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Arkansas State Park names DeGray Lake Resort as winner in Top Chef competition

DeGray Lake Resort State Park took home the first place trophy at the Arkansas State Park Top Chef Competition on Thursday, Feb. 21.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — DeGray Lake Resort State Park took home the first place trophy at the Arkansas State Park Top Chef Competition on Thursday, Feb. 21.

Their original creation of a coffee encrusted duck breast, covered in an orange glaze sauce served over fingering potatoes and sautéed squash and onions won over the judges. 

There was a tie in People’s Choice Award – given to both Petit Jean and Queen Wilhelmina State Parks. Arkansas State Parks partnered with Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute and Ben E. Keith to hold this exciting event.

“It was amazing to watch what everyone did and I’m so proud of our Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Staff who came who came out and participated,” said Interim Executive Director Cynthia Dunlap. “I have never had such wonderful food.”

This is an annual event that pits the chefs from the state parks which have full service restaurants against each other in a friendly, and delicious, competition.

Teams consisted of a “Chef” and “Sous Chef” from each park. Teams were decided between the restaurant managers and park superintendents. Volunteers from the ASP Central Office also helped get the meals prepared.

The judges were from State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commissioners, a chef from Pulaski Tech and representatives from agencies that work with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

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