January 13, 2009
For More Information, contact
Don Nikodim, (573) 445-8375
Mid-Missouri Chefs Participate in Taste of Elegance
Columbia, Mo.,—Chef Ben Clay of Les Bourgeois in Rocheport received highest honors during the Mid-Missouri Taste of Elegance culinary competition held January 12 at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center. Chef Clay prepared a Vignole Braised Pork Osso Bucco, Chinese Black Rice with Winter Squash, and Five Spiced Pig Ear Coriander Salad. His winning dish earned the $1,000 top award and the opportunity to compete in the National Taste of Elegance event to be held June 28-29 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Mid-Missouri Taste of Elegance event was hosted by the Missouri Pork Association and the Central Missouri Food Bank. Pork products for the evening were sponsored by Cargill featuring Sysco Corporation’s premium White Marble Farms pork. The Holiday Inn Select Executive Center and Missouri Wine and Grape Board provided additional support.
Seven chefs prepared dishes for judging on originality, taste and presentation. Previous winners, master chefs and food editors may serve as judges. More than 200 attendees also sampled the dishes during a reception to honor Central Missouri Food Bank donors. Guests voted Chef David Hibdon with the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center the People’s Choice Award winner. Chef Hibdon prepared Hawaiian Pork Quesadilla with Lomi Lomi Salsa and Kula Lime Sauce.
Second place and $500 went to Chef Aaron Wells-Morgan with the University Club in Columbia for his entrée, Winter Pork Trio. Chef Jason Mooney of the Grand Cru Restaurant in Columbia received third place and $250 with his entrée, Tandoori Pork With Langostines and a Fig & Apricot Chutney.
Additional chefs competing included Chef Jeffrey Guinn, University of Missouri Hotel and Restaurant Management; Chef Craig Hindelang, Jack’s Gourmet; and Chef Jina Yoo, Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro.
This is the 22nd year for national Taste of Elegance events. The National Pork Board sponsored the first event in 1987.
“We are proud to sponsor the Taste of Elegance events,” said Don Nikodim, executive vice president of the Missouri Pork Association. “Working with chefs to create new menu items, then promoting those items, helps build demand for pork, while introducing consumers to the product’s great taste.”
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.
Note to Media: Photos of the winners and winning entrée’s are available. Please contact Diane Slater at (573) 445-8375.
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