Posted: 01.26.2012

         Eight chefs from throughout the state of Wisconsin have been selected to compete in the 2012 Wisconsin's Taste of Elegance contest, which will be held at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells on February 2.  The Taste of Elegance features Wisconsin’s top chefs who will prepare an original pork recipe that has not been previously featured on their menu.  The reception featuring these eight chefs will begin at 6:15 p.m.

               The Taste of Elegance was created to encourage pork menuing in a creative and non-traditional manner.  The chef participants are competing for the title of Chef Par Excellence and $750.  The Superior Chef will receive $500 and $250 will be awarded to the Premium Chef.  Judging is based on taste, appearance and originality. In addition, those in attendance at the reception will select their favorite entrée, and a $250 People’s Choice Award will be presented.  Also, the Chef Par Excellence will have the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the National Pork Board’s ‘Pork Summit,’ where chefs gain an in-depth understanding of pork and the pork industry express their culinary creativity with other state winners at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, CA.

               The Eight chefs who will be competing in this elegant contest are:

·        Chef Jeffrey C. Orr, UW-Madison, Department of Dining and Culinary Services

·        Chef Kevin Andraska, South Shore Restaurant & Lounge, Mauston

·        Chefs Rod Ladson and Efren Martinez, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Middleton

·        Chef Dave Bush, Wisconsin Machine Shed, Pewaukee 

·        Chef Michael White, Biaggi’s, Madison 

·        Chef Nicholas Bijak, Heidel House Resort and Spa, Green Lake 

·        Chef Miles Breed, The Great Karoo, Wisconsin Dells 

·        Chef Matthew Leeper, Falling Water Café, Middleton

               The Taste of Elegance not only provides an elegant occasion to highlight the increasing popularity of pork on America's menus, but also helps to strengthen chefs' preference for pork as a flavorful and versatile meat.  Since its inception, the national program has evolved into over twenty regional competitions, with more than 4,000 chefs participating. 

The Taste of Elegance is sponsored by Blain’s Farm & Fleet; Rural Mutual Insurance Co.; Tyson Foods, Inc.; Pork Checkoff; and Wisconsin Pork Association.

Don't miss this opportunity to see and taste the latest in creative culinary preparations with pork at this contest!  The cost to attend is $20.  Contact the Wisconsin Pork Association today at 608-723-7551 to make your reservations.

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