Iowa Restaurant Association Names Polk City Chef
2009 Chef of the Year

West Des Moines, Iowa (November 19, 2009) – The Iowa Restaurant Association named Executive Chef Ephraim Malag, CMFC, CEC, from Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City, as the 2009 Chef of the Year. Malag was honored at the association’s annual Celebrating Excellence gala.

“This award recognizes creativity, culinary excellence and service to the industry,” said Doni DeNucci, president and CEO for the Iowa Restaurant Association. “Ephraim’s creativity at the Tournament Club of Iowa and his presence and participation in the community has elevated the culinary sophistication and professionalism of the entire Des Moines area hospitality market.”

Malag is an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef. His traditional and contemporary dishes have an international influence derived primarily from French-style and Pacific Rim-style recipes. Malag has quickly become a local culinary sensation and his cuisine has been labeled some of the best in the Midwest. In addition to his culinary talent, Malag is a true philanthropist frequently volunteering and donating his time to several organizations and youth to promote culinary education.

This year’s Celebrating Excellence was held earlier this month at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse and the Holiday Inn & Suites at Jordan Creek and included a VIP reception, culinary competition and tasting salons featuring award-winning cuisine paired with specialty beers, spirits and fine wine. The event was emceed by WHO Radio personality Mark Pearson and featured a keynote address by National Restaurant Association Board Chairman Mike Gibbons, president and CEO of Mainstreet Ventures, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a regional restaurant chain. Celebrating Excellence is held annually in November and the general public is welcome to attend.

About the Iowa Restaurant Association
Headquartered in Des Moines, the Iowa Restaurant Association is the professional association of the restaurant and retail beverage industry in Iowa. In addition to representing the industry’s legislative concerns, the Iowa Restaurant Association works to educate its members on ways to operate efficiently, safely, and profitably and to promote quality and professionalism in the industry. For more information, visit www.restaurantiowa.com. 

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Media Contacts:

Doni DeNucci, CAE        
Iowa Restaurant Association
515- 276-1454
ddenucci@restaurantiowa.com

Jessica Dunker                                                                                
Iowa Restaurant Association
515- 202-6786
jessica@dunker.com

© Copyright Iowa Restaurant Association 2007