After three zealous battles in a day-long culinary competition, internationally acclaimed Chef Johannes Klapdohr—Executive Chef at Old Edwards Inn & Spa—secured the crown in the 2011 King of the Mountain Chef’s Challenge. In this ‘Iron Chef’ style competition, four chefs battle the clock—and each other—to produce several mouth-watering dishes in front of a live audience in an open kitchen. Each round of the competition ensues for a full 45 minutes after the chefs discover the three mystery ingredients (per round), which are pre-selected by Chef Wolfgang Green of Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro.

The Competition
Unlike the Food Network show where the Chef’s have 45 minutes to ponder their creations prior to the event, the King of the Mountain Chef Challenge keeps the mystery ingredients a secret until the very moment that each heat begins. The chefs then go to work, making notes, grabbing ingredients and equipment, and assembling their menus in their heads. The gas-stove flames jump to life, and the heat is on.

In the first round, Chef Johannes Klapdohr secured his spot in the finals by defeating Chef Jonathan Reid, Executive Chef of Gamekeeper’s Tavern. Chef Johannes created a full five courses around flank steak and other mystery ingredients, each of which amazed the judges with their originality and focus on the distinct flavors—a signature talent of the German-born, field-to-table chef.

In round two, Nick Figel of Cyprus Restaurant successfully defended his 2010 crown against newcomer challenger Chef Mitch Sheppard of Ruka’s Table. Figel created three courses around the pork tenderloin and Brussels sprouts theme that the judges called “exquisite, masterly prepared and a culinary delight.”

That left the two 2010 finalists—Figel and Klapdohr—duking it out over scallops and shiitake mushrooms. Figel pulled out all the stops in his signature showmanship style in an attempt to overcome Chef Klapdohr’s meticulous clean and classic method of what he calls “honest food.” When awarding the crystal Sam’s Cup and the King of the Mountain title to Chef Klapdohr, the judges announced, “Such an exceptional meal in this short a time is an unbelievable culinary achievement of which we have never seen before.”

Event host, co-creator and “Sam’s Cup” Sponsor Matthew Eberz of Sam Call Productions says, “Watching these chefs battle each other and create these stunning dishes was exhilarating. I was amazed at the audience engagement and excitement throughout all rounds of the competition. And, just when you thought the event couldn’t get any better, the talented chefs provided a four-course meal that rocked your taste buds. I’m in awe of the culinary talent that we have on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.”

Judges
All three culinary competitions were judged by three exceptionally talented and accomplish culinary experts including:

• Ms. Shelley Skiles Sawyer, Managing Food Editor, Flavors Magazine
• Chef Hugh Acheson, owner and Executive Chef 5 & 10 Restaurant and The National in Athens, Georgia, and Empire South in Atlanta
• Chef Daniel Lindley, St. John’s Hospitality Group, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Janet Poleski, Food Contributor TALK Greenville Magazine, provided color commentary. After the competition the audience enjoyed a four-course meal, each course prepared by a competing chef.

Chef Klapdohr will defend his title at the 2012 King of the Mountain Chef’s Challenge on April 14, 2012 in Highlands North Carolina. One competitor vying for the crown will be James Beard Foundation Award finalist Chef John Fleer of Canyon Kitchen in Lonesome Valley.

PR Contact: Matthew Eberz at 404-542-2773 or mreberz@yahoo.com

About Old Edwards Inn and Spa (www.oldedwardsinn.com)

• Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Hotel Spa in North America for 2010 with the First Ever Perfect Score in the 20-Year History of the Reader’s Survey
• 2010 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (top ten in the US)
• 2011 TripAdvisor Reader's Choice Award for #4 Best Relaxation Spa Hotel in the U.S.
• 2011 TripAdvisor Reader's Choice Award for #2 Best Hotel for Romance in the U.S.
• Condé Nast Johansen’s Most Excellent Inn in the US and Canada 2008
• Forbes Four-Star Rated for both the Resort and The Spa
• AAA Four-Diamond Rated
• Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award since 2008.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa cascades along several blocks in downtown Highlands—a cultural mountain village that offers award-winning dining, wine events, art galleries and some of the nation’s top golf resorts. The European style resort welcomes visitors to North Carolina’s high country with its unique blend of relaxed luxury recognized worldwide. A spectacular outdoor heated mineral pool, world class spa, award-winning dining, and golf at the private Old Edwards Club are signature experiences at this full-service mountain resort. Guests are surrounded by the warmth and character of Old-Europe architecture and authentic period antiques. Many rooms, cottages and suites offer private patios or terraces—some with captivating rooftop views of Main Street and downtown Highlands. All of the luxury accommodations include champagne arrival, twice-daily housekeeping, two 24-hour business centers and two 24-hour Butler’s pantries with Dove Bars, fresh fruit and soft beverages. European bedding, fine Italian linens, plush robes & slippers, rainfall showers, heated-tile bathroom floors, in-room safes and Wi-Fi enhance the in-room experience. Old Edwards Inn and Spa also boasts a state-of-the art fitness center with wellness classes that include guided hikes into the scenic surrounding mountains known as “waterfall country.”

Guests enjoy onsite shopping at the Spa Boutique, Acorn’s Boutique or Acorn’s Annex featuring fine antiques and home accessories. Dining venues include Madison ’s Restaurant and Wine Garden serving innovative New South Cuisine, The Rib Shack and Sports Corner, the Spa Café and the Poolside Bar and Bistro. Special events and weddings take place at The Farm—a lushly landscaped Old Edwards property located one mile from downtown Highlands featuring The Barn, the Farmhouse with luxury lodging, Bridal Pavilion, Bridal Bridge over a scenic pond and outdoor events pavilion. The Old Edwards Executive Conference Center provides a catered corporate retreat venue.

Also introduced in 2009 was Satulah, Old Edwards Private Residences, which includes 14 luxury mountain homes just two blocks off Main Street, Highlands. The Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC.