St. Paul Chef Earns National Recognition with Top Burger Recipe
Local chef sees more green with his Black and Green recipe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2008
Contact: Greg Standifer 316-352-5147
WICHITA, Kan. – A St. Paul chef’s Black and Green Burger recipe earned him a $10,000 top prize during Cargill’s TNT™ Top Burger Challenge. Chef Andrew Casale, a chef at the University of St. Thomas, competed in a cook-off against five other chefs from around the country, each contending for the Top Burger recipe.
“I submitted four burger recipes, but finally decided to prepare this Black and Green recipe, as it has the best flavor,” explained Chef Andrew following the competition. “Because the judges weighted flavor higher than presentation, I prepared the burger with the best flavor, and I’m honored the judges agreed with my decision.”
The judging panel included celebrity guest Chef Marcus Samuelsson and three Cargill corporate chefs. Judges scored the finalists’ burgers on flavor, originality, preparation, presentation, timing, organization and faithfulness. Recipes used the TNT Burger patty, a Cargill foodservice product and could include any other ingredient chosen by the chef. Chef Andrew’s recipe was among six finalists that were chosen from 66 submitted recipes.
“The Black and Green Burger from Chef Andrew incorporated everything we wanted in the Top Burger recipe,” said Chef Stephen Giunta, Cargill culinary director and certified master chef. “His execution and presentation were perfect. Chef Andrew’s recipe is very deserving of the Top Burger honor.”
Cargill asked chefs, foodservice operators and owners to submit their best burger recipes to be considered the Top Burger recipe as judged by a panel of culinary experts. The finalists visited Cargill’s Culinary Innovation Center in Wichita, Kan. on April 23, for the cook-off and the chance at winning $10,000.
“I’ve admired Chef Marcus’ work and culinary dedication for a long time,” added Chef Andrew. “Having my recipe judged by him and by a certified master chef is a great rare honor. I’m pleased to have had this opportunity.”
Two $1,000 runner-up prizes were awarded to Chef Sarah Spero of San Diego and her Chipotle Chili Burger with Chocolate and Queso Fresco; and Chef Don Burrows of Chicago and his Three Chili Quesadilla Burger. The TNT Burger brand is a thick and tender homestyle beef patty used widely by foodservice operators across the United States. The Top Burger Challenge was held in honor of TNT Burger’s 15th anniversary.
High-resolution versions of the photos are available upon request.