Des Moines’ Grandgeorge Topples Competition in State Fair Food Contest
August 20, 2011
Tag Grandgeorge of Des Moines collected top honors in the Soy Oil Frying Frenzy contest judged Monday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Grandgeorge impressed judges with his Fried Pork Wonton with Sweet and Sour Slaw and Chili Dipping Sauce as well as his Fried Fromage Blanc with Watermelon Syrup and a Melon Slushie. Grandgeorge's culinary expertise earned him first place in the Appetizer and Dessert classes.
Second place in the Appetizer class was awarded to Thomas McKern of Waukee, and Randy Husted of Iowa Falls claimed third.
In the Dessert category, second place was awarded to Bette Dryer of Des Moines while McKern claimed third.
The competition, new to this year's Fair, was open only to professional chefs. The talented entrants were asked to fry their dishes on site using Plenish High Oleic Soybean Oil. The judges, who based their scores on taste, innovation and presentation, awarded both $1000 cash prizes to first-place winner Grandgeorge.
“Nothing Compares” to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.
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