Robert Allen

1993 Grand Prize Winner

Wholesale food importer and retired Vice President of Star Iron and Steel from Port Townsend, Washington

Robert was an entrepreneur and philanthropist living in Kona, Hawaii, when he passed away in 1999. His son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Diane Allen, provided the information here.

Inspiration for Gingered-Beef Burgers:

"After a trip to New Zealand, Dad went into the wholesale imported food business for his pleasure. He always enjoyed trying exotic combinations of food or new flavors."

Memories of BBB:

"Dad was very excited about entering the contest. He bought a grill and used his family as taste-testers for his recipes when preparing for the cook-off. We encouraged him by reminding him he was already a winner for being chosen to compete in the finals. He was very surprised to be chosen as the Grand Prize winner. After accepting his prize, Robert confided to an interviewer, I'm not a cook. My interest in food and flavors is an outgrowth of my early chemistry training."

Other Notable Wins:

As far as Robert's family knows, this was the only contest he ever entered.