t just experience the new convention center when they come to Wilmington, but can also venture out and take in the city’s historic river district. It features more than 200 restaurants, shops and attractions in the downtown area alone. Attendees can also take time to explore and relax with their toes in the sand while taking advantage of the convention center’s close proximity to three island beaches (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach).

About the Wilmington Convention Center:
The Wilmington Convention Center is the ideal facility for meetings and conventions offering the perfect backdrop of historic charm and waterfront views. For questions about meetings and conventions or bookings at the Wilmington Convention Center, contact Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales Manager John Sneed at (800) 650-9064, ext. 125 or jsneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com.