Kristianne Pak Wins 6th Annual S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition

KRISTIANNE PAK WINS 6TH ANNUAL S.PELLEGRINOTM ALMOST FAMOUS CHEFSM COMPETITION IN NAPA, HOSTED BY ACTRESS LORRAINE BRACCO AND BRAVO'S TOP CHEF WINNER HAROLD DIETERLE

Pak wins prizes including $16,000 and the career opportunity of a lifetime (Greenwich, CT, March 20, 2008) - Last week, California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena student Kristianne Pak was announced the winner of the 2008 S.PellegrinoTM Almost Famous ChefSM Competition at the finals held at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, Calif. The awards were hosted by the winner of Bravo's Top Chef, Harold Dieterle, chef and owner of Perilla New York, and actress Lorraine Bracco, famous for her role on The Sopranos on HBO and president of Bracco Wines.

Pak was chosen among fierce competition from 9 other top culinary students from around the U.S. and Canada by an elite judging panel which included Chef Christoph Leu of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Chef Matthew Levin of Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, Chef Allyson Thurber of The Lobster, Chef Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia, Chef Joseph Keller of Bistro Zinc, Chef Nash Cognetti of Tra Vigne, Tara de Lis of Citysearch, Jeff Hoyt of Gayot, Lena Birnbaum of Bon App?tit, and Rita DeMontis of The Toronto Sun. Pak was awarded prizes including a $16,000 cash prize, a $1,000 scholarship for her alma mater, a year-long opportunity to work with a nationally recognized chef, and the title of the 2008 S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef.

The ten finalists competed in three categories: the Mystery Basket, Signature Dish, and People's Choice Competition. Anthony Baldini took home prizes including $3,000 for his Fried Catfish with Polenta and Herb Salad dish in the challenging Mystery Basket Competition, in which the finalists were presented with surprise ingredients that included catfish, leeks, and parsley, and were judged on how well they created a menu and meal within a two hour period. P

ak won an additional $6,000 by sweeping the Signature Dish Challenge as well as the People's Choice, which was chosen by more than 200 guests of the Tasting Gala and Awards Reception, for her Asian-American inspired Glazed Beef Short Ribs, Stir-Fried Miso Spinach and Chestnut Steamed Rice. "This is a dream come true," said Pak, who draws from her Japanese-Korean-American heritage to create her signature fusion cuisine style. "Just to be given this opportunity by S.Pellegrino was incredible, and so challenging, but worth every bit of work put into it. I planned on bringing my 'A' game to the competition, and I definitely did. I think this is the best career starter anyone could ask for."

About S.Pellegrino? The #1 sparkling mineral water brand in fine dining restaurants, S.Pellegrino? Sparkling Natural Mineral Water has been appreciated as the perfect meal accompaniment since its discovery in the 13th century. High in the mountains north of Milan, the waters rise from an underground aquifer, where 14 distinct minerals in the limestone and volcanic rock impart a unique flavor. Lightly carbonated, S.Pellegrino along with its still water companion, the legendary Acqua Panna? Natural Spring Water, are the ideal complement to every dining experience. For more information on S.Pellegrino, visit www.sanpellegrino.com or www.finediningwaters.com.###
CONTACTBrittni Brown at bbrown@saltcomm.com or Lindsay Fredricks at lfredricks@saltcomm.com

My Winning Recipe:

http://www.thesparklinglife.com/2008/November/cooking_class/Default.aspx