J. Daniel Knerr, executive chef at The Black Pearl in Newport, RI, won the American Culinary Federation's 2004 Chef of the Year competition yesterday in Orlando, besting three other finalists. In the final cook-off, Knerr's three-course entry consisted of: creamy lobster bisque with savory crab custard and crispy taro hay; fillet of striped bass baked with herbal panko crust on saffron couscous and spinach; and "Three Flavor Veal Medley" featuring stuffed braised veal cheek, crispy sweetbread nuggets and mignonette of veal tenderloin. His entry scored highest among judges, who evaluated the meal based on taste, presentation, and timing. (See our previous entry for more info about the competition.) Knerr received the winner's trophy, $5000, and a lifetime supply of parsley. (We're kidding about that last part.)