Schnucks, Safeway Chefs Headline Alaska Seafood Challenge

Chef Rosanne Toroian, food editor and information specialist for Schnuck Markets, Jeff Anderson, Safeway’s director of culinary innovation/consumer brands and Keoni Chang, corporate executive chef, director of prepared foods for Sullivan Family of Cos., were crowned as the top winners of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute’s (ASMI) inaugural Alaska Seafood Prepared Foods Challenge.

Designed to celebrate both National Seafood Month and the retail culinary professionals who prepare a range of prepared foods for legions of busy shoppers every day, the challenge ran from October 1-31, 2012, and was open to all U.S. retail chefs.

Participating chefs were invited to submit original, retail-friendly recipes featuring wild Alaska seafood for a chance to win a $500 gift card or the grand prize voyage to the 49th state.

Judged by Alaska seafood culinary experts, the winning recipes offer innovative, satisfying flavor, healthy nutrition, and good shelf life at an affordable price.

Chef Rosanne Toroian, food editor & information specialist, Schnuck Markets, Inc., took grand prize honors with a trip to Alaska in the Best Alaska Surimi Seafood Recipe & Best Alaska Seafood Sandwich, for her Dilled Alaska Surimi Seafood Salad Sandwich.

Executive chef Jeff Anderson, director of culinary innovation, consumer brands for Safeway, Inc., was honored with the prize for Best Alaska Seafood Hot Entrée for his Thai Curry Quick Alaska Cod with Instant Basmati.

Chef Keoni Chang, corporate executive chef, director of prepared foods, Sullivan Family of Cos., was also honored with the top prize for the Best Alaska Seafood Appetizer/Side Dish & Best Alaska Seafood Salad, for his Korean Style Alaska Salmon Belly Skewers and Spicy Alaska Surimi Seafood Roll Salad.

Officials from the Juneau-based ASMI were gratified by the response to the first-ever challenge and plan to continue further collaboration with retail chefs in the future.

To learn more about upcoming opportunities or to receive ASMI news, please contact Larry Andrews, ASMI retail marketing director or visit its website here.