Congrats to Kristin D. for Winning the NoMI Contest

On Monday, Eater kicked off a contest with NoMI that, frankly, we wish everyone could enjoy. The package—dinner at the new NoMI Kitchen, spa tasting treatments, drinks in NoMI Lounge or NoMI Garden and a secret surprise—garnered numerous responses, but in the end only one person could win.

The contest had people tell us why they felt they deserved the prize and it came down to a few really great stories. Ultimately Eater reader Kristin D. was awarded the grand prize. It was a tough call between the top two, so NoMI decided the reward Michael C. with a runner-up prize of brunch for two in NoMI Kitchen. For the rest of you, NoMI officially re-opens to the public June 3 and you can make reservations now.

Want to see why Kristin won? Read her story:

Some people commonly use the phrase “I owe you the world,” when expressing gratitude. When it comes to my fabulous mother, I really do “owe her the world,” or at least something equally as great, such as this amazing experience at NoMI.

My mom’s the most hard-working, dedicated, generous woman I’ve ever met. She’s the single most selfless woman I know and I’m not just saying that because she’s my mother. As a cake designer at a local Chicago-area bakery, she starts her days at 4 a.m., and around busy seasons (i.e. holidays, weddings, etc.) doesn’t leave until 4 p.m. I’m aware that others have long days and inconvenient work hours, but day after day, she continuously does it without a single complaint. Everything she does is out of the goodness of her heart. She’s constantly giving to others and rarely makes time for things she deserves. She also acquired another full time job 10 years ago, which consists of taking care of my 96-year-old Grandmother, who now lives with my parents. My mom is always going to doctor appointments, filling countless prescriptions and listening day after day to the ailments of a 96-year-old woman.

I’ve had the pleasure of dining at NoMI, and I was constantly thinking, “My mom would love this.” There’s no one else more deserving of this amazing package than my fabulous mother. I sincerely hope you’ll let me, her daughter, share this wonderful opportunity with her, after all, I owe my mom the world!