Executive Chef at The Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center Wins Silver Medal at International Chef Competition

ST. LOUIS, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With true passion and expert knowledge in the kitchen, ARAMARK Chef Shane Brassel won the silver medal at the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) Copper Skillet Competition. Brassel is the Executive Chef at The Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

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Representing the United States, Brassel competed last month against chefs from across the world including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. To qualify for the international competition, Brassel won the IACC Copper Skillet competition for the USA in January 2013.

"We have great pride in Chef Brassel and his accomplishment. To prepare a winning dish under such great constraints is such a testament to not only his skill, but his creativity," said Eugene Castellitto, General Manager for ARAMARK at Charles F. Knight Center. "We're glad he's on our team."

Participating chefs are given a mystery basket of ingredients which includes fresh produce, grains and three proteins like meat, fish or poultry. Chef Brassel's winning dish was a duet of Dijon crusted pork tenderloin medallion with natural jus and pan seared beef filet, accompanied by a Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer sauce, buttered poached asparagus, and a southwestern bean relish.

Brassel was born and raised in St. Louis and developed a culinary interest at a young age. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., he has honed his epicurean skills at a variety of hotels and restaurants, including the Ritz Carlton, Dallas Omni, Inter-Continental and Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Brassel joined ARAMARK in 2007 and has served as Executive Chef at Charles F. Knight Center since 2010.

"As one of the selected few culinary professionals to participate in the Copper Skillet competition, Chef Brassel demonstrates the level of expertise and culinary talent that ARAMARK looks for in its chefs," said Brian Stapleton, Vice President, Food & Beverage, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations. "He is an exemplary representative of our brand."

In its 10th year, the Copper Skillet competition is designed to highlight the skills and artistry of the chefs working at IACC member locations. Considered a thought leader in the meetings industry, IACC is committed to providing an outstanding conference experience.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK delivers experiences that enrich and nourish people's lives through innovative food, facility, and uniform services. United by a passion to serve, our more than 250,000 employees make a meaningful difference each day for millions of people around the world. ARAMARK is recognized among the Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE and World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute.  Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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