Librarian's luscious lobster app tops Gloria Ferrer contest

A reference librarian from New Jersey won the first-ever “Glorious Bites Challenge” sponsored by Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards last weekend by making a luxurious lobster and goat cheese appetizer to pair with the winery’s Sonoma Brut sparkling wine.

Donna Wolfe won $5,000 and bragging rights during the final cook-off event held at the winery on Saturday. Her recipe for Fried Lobster & Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms rose to the top of four finalists, which were chosen from more than 360 entries from 36 states.

“Donna’s appetizer was not only the perfect pairing for the Sonoma Brut, but a perfect bite of food in general,” said “Top Chef” Season 10 star Brooke Williamson, who served as a judge. “It was crisp and flavorful, yet delicate.”

More than 200 guests attended the competition, which was emceed by Leslie Sbrocco, host of KQED’-TVs “Check Please! Bay Area.” Other judges included Sommelier Christopher Sawyer, Girl & the Fig owner Sondra Bernstein and Michelle Heston, regional director of public relations for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

The guests also voted on their favorite appetizer, with the popular vote going to Merry Graham of Newhall, California, for her Lemongrass & Ginger Crab Crisps with Asian Apple and Vietnamese Avocado Mash.

Recipes from the 2015 finalists are available at gloriousbites.com.