PROFESSIONAL CHEFS TAKE TABASCO^® TO THE TROPICS TO WIN $10,000

McIlhenny Company Presents the 2004 TABASCO^® Brand Hottest Chef Contest

* The deadline for entry has passed. Thank you for your interest. Check back soon for the winners & their recipes.

AVERY ISLAND, LA - The right hot weather dish featuring the tropical spicy sweetness and fast-growing popularity of the "Cuisines of the Sun" trend in today's foodservice industry will be one lucky chef's ticket to a cool $10,000.

McIlhenny Company, maker of world-famous TABASCO^® brand Pepper Sauce, is calling for entries for the 2004 TABASCO^® Brand Hottest Chef Contest. In addition to the $10,000 cash prize, the winning professional chef will receive TABASCO^® brand merchandise and recognition as one of the hottest professional chefs internationally. The contest also includes a student category awarding $2,500 in cash, as well as merchandise and the student category title.

In keeping with the "Cuisines of the Sun" contest theme, entries must incorporate bright colors; layers of tropical flavors; and, bold, aromatic spice paired with the sweetness of fruit. Qualified entries can be grilled or marinated items, can feature any part of the menu - from breakfast to dessert - and must include at least one of the five flavors of TABASCO^® brand Pepper Sauce (Original Red Pepper Sauce, Green (Jalapeño) Pepper Sauce, Garlic Pepper Sauce, Habanero Sauce or Chipotle Pepper Sauce).

"This contest challenges professionals and chefs in training to marry their creativity with established and emerging foodservice industry trends, like incorporating bold, spicy flavor in their dishes and exploring the growing popularity of tropical fare," said Billy Boswell, Foodservice Marketing Director for McIlhenny Company. "It's also known for rewarding them handsomely for it."

The contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada. All entries must be postmarked by May 21, 2004. Click here for contest rules, or call 1-888-HOT-DASH or 504-523-7370.

In addition to cash and prizes, the winners' recipes will be featured on the website and in all promotional efforts following the contest judging, which is scheduled to take place on or before June 25, 2004 with a judging panel comprised of President and CEO, Paul C. P. McIlhenny and top chefs in New Orleans, Louisiana.

According to Boswell, focus group research will be held in conjunction with the contest with both contestants and judges. "They will be asked to forecast future flavor trends. The contest is a great way for us to stay in tune with new, emerging trends with students in culinary schools as well as professional chefs out in the field," said Boswell.

This year marks the 136th anniversary of TABASCO^® brand Pepper Sauce, which is now labeled in 21 languages and sold in 160 countries and territories around the world.

2004. The TABASCO^® marks, bottle and label designs are registered trademarks and servicemarks exclusively of McIlhenny Company., Avery Island, LA, 70513. For more information, call 1-888-HOT-DASH.

 Contest Rules