Cosmopolitan Wins Del Monte Square's First Annual Cioppino Contest

by Ketchum PR
Sep 29, 2004

First Annual Contest Held in Honor of Del Monte Square Dedication

Del Monte Foods and THE CANNERY, today announced Cosmopolitan the official winner of Del Monte Square's First Annual Cioppino Contest. A culinary native to San Francisco, cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew prepared with tomatoes, wine, spices and a variety of fresh seafood, and was first introduced to the City by the Bay by Italian fishermen in the early 1900s.

The contest was held as part of the ceremonies surrounding the official dedication of Del Monte Square at the historic site of Del Monte Foods' former Plant No. 1. The contest hosted entries from several of San Francisco's premier restaurants and chefs, including Gary Danko, Scoma's, Alioto's # 8, The Blue Mermaid, Cosmopolitan, Tre Fratelli, Cioppino's on the Wharf, Cozmo's, Fish, McCormick-Kuleto's, Rose Pistola's, Cafe Pescatore and Jack's.

For a small donation, San Franciscans and other visitors were encouraged to sample contestants' cioppino served with fresh baked bread. Proceeds from the sales went to the San Francisco Food Bank to help the fight against hunger. Judges from around San Francisco included Sara Schneider, senior food editor of Sunset Magazine; Paul Ash, executive director of the San Francisco Food Bank, Camille Cusumano, senior editor of VIA magazine and Jackie Curtis, Senior Scientist, Food Product Development at Del Monte Foods.

"It was extremely tough to choose just one winner," said judge Camille Cusumano of VIA magazine. "All of the contestants created richly flavorful cioppinos. One can expect nothing but the best in San Francisco."

Cosmopolitan has served San Francisco for nearly five years and is located just off the Embarcadero. Executive Chef Steven Levine created the award winning cioppino recipe.

"It's an honor to be recognized for our interpretation of such a great San Francisco tradition," said Mick Suverkrubbe, owner of Cosmopolitan. "We are pleased to be part of the first annual contest, and look forward to another challenging competition next year."

Together with THE CANNERY, Kimpton Hotel Group and The National Parks Service, Del Monte Foods has revitalized the historic waterfront area of San Francisco by bringing its name back to the area. Committed to enriching the lives of both locals and visitors to the city of San Francisco, Del Monte Square will continue to serve as a destination where people can detach themselves from everyday hustle and bustle to enjoy fine restaurants, shops, hotels, museums and entertainment, while enjoying the unique representation of both the Old World and the New World.