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Spokane chef tops Sugar Dome

Chef Robert Lombardi recently appeared on the Food Network's new series, Sugar Dome. His team of three won the top prize in the challenge. (Courtesy of Robert Lombardi)
By Lorie Hutson lorieh@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446
Chef Robert Lombardi recently appeared on the Food Network's new series, Sugar Dome. His team of three won the top prize in the challenge. (Courtesy of Robert Lombardi)

Spoiler alert: Chef and instructor Robert Lombardi of the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy is a Food Network challenge champion.

Lombardi appeared Sunday on the debut of the new Food Network show “Sugar Dome,” and his team won the top prize. Lombardi lent his sugar artistry to a team of three, which included a cake expert and animatronics professional. Together, they made an edible, moving, fire-breathing work of art. They had six hours to complete the show’s challenge and three twists thrown in along the way. For “A Dragon’s Tale,” they had to tell the story of a battle between a knight and dragon.

Watch Lombardi and the battle on “Sugar Dome” when Season 1, Episode 1 airs again this week. It will repeat at 3 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday, or 7 p.m. Saturday. The next episode of “Sugar Dome” appears on the Food Network on Sunday at 8 p.m.

Butter recipe contest opens

Enter an original recipe in the fifth-annual Butter Up the Holidays contest starting Monday for a chance to win $100 and a KitchenAid artisan stand mixer.

The contest is open to cooks in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska and is presented by Northwest Dairy Farmers. Recipe entries must be original and include butter. Find contest details, rules and last year’s winning recipes online at www.butterupthe holidays.com. The contest ends on Dec. 31. Look inside today’s Food section on page C5 for a recipe to inspire your entry, Fettuccine with Mediterranean Butter and Zucchini.

Chocolate therapy tonight

Join the Lincoln Center and Eva Roberts of Just American Desserts for chocolate and wine therapy tonight at 6 p.m.

Lincoln Center executive chef Brad Emery is featuring chocolate as an ingredient in two appetizers and Roberts will make dessert. She will also bring samples from Guittard Chocolate Co. Wine parings, chosen by Lincoln Center sommelier Ryan Biesen, are included in the ticket price.

Tickets are $25 and a limited number will be offered at the door. Reach the Lincoln Center at (509) 327-8000.