ASHEVILLE, NC – Chefs from Asheville restaurants bested chefs from throughout the Southeast on Saturday during a National Truffle Festival’s Risotto Cook-off.

The competition was held at "The Flying Frog" and pitted nine chefs in an "Iron Chef"-type duel. Gold, Silver and Bronze metals went to Chef Vijay Shastri (The Flying Frog); Chef Bill Klein (FIG); and Chef Todd (Savoy), respectfully.

Shastri took the gold with a truffled risotto which included spices inspired by his Indian heritage. Klein took a more purist approach to his dish to claim the Silver, while Todd brought his own unique interpretation to the classic dish for Bronze.

The event was well attended by regional truffle growers and foodies alike. The nine judges included chef Walter Royal (Angus Barn, Raleigh); sommelier Henk Shuitemaker (Angus Barn, Raleigh); Eliza Olander (Frankie Lemmon Foundation); Tony Fraga (Haywood Park Hotel); Michael Parker (local food and wine writer), and Mayor Terry Bellamy.

The truffle festival took place from March 5-8 and was sponsored by Garland Truffles. Proceeds from the event went to the Frankie Lemmon Foundation to support children with special needs.

ASHEVILLE, NC – On March 5^th through 8^th, in Asheville, the exquisite mushroom will bring together artists and chefs, farmers and sommeliers, musicians and dog-trainers for the First Annual National Truffle Fest (www.NationalTruffleFest.com).

Even in today’s slumping economy, truffles are proving to be a lucrative business. Many tobacco farmers in the Eastern United States are now planting vines for wine and trees for truffles. At around $1000 a pound, that’s a rich harvest!

During this decadent 3-day event, guests will be offered cooking demonstrations, tasting dinners, competitive cook-offs, truffle-dog hunting and a sampling of the very best truffles North America has to offer.

Guests will be invited to take part, on Friday, in a reenactment of a truffle hunt on the beautiful grounds of Whisper Mountain (www.WhisperNC.com).

Seven top chefs will create a once-in-a-lifetime, seven-course meal at Saturday’s "Chefs’ Dinner." Culinary icons like Iron Chef Walter Royal and Giorgios Bakastias will be preparing dishes for 300 lucky guests.

Local music and a breathtaking atmosphere ensure an excitement and energy all food and wine enthusiasts will enjoy.

For information on the "Grower’s Forum", "Truffle-Dog Trainer," "Guest Chefs," and "Winemaker Dinners" see: www.NationalTruffleFest.com

Or contact: Traci Tucker-Cortez (919)845-8880 / [email protected]