Yo A Cook's Off Reality Series Triumphs With Turkey

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) hails Su Jin Yoo, a finalist in the Philadelphia Daily News Yo A Cook's Off culinary reality series and student at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, for her Braised Turkey in Red Wine, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Dried Cherries and Red Cabbage. The entrie was developed in week 7 of the 12-week contest when students were challenged by the program's judge, Chef Walter Staib of the City Tavern, with preparing a dish from a basket of secret ingredients. It's now part of the library of foodservice recipes on eatturkey.com.

"Her mystery basket contained a bone-in turkey breast plus the potatoes, produce, herbs and spices," notes Sherrie Rosenblatt, NTF's senior director of marketing and communications. "As part of the competition she had an hour to put this together. It's a sumptuous application of turkey that may prove inspirational for other foodservice operators looking to expand the offerings on their menus."

Foodservice professionals can access Su Jin Yoo's recipe by logging onto eatturkey.com, clicking on the "recipe database," selecting "foodservice" and then choosing "braise." The entrie will appear in the list of turkey dishes prepared by braising.

About Yo A Cook's Off!
Inspired by NBC's The Apprentice with Donald Trump, Yo A Cook's Off is the creation of April Adamson, food editor of the Philadelphia Daily News. Twelve top culinary students from Drexel University, Culinary Arts at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College competed against each other for a position of Chef Tournant with City Tavern/Chef Proprietor Walter Staib in addition to a 4-day vacation at Sandals resort in Jamaica. The Philadelphia Daily News, SYSCO food service of Philadelphia, Air Jamaica and Sandals sponsored the reality series, which ran from February 18, 2004 - May 5, 2004.

About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry. Its award-winning web site, www.eatturkey.com, offers "Turkey, Savor the Success" features that highlight current turkey trends, virtual menus that showcase successful turkey dishes, professional chef cooking demonstrations and a searchable database of more than 650 foodservice recipes. Operators can also go to www.eatturkey.com to sign up for the Recipe E-mail program to register to receive unique recipe ideas that add flair to holiday and special occasion menus year-round. In 2004, the National Turkey Federation launched a new campaign, "Turkey, The Perfect Protein," to promote turkey's superior nutritional qualities (more protein, less fat) when compared to most other meats.


About City Tavern
City Tavern is an historic restaurant that provides the interpretive experience of dining in the 18th century. Located in Philadelphia, PA, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Chef/Proprietor Walter Staib is the author of the acclaimed City Tavern Cookbook, as well as the City Tavern Baking and Dessert Cookbook. City Tavern and Walter Staib are the proud recipients of the prestigious Five Star Diamond Chef and Restaurant Awards, 2001 - 2004. Its children's menu has also been awarded Restaurant Hospitality's Best Kids Menu in America 2000 and the 2000 Menu Visionary Award for Children's Dining, From Mind to Menu.