Washington, DC - Senator Jim Risch and his wife, Vicki, staked their claim as one of Congress' top celebrity chef couples by winning the American Regional Cuisine category at the annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala. Team Risch highlighted a product of the Gem State: Idaho beef, in their "Steak Seviche" salad. The gala was a fundraiser for local and national chapters of the March of Dimes.

"This event is always a pleasure to take part in and just like last year, Vicki, gets all the credit for putting together our winning dish," said Risch. "It was so popular with the crowd that we had a hard time keeping up with demand at our serving table."

"After last year's event when our Potato Lollipops won, I knew a recipe showcasing Idaho would be popular, but we were pleasantly surprised when we were named winners. Knowing that our efforts to promote Idaho products were recognized by the judges while also supporting the March of Dimes made it all the more rewarding," said Vicki Risch.

The recipe, Steak Seviche - Stirred Not Shaken with Tortilla Strips, was one recommended by the Idaho Beef Council.

Nearly 40 celebrity chef teams from Capitol Hill took part in the 28th annual March of Dimes dinner at the National Building Museum. Each celebrity chef team served a sample of hors d'oeuvres from a recipe of their choice. Awards were given for the best entry in six categories: Best Presentation, Health and Happiness, American Regional Cuisine, Easiest Preparation, People's Choice and Best in Show.

The Gourmet Gala provides funding for the Mama & Baby Bus program, which offers free prenatal and dental care to pregnant women throughout Washington, D.C. The event raised more than $800,000 for the program. The March of Dimes is the leading national nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.