Radisson Saskatoon’s Scott Torgerson wins gold

SASKATOON, SK — Competing against seven of the city’s culinary best, Radisson Hotel Saskatoon’s executive chef Scott Torgerson claimed first place at the Gold Medal Plates Culinary Competition in Saskatoon, it was announced Oct. 31.

Torgerson’s win came less than 24 hours after returning home victorious from the Culinary Olympics in Germany.

“It is an honour to win a Gold Medal at home in Saskatoon,” said Torgerson in a release. “I share this award with my incredible team at the Radisson Hotel Saskatoon and Aroma Resto Bar. It is because of their continuous hard work, dedication and support that allows us the ability to prepare and compete against some of the world’s best chefs.”

The gold medal win secures Torgerson a spot at the Canadian Culinary Championships, The Gold Medal Plates Finale, in Kelowna, B.C., Feb. 3-4, 2017.

The win is one of many recent accolades for chef Torgerson. As a member of the 2016 Culinary Team Canada Olympic team, he helped win three gold and two silver medals in Erfurt, Germany, before arriving home to defend his second place finish at last year’s Gold Medal Plates Saskatoon.

Torgerson’s winning plate featured black trumpet-crusted roast elk and Cactus Lake beef tenderloin with porcini and sunchoke foam, plated with broccoli puree, parsnip, beef tendon puff, pearl onion and micro cress. Complementing the dish was the 2014 Inniskillin Discovery Series Zinfandel from Inniskillin, Okanagan, B.C.

Judged by a panel of eight, each dish was awarded points based on visual presentation, texture, technical achievement, taste, wine compatibility and wow factor.