Pork Congress 2012 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

Dubuque chef named Chef Par Excellence at
2012 Iowa Pork Taste of Elegance
A chef from the Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque was
proclaimed the winner of the 2012 Iowa Pork Taste of
Elegance competition in Des Moines.
Chef Jon Nelson was named Chef Par Excellence in the
Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 25 th annual culinary
contest Jan. 23. He prepared a pork dish he titled
“Pur Porc.” Nelson earned a plaque, $1,000 and the
opportunity to compete in the National Taste of Elegance
event in California this spring.
Another Dubuque chef placed second in the contest and
earned the title of Superior Chef. Chef Andrew James
Weis of Caroline’s Restaurant at the Hotel Julien Dubuque
prepared an entrée titled “Pork Ribeye Specialty” and he
won a plaque and $500.
The third place winner was Chef Aaron King of Dos
Rios/Big City Burgers and Greens/Catering DSM in
Des Moines. As Premier Chef, King received a plaque
and $250. His “Pork 3 Ways” entrée featured Honey and
Cider Caramelized Pork Belly, Morse Farms Satsuma
Mandarin Marmalade, Pig Skin Ravioli, House-cured
Whiskey Smoked Ham and Lentil Parfait, and Adobo
Pork Loin with Negro Mole.
Chef Joseph Weisz of the Iowa Stater Restaurant in
Ames took home the People’s Choice Award. The 2011
Iowa Pork Taste of Elegance Superior Chef was a lastminute
replacement in the contest and he won a plaque
and $250 with an entrée he called “Tre Carbonara.”
A total of eleven chefs from Iowa restaurants competed
for the top prize in this year’s contest at the Des Moines
2011 Iowa Pork Queen Cheyenne McNichols with Chef Jon Nelson, 2012 Iowa Pork Taste of Elegance Chef Par Excellence
22 March 2012