2009 Taste of Elegance

Tuesday January 27th marked the 2009 Indiana Pork Producer's annual "Taste of Elegance" premier Chef's competition held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom downtown Indianapolis. The event, hosted by Indiana Pork-in partnership with the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Farm Bureau-is a culinary event designed to inspire innovative and exciting ways to menu pork. This years "Taste of Elegance" had eleven competing chef's from across Indiana all vying for the “CHEF PAR EXCELLENCE” award and a chance to compete as Indiana's representative at the National Taste of Elegance competition to be held in Baltimore, Maryland slated in June of 2009.
The Chef's Academy had Two of our Chef Instructor's, Chef Jeffrey Bane and Chef Jason Anderson, competing in the competition along with our career serviced director, Joshua Horrigan. Chef Jeffrey Bane was representing The Chef's Academy, while Chef Jason Anderson was representing Dunaway's, and Mr. Horigan was representing Green Gourmet LLC. The Chef's Academy also was proud to have our Dean Chef Tony Hanslits and Chef Instructor Brandon Hamilton (“Taste of Elegance" 2008 winner) participating on the panel of judges for the evening.
The evening also gave a number of The Chef's Academy's student the opportunity to assist our Chef's in the competetion, enabling them to experience a top culinary competition. Chef Jeffrey Bane took home a couple of awards for the evening. For his showmanship display Chef Bane won the People’s Choice Award-Best Display, as well as, Superior Chef Award 2nd Place finisher for his Butter Scotch Pork. Chef Bane won the People's Choice-Best Display, most likely by a landslide, as it contained a self created Ice Carving that accompanied his dish on display. Chef Bane was pleased to add his second straight Superior Chef Award, as he also placed 2nd place in the 2008 "Taste of Elegance".
Chef Ryan Nelson from The Oceanaire Seafood Room took home top honors on the night winning “CHEF PAR EXCELLENCE”. Ryan will be competing in the National "Taste of Elegance" being held in June. The Chef's Academy extends congratulations to Chef Nelson and all competing Chef's in this years "Taste of Elegance".
Unfortunately Chef Jason Anderson and Mr. Horrigan did not place in the top three for the event, but they both deserve many kudos to their hard work and savory dishes. Chef Anderson prepared a delictible rendition of Pork & Beans. Mr. Joshua Horrigan prepared Braised Pork Shoulder with Tomatillo & Ancho Chili Sauce that toyed with the taste buds.
The Chef's Academy is proud to have each of our participants in the 2009 "Taste of Elegance" and we look forward to future competitions our Chef's will undoubtadly compete in and anticipate their future accomplishments.