Best “Pittsburgh” The Burgh Bites Cart owner Ricci
Ricci Minella, The Burgh Bites Cart
Minella served up braised pork, pickled cucumber, red onion, dill sour cream, and fresh cilantro on a sweet potato chip. In one bite, the flavors fused for a comforting and dominantly fresh zest. “I felt honored and humbled to have been invited to a competition with some of Pittsburgh’s greatest chefs and local restaurants, and was blown away when I found out that my dish won,” says Minella. “I’m inspired by Pittsburgh’s rapidly evolving food scene and am constantly trying to push myself to contribute to its growth.”
A portion of the proceeds from Chef’s Best Dish 2013 benefited the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank! Revisit our November 2013 issue — also available at whirlmagazine.com — for a succulent spread of Chef’s Best Dishes from 40 revered restaurants.
Kurt Diederich, Anthony Falcon, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Best Seasonal
Executive Chef Jason Huzzard, The Original Fish Market
“I now distinguish this dish on my menu by labeling it award-winning,” says The Original Fish Market Executive Chef Jason Huzzard of his palatial plate of pecan-crusted Lake Ontario walleye, sautéed Brussels sprouts, kabocha squash purée, and spicy apple chutney. Huzzard keeps his seasonal dish local by utilizing a community-supported agriculture program through Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance. “I can’t keep enough of this dish in-house,” he says. “The event was a great opportunity for me to distinguish myself. I had a good time interacting with the guests — everyone was very friendly and responsive, and I got a lot of really great feedback.”
Mark Burnett, Pat Joseph, Sherry Jo Matt
Annika Mancini, Lee Tenace
Glenn Harlow, e.b. Pepper, Scott & Marsha Deaktor
Bill Fuller, Ben Sloan, big Burrito Restaurant Group Bryan Dickey, Steve Rechtorik, Randi Kelly, Brian Holupka, Steelhead Brasserie & Wine Bar
Kim Langhorst, Nivea Grady
John Gruver, Ben D’Amico, Giant Eagle Market District
Andrea Cuffman, Annie Rosellini
Tibby Canfield, Robert Lazear whirlmagazine.com
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