FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Walnut Board (CWB) today announced the launch of its Waldorf Salad Refresh Recipe Challenge in partnership with the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, the birthplace of The Waldorf Salad and many other iconic culinary innovations. From now until July 23, 2015, foodies of all skill levels are invited to create and submit their most creative twists on the classic Waldorf Salad while incorporating the salad's three signature ingredients: walnuts, celery and apples.
The winning dish will receive the honor of being featured on the menu of the Waldorf Astoria New York's prestigious Sunday Brunch menu this fall, as well as on the California Walnuts website.
Since its inception in the late 1800s, The Waldorf Salad has become a beloved dish that has inspired countless variations over the years. For instance, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resort's annual Taste of Waldorf Astoria culinary challenge paired five established and five emerging chefs together to recreate one of Waldorf Astoria's iconic dishes. The winning dish, Celery Risotto Alla Waldorf, was a recreation of the famous Waldorf Salad between Waldorf Astoria Master Chef Heinz Beck and JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chef David Posey at the Waldorf Astoria in Rome, the Rome Cavalieri. Similarly, the Waldorf Salad Refresh Recipe Challenge celebrates this timeless American classic and the delicious taste of walnuts by encouraging home cooks to develop and share their most unique and innovative recipes with California Walnuts in the spirit of friendly competition.
"We are pleased to celebrate the culinary versatility of walnuts with the Waldorf Salad Refresh Recipe Challenge. We want contestants to inspire walnut lovers everywhere by creating their most original versions of this American classic," said Dennis A. Balint, CEO of the California Walnut Board. "And having the opportunity for the winning recipe to be featured on the Sunday Brunch menu at the Waldorf Astoria New York is simply a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Finalists will be selected by the California Walnut Board with the ultimate winner being selected by the Waldorf Astoria New York's Director of Culinary, Chef David Garcelon. The grand prize winner will also receive $5,000 and a trip for two to New York City, which includes a two night stay at the Waldorf Astoria New York (blackout dates apply), brunch for two and one spa treatment at the hotel's Guerlain Spa.
Not only do walnuts add flavor and a delightful crunch to salads and foods of all kinds, but they are also the only nut that provides an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (2.5 grams), as well as being a convenient source of protein (4 grams) and fiber (2 grams), per one ounce serving.
For more information about the contest and to submit an original Waldorf Salad recipe and photo, visit www.Walnuts.org/Waldorf.
About the California Walnut Board
The Walnut Marketing Board was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. In April 2008, the Walnut Marketing Board became the California Walnut Board to provide origin designation to the product it represents. The Board is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is empowered by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The Board promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity, advertising and educational programs, and also provides funding for walnut production and post-harvest research.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 25 landmark destinations, each being a true reflection of their surroundings in the world's most sought after locations. Unified by their inspirational environments and unparalleled guest service, Waldorf Astoria creates unique authentic moments through the delivery of True Waldorf Service. Personal Concierges deliver unparalleled, bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. Waldorf Astoria is a part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at www.waldorfastoria.com or www.waldorfastoria.com/offers. Learn more about this expanding portfolio by visiting news.waldorfastoria.com.
Source: California Walnut Board
