Press Release

Gate Gourmet's Carlos Gonzalez Wins Latin America/Caribbean Chef Competition

Reston, Va. March 7, 2007 - Menu Design Executive Chef Carlos Gonzalez, of Gate Gourmet's U.S. region, took top honors with his winning dessert dish at the second International Flight Services Association (IFSA) "Latin America & The Caribbean Chef Competition." This was the second consecutive year for a Gate Gourmet chef to win the competition.

Chef Carlos competed against two other culinary experts, all of whom were selected as finalists from the airline/onboard industry. The competition was held in conjunction with IFSA's global leadership conference in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Feb. 25.

Each chef was asked to prepare and present an original dessert recipe using Latin/Caribbean ingredients. In addition to this requirement, judging was based on cooking techniques, plate presentation, and the flavor of the dessert itself. The recipe had to be airline-affordable for business class, and the preparation process had to be consistent with industry practice, with no special equipment required to serve the dish onboard an aircraft.

Chef Carlos' first place dessert consisted of Aztec Chocolate Cloud Cake drizzled with Chocolate Glaze, atop a pool of Jalapeno Crème Anglaise with Pomegranate Coulis, accompanied by Churros coated in Vanilla/Orange Sugar.

When asked about the inspiration for his innovative sweet, which juxtaposed ingredients such as the vanilla-orange sugar with jalapeno-infused cream, Chef Carlos said, "I reached back to my childhood memories and the exquisite desserts from my family's table. This was the perfect juncture to combine my love for my Mexican heritage with the flavors of the region to create a recipe that was just right."

Chef Carlos' winning dessert was made even sweeter for Gate Gourmet: This is the second time in a row that a member of the company's top culinary team has earned first place in a competition that also is celebrating its second year. At the first Chef's Competition in December 2005, Gate Gourmet Corporate Executive Chef Bob Rosar impressed judges with his Sugarcane Spiked Chicken entrée to take home top honors.

"Gate Gourmet's focus on culinary inspiration and investment in our chefs is evidenced on a daily basis by expert talent like Chef Carlos Gonzalez demonstrates," said Chairman and CEO Dave Siegel. "We are delighted to see his abilities recognized in this manner by his peers and a world-class organization such as IFSA. Thanks to Chef Carlos and to the entire culinary team who make us winners day in and day out," he said.

In recognition of the honor, Chef Carlos will receive a signature chef's coat with IFSA logo, a commemorative plaque and a travel-related award, among other prizes. He also is in conversation to have his dessert featured by an IFSA member airline along a Latin American or Caribbean route.

Media inquiries:  Pictures of Chef Carlos, as well as his original recipes, are available to members of the media upon request.