Local Chef is Finalist on ABC's Nightline Platelist Contest

LONGBOAT KEY –  ABC’s award-winning, late-night Nightline news program is currently running their annual People’s Platelist contest to choose one chef from throughout the United States whose cuisine is exceptionally creative and authentic.

Chef Raymond Arpke, owner/proprietor of Euphemia Haye Restaurant on Longboat Key on the Gulf coast of Florida, is among 20 finalists from a field of over 1,000 chefs vying for the top Platelist honor. He is the only finalist from the State of Florida.

Those familiar with Euphemia Haye and Chef Raymond are encouraged to visit the ABC Nightline Platelist site at http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Platelist/, view Chef Raymond’s video and cast your vote online for Ray by clicking the ”Vote Here: Nightline People’s Platelist Contest" on the right below the video. Votes are currently being accepted through Sunday, September 26. The Platelist winner will be announced live during a Nightline broadcast the week of Monday, September 27.

Chef Raymond would also like to let everyone know that despite its recent challenges, Florida and its Gulf coast remain one of the finest vacation destinations anywhere.