Monona Terrace Catering chef Joel Zink took first place in the Heavy Metal Chef competition at Monona Terrace, Madison, Wis., on Nov. 8. The catering company hosted the contest to raise money for the city's charity combined campaign, with the winning chef's charity receiving proceeds from ticket sales. Zink gave his first-place $975 check to Sustain Dane, a nonprofit organization committed to creating sustainable communities.

Chef Joel Zink with his winning dish after the Heavy Metal Chef competition

The secret ingredient was short ribs. Zink's winning dish was roasted short ribs with an artichoke purée, vegetable ragout, peppernata and red wine veal reduction.