CASTROVILLE, Calif. – Chef Tony Baker, executive chef and co-owner of Montrio Bistro in Monterey, Calif., was the winner of a "Top Chef" style cook-off July 29 at the Produce Marketing Association's annual foodservice conference in Monterey.
Baker demonstrated the preparation of Smoked Artichoke-Spinach and Goat Cheese Crepes with Scrambled Eggs and Mustard Cream and was entered into the competition for the "Best Tasting Menu Item" contest in the breakfast category.
The judging criteria for the contest included appearance, aroma, taste, quality indicators, produce-centricity and innovation.
The conference attendees chose the winning recipe and all participating chefs' recipes will be included in a recipe booklet.
This is the second time that Baker has been honored by the produce industry. In 2008 he received the first annual 2008 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award from United Fresh Research & Education Foundation at its annual conference, United Fresh. Baker was one of five outstanding chefs recognized for the use of produce in the culinary
arts.
"At Montrio Bistro we work closely with farmers to get the very best of the season," Baker said. "Living and working on the Monterey Peninsula makes it easier; we are fortunate to have a plethora of farmers offering us their produce that our customers appreciate."
The menu at Montrio Bistro features locally grown produce such as Ocean Mist Farms artichokes. Baker has worked with Ocean Mist Farms on recipe development and other ideas for more than 10 years.
View the winning recipe here: http://www.oceanmist.com/recipes/368/recipe_detail.aspx
For more information visit www.oceanmist.com.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farm's growers are focused on meeting the needs of their customers and consumers. That means they are committed to the highest standards in the industry for quality, service, innovation, social responsibility and delivering year-round premium fresh vegetables. Ocean Mist Farms is four generations of family farmers who lead the artichoke category and grow a full line of fresh vegetables.
Source: Ocean Mist Farms
