Executive Chef Robert Beasley of the Gilded Emporium in Adel was awarded top honors during the Iowa Pork Taste of Elegance, an annual culinary competition designed to inspire innovative and exciting ways to menu pork. Preparing a Pistachio and Tarragon Encrusted Niman Ranch Rack of Pork, Chef Beasley was awarded the title of Chef Par Excellence out of the nine chefs competing.

The Taste of Elegance is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and brings together talented chefs from across Iowa for an elegant occasion that highlights pork and its popularity as a menu favorite.

Second place honors, Superior Chef, and the People's Choice Award were given to Executive Chef Ephraim Malag of the Tournament Club of Iowa for his Jasmine Tea Pork Chop. The Tournament Club of Iowa is located in Polk City.

Sue Krapfl of Country Junction Restaurant in Dyersville was awarded third place -- Premier Chef -- with her Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin dish.

Nine restaurants from the state of Iowa entered the competition, which was held during the Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. Each chef prepared an original entrée requiring the use of a fresh cut of pork. Entrées were evaluated on taste, originality and creativity by a panel of four judges.

Chef Beasley will go on to compete in the National Taste of Elegance, held in April in Orlando, Florida.