Attention All Home Chefs: LG Electronics Launches Second Annual 'Taste of Something Better' Culinary Competition

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Life tastes good when there's "Something Better" cooking in the kitchen. And in celebration of the many culinary innovations born out of the home kitchen, LG Electronics USA and Food & Wine magazine today announced the official call for entries for the 2010 "Taste of Something Better" recipe contest and cooking competition – for the crown of America's best amateur chef.

This contest, now in its second year, celebrates original recipes from amateur chefs across the nation, challenging finalists to a cook off in the LG kitchen at the new, highly anticipated Food & Wine "Taste of Beverly Hills" culinary festival taking place this September in California's most famous zip code – 90210 – on 9-02-10 through 9-05-10. The competition will be judged by a panel of celebrity chefs, including Tim Love, owner of the Lonesome Dove and the Love Shack in Texas, best known for his appearances on "Iron Chef America" and "Top Chef Masters". The winner of the Beverly Hills cook-off will go on to represent the United States in LG's annual "Life Tastes Good" global cooking competition this fall.

"So much about culinary success is the result of every day cooks experimenting with recipes in their own kitchens, so Food & Wine is delighted to partner with LG to encourage home chefs and aspiring foodies across the country to show off their culinary chops and creativity on the national stage," said Gail Simmons, Food & Wine Special Projects Director.

How the Recipe Contest Works

Home chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike – no professional chefs allowed – are asked to submit their favorite main entree recipe for a chance to showcase their cooking skills first-hand in the national cook-off event.  Three recipe finalists will be selected by a panel of renowned chefs and culinary critics to participate in LG's "Taste of Something Better" competition, held in conjunction with the first-ever Food & Wine Taste of Beverly Hills culinary festival.  

This unique epicurean event, of which LG is a presenting sponsor, will be a four-day celebration of the Los Angeles food scene hosted by noteworthy culinary personalities and featuring delicious dishes from some of the best restaurants in Southern California. The festival will celebrate all things epicurean and consist of a grand tasting featuring L.A.'s hottest restaurants, live cooking demonstrations from world-renowned chefs, a series of wine seminars from top vintners, live musical performances, VIP dinners, and more. The event will cater to true gastronomes and wine enthusiasts, to families and friends looking for a great weekend of delicious food, fun, and entertainment.

Competitors in the Beverly Hills event will be testing their culinary skills for the opportunity to represent the United States in LG's global "Life Tastes Good" cooking competition, taking place on Sept. 29, in addition to the following prize packages:

• Grand prize:  Trip for two to Seoul, South Korea, to compete in LG's global cooking competition and a suite of LG stainless steel kitchen appliances
• Runner-up: LG stainless steel 4-door, French-door refrigerator, gas cooktop and double wall oven
• Second runner-up: LG stainless steel double wall oven

"Our 'Taste of Something Better' competition recognizes the best amateur chefs in the nation, giving them a unique opportunity to share their culinary masterpieces with the world," said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing and strategy, LG Electronics USA. "Again this year, we're sure the recipes submitted for consideration will exhibit the culinary prowess that LG hopes to encourage in the kitchen by providing amateur chefs with the tools they need to cook up something better right at home."  

The contest will accept entries from June 15 through July 16, 2010. Food & Wine culinary experts will select 10 winning recipes, which will be prepared in the magazine's kitchen to narrow the field to three finalists, who will compete in the live championship match in Beverly Hills. For complete details and to enter your recipe, visit http://www.foodandwine.com/promo/lg/. For more information about LG kitchen appliances and other products, please visit www.LG.com.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA, Inc.