Denim & Diamonds 2011

The Agri-Business Council of Oregon was pleased to welcome Executive Chef Sunny Jin of JORY Restaurant at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg as the featured chef of the 14th Annual Denim and Diamonds dinner and auction. Chef Jin graduated top of his class from Portland’s Western Culinary Institute where he received the Grand Toque Award and completed his externship at Napa Valley’s famed restaurant—French Laundry—working for three years under renowned chefs Thomas Keller and Corey Lee. In this capacity, Jin created and executed new menus every day at the highest level of quality.

Following this experience, Jin took the opportunity to work at the top-rated restaurant in the southern hemisphere, Sydney, Australia’s Tetsuya’s, working alongside eponymous chef and owner Tetsuya Wakuda. His experience was heightened by side visits throughout Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Thailand, where he was able to experience explosive and diverse cuisines. Chef Jin returned to the U.S. with the rare assignment of preparing for a season at El Bulli, the world’s top-rated restaurant, located in Catalonia, Spain. He worked at El Bulli for the 2009 season under Ferran Adria and Oriol Castro, then traveled throughout Europe to explore the culinary cultures of France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Upon his return to the U.S., Chef Jin remembered with fondness his formative school experiences and recognized the emergence of Oregon as one of the country’s preeminent food and wine destinations. “Oregon’s commitment to seasonality and local produce most resembles European culinary communities,” says Jin. His search for a position amongst this emerging scene led him to JORY at The Allison Inn & Spa which has been among the state’s best reviewed new restaurants since its opening.  “I wish to be a part of the continued growth of this extraordinary area and have always felt proud to call Oregon home,” says Jin.

Guests tasted the flavors of Chef Jin’s artfully crafted menu which complemented Oregon agriculture and paired with fine Oregon wines. The 14th Annual Denim & Diamonds dinner and auction was held at the Governor Hotel (now Sentinal Hotel) on Friday, November 18th, 2011.

Greg Satrum of Willamette Egg Company was presented with the 2011 Agriculturist of the Year award and Ag in the Classroom was honored with the 2011 Ag Connection of the Year award.