Posted: 02.08.2011

Seven chefs from across the state gathered their pots, pans, and secret ingredients and headed for Wisconsin Dells and the 2011 Taste of Elegance competition.

Tammy Vassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Pork Association, told Pam Jahnke that there would be some changes on the national scene to the "Taste" event.  "At the national competition, the chefs will be working more as a group to try and come up with unique recipes featuring pork," Vassen said.  "First, they'll be educated about where each cut of pork their accustomed to using actually comes from on the animal.  Then they'll be broken into groups to tackle the issue of the best recipe."  Vassen says the slight changes were designed to better educate the chefs about the product their working with and its connection back to the growers.

A record crowd at the Kahlahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells had a chance to sample and learn from each of the chefs.  In the end, Chef Rober Gamble from the Janesville Country Club was named "Chef Par Excellence" and given the chance to represent the state on the national scene.  Chef Gamble prepared a Fennel Crusted Pork Steak.  For his efforts, Gamble takes home $750 cash, plus a trip to Greystone, CA for the National Taste of Elegance hosted at the Culinary Institute of America.

In second place for the Wisconsin Taste of Elegance competition was Chef Tom Jordens from the Holiday Acres in Rhinelander.  Chef Jordens prepared Copper Pork Tenderloin and was awarded $500 cash.  Chef Jordens also was the crowd favorite, winning the "Peoples Choice" award and an additional $250 cash.

Chef Aaron Fidder of the Wisconsin Machine Shed in Grand Chute was the third place finisher with his French-nilla Pork Chop.  Fidder was presented a $250 check as well.

Judges for the event included:  Chef Jeff Igel from the Fox Valley Technical College; Chef Miles Breed - the 2010 Chef Par Excellence; and Chef Mike Obois from House of Embers in WI Dells.

For all the recipes - go to www.wppa.org and click on the "consumer" tab.

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