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| Credit: San Diego Wine Classic |
November 21, 2018
San Diego, CA – In conjunction with the American CulinaryFederation (ACF), the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival ® announces the winners of this
year’s Chef of the Fest Competition. The annual competition brings top San Diego chefs
head-to-head in a fierce culinary competition judged by the San Diego Chapter of ACF along
with guest judges.
This year’s Chef of the Fest title went to Andrew Reyes of Paradise Point Hotel & Spa for his
dish, Dried Scallop Congee with Palm Carmel Braised Duck with Pickled Green Chilis, Fried
Peanuts and Shaved Duck Egg Yolk. San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival® co-producer,
Michelle Metter calls the competition the perfect conclusion to the weeklong food and wine
festival.
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| Credit: San Diego Wine Classic |
“The Chef of the Fest competition continues to highlight some of San Diego’s most
outstanding chefs,” continued Metter. “Each year, the level of artisanship and use of new
and exquisite foods by the participating chefs astonishes at the Grand Tasting. We
congratulate all of this year’s competitors on a spectacular showcase of the finest culinary
talent in San Diego.”
Each year, the San Diego Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, a professional
organization of chefs and culinarians organizes the judging of the Chef of the Fest
Competition. The San Diego Chapter Secretary, Chef Katherine Emmenegger, was lead
coordinator of the judging process. Four guest judges joined in responsibilities, Chef of the
Fest Judges included:
1. Suzette Gresham – Executive Chef, Acquerello, San Francisco, CA
2. Domenica Catelli – Chef and Owner, Catelli’s, Sonoma, CA
3. Laura Werlin – Author, The All American Cheese and Wine Book
4. Michael Schlow - Restaurateur, Schlow Restaurant Group
The 2018 Chef of the Fest Competition was judged using a blind-tasting format. Twenty-six
chefs were carefully narrowed down to four finalists and four category winners using a
graded point system. Participants were ranked based on cumulative scores considering the
dish’s presentation, flavor, innovation, quality of product, and preparation in the allotted
time.
SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL®
The 15th Annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival®
is an international showcase of the world's premier wine and spirits producers, chefs and
culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. Held November 11-18, 2018 the event benefits
culinary arts and enology scholarships awarded by Fast Forward Futures, the Chaîne des
Rôtisseurs and the Berry Good Night Foundation. Over 200 wineries, breweries, and spirit
companies and 50 of San Diego’s top fine-dining restaurants will participate in the 2018
Festival. For more information visit www.sandiegowineclassic.com Produced by World of
Wine Events and Fast Forward. For more information call 619-312-1212.
Source: San Diego Wine Classic
