Brenda T. Cavallario's creation, Veal Roulade Al' verde, won awards at the Beef Council's Veal Platinum Plate contest, an "iron chef" type event held at the New York Wine & Culinary Center in Ontario County.

    Mrs. Cavallario said there were 30 nominations but only seven were chosen to compete.

    Cavallario's Cucina, 133 N. Massey St., was picked for the council's Western Region in the state, which Mrs. Cavallario said runs up to Watertown, as far East as Albany and as far Southwest as Buffalo.

    Mrs. Cavallario, who owns the cucina with her husband, Peter G., said the Beef Council accepted nominations from beef packers and vendors. The council then looked at the menus of the nominees.

    It was the first contest hosted by the Beef Council at the Culinary Center, which opened in 2005. It's a nonprofit organization that serves as a gateway to the agricultural, wine and food products of the state.

    There were several sub-categories under the Platinum Plate contest. Mrs. Cavallario took first place under the flavor category called "Umami", winning $500. "Umami is the flavor within the prepared dish. The ability to distinguish savory from sweet, unto the particular individual ingredients used within the recipe." Mrs. Cavallario said.

    She also won first place in the People's Choice award, a separate category, winning $1,000.

    Mrs. Cavallario is a self-taught chef.