Cedar Falls Chef Wins 
Iowa Restaurant Association Culinary Competition

West Des Moines, Iowa (November 19, 2009) – Eight chefs from across Iowa took over the kitchen at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse and the Holiday Inn & Suites at Jordan Creek, on Sunday, November 8, to prepare their best-of-the-best culinary creations featuring the beef Tenderloin and a Soyfoods side dish. This one-of-a-kind culinary competition, sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and The Soyfoods Council, is held annually in conjunction with the Iowa Restaurant Association’s annual Celebrating Excellence gala.

“The popularity of this culinary competition has really grown in popularity through the years among the Iowa culinary community,” said Doni DeNucci, president and CEO for the Iowa Restaurant Association. “We are proud to host this prestigious event that brings together some of the best culinary talent in Iowa, while promoting the versatility and creativity in using beef and soy products.”

Earning top honors for his Lemongrass Smoked Beef Tenderloin and Edamame Dumplings was Chef Brian Sonksen of Soho Sushi Bar and Deli/The Stuffed Olive, Cedar Falls. Second place and People’s Choice award winner was Chef Scott Welbourn of Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, West Des Moines, with his Beef Tenderloin Topped with Johnny’s Signature Sinatra Sauce and Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Risotto with Edamame. Chef Zephaniah Leaton of Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, was the third place winner with his Beef Nasya. Additionally, a Dessert People’s Choice award, sponsored by Wells Dairy Blue Bunny, was presented to Chef Daniel Figueroa of The Machine Shed Restaurant for his Chocolate Covered Bacon Napoleon with Pumpkin Cream and Maple Cream Anglaise.

All culinary competition recipes were judged by industry professionals on taste, appearance, tenderness, texture and overall creativity and originality.

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