Source:  NCDA&CS, 2/15/10

The Best Dish in NC restaurant contest is calling for North Carolina chefs to enter this year’s competition to determine which restaurant serves the best dish using products grown or produced in the state.

“I’m excited about this year’s competition, because we have such great culinary talent in this state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The Best Dish competition has grown in size and popularity each year, and we are hoping this year will be the biggest and best yet.”

The Best Dish in NC restaurant contest started in 2006 to bring awareness to the restaurants and chefs who feature local food products on their menus. The annual competition is open to any North Carolina restaurant or restaurant group. Restaurants may compete in one of two categories: Fine Dining or Casual Dining. The contest is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Our State magazine.

Applications must be received by March 31 in order to be considered for this year’s contest. A panel of judges will review the applications and announce the finalists in May. Judging will take place during the summer. Applications and contest guidelines can be found online at www.bestdishnc.com.