Artisan Wins 3rd Consecutive "Best Dish" Title at Taste of the Nation

IT’S A “3-PEAT” FOR THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHARLOTTE’S ARTISAN AT ANNUAL TASTE OF NATION

Artisan, the teaching restaurant of the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Charlotte yesterday won a 2008 “Best Hot Food” award at Taste of the Nation at the Wachovia Atrium, marking Artisan’s third consecutive win at the annual benefit.

The 2008 winning dish was smoked and braised pork neck over yellow grits, kale, spring onions and pickled vegetables. The dish was paired with Gaelic ale.
All ingredients used including the ale were produced within 100 miles of Charlotte.

In 2006 Artisan won the “Best Hot Dish” for Crisp Pork Belly, and in 2007 won “Best Cold Dish” for Terrine of Foie Gras on Ginger Snap.

Culinary students Marla Thurman and Andrew Gaddis assisted Chef/Instructor Nathan Hashmonay in preparing Artisan’s 2008 entry.

Taste of the Nation is a fundraising event which invites restaurants all over the region to compete for “best signature dish” titles. The benefit was created by “Share Our Strength,” a national organization of chefs dedicated to raising money to help end childhood hunger in America. Proceeds go to various charities including Second Harvest Food Bank and the Community Culinary School.

contact: Susan Jetton
704.357.5963 or sjetton@aii.edu