NEWS - Agribusiness

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 30, 2012 – You’ve got more than two months to practice.  Chefs across Georgia will soon reveal new layers of their own talent as well as the versatility of the famous Vidalia® Onion is showcased in the inaugural ‘Golden Onion’ professional cooking competition to be held on Sunday, April 22, 2012, in Vidalia, Ga., as the official kick-off to the 35th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival.

This new professional cooking competition will showcase the Vidalia® Onion, Georgia’s most exclusive and internationally renowned agricultural treasure, according to organizers. It will also offer a new platform for chefs across Georgia to display their skills and creativity.

“We are excited to discover the creative ways that chefs across Georgia utilize Vidalia Onions,” said Wendy Brannen, executive director of the Vidalia® Onion Committee. “This event promotes Georgia as the home of the Vidalia Onion and also provides a platform for chefs to show off their skills while demonstrating the versatility and great flavor of Vidalia Onions.”

Golden Onion competitors will have one hour to prepare and present a recipe that features Vidalia® Onions. Twelve chefs are able to compete, and have the option to work with one assistant. To be eligible, competitors must be lead chefs (with job titles such as executive chef, chef de cuisine, chef/owner) for a free-standing restaurant in Georgia. Chefs working at restaurants associated with a luxury country club, resort or hotel are also eligible.

Dishes will be judged on the basis of taste, presentation and creativity. Failure to feature the flavor of Vidalia® Onions or making last-minute changes to the recipe that was submitted during the application process may reduce a chef’s final score. Judging will be blind.

The First Place champion will be awarded the Golden Onion trophy, an exclusive honor to hold for one year. The trophy must be surrendered the following year to the next winner. The First Place champion will also receive a cash prize of $500. The second place winner will receive $250 and the third place winner $100. All winners will also receive commemorative plaques.

“We’re excited about the professional cooking element that the Golden Onion competition adds to the Vidalia Onion Festival,” added Ingrid M. Varn, executive director of the Vidalia Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is an exciting opportunity for chefs across Georgia to roll up their sleeves and show us what they can do with our official state vegetable. And we’ll make the chefs’ recipes available to encourage folks to try new uses for Vidalia Onions at home in their own kitchens.” Printed booklets featuring all of the competitors’ recipes will be available for purchase for $10 at the competition and at the 35th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival.

The Golden Onion competition is presented by the Vidalia Onion Festival Committee in cooperation with the Vidalia® Onion Committee, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Georgia Restaurant Association. It was conceived by Atlanta-based freelance food and travel writer/editor Hope S. Philbrick, who will serve as one of five judges.

The Golden Onion competition will be held at the Vidalia Community Center, 107 Old Airport Road in Vidalia, Ga. The event is open to the public starting at 12:30 p.m. Advance tickets cost $5 per person or $10 at the door. For details visit www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.