Chefs vs. Gourmands

New culinary contest pits pros against home cooks

A new f undraiser is launching Saturday, April 29, that will pit three of the city’s top chefs against three home cooks in a mystery basket cook- off. Think of it as a mash-up of Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Cooks vs. Cons.”

The American Culinary Federation and Feed Company Table & Tavern are presenting this inaugural Chefs vs. Gourmands Mystery Basket Cook-Off.

The culinary event is a fundraiser for Journey Educational Services’ Fifth Quarter Summer Enrichment Academy, a six-week summer learning experience for students of all abilities that offers academic, social, art, drama, dance and tae kwon do programs.

Three professional chefs will go up against three gourmands (home cooks) using ingredients discovered in their mystery basket. Competitors will cook an appetizer and an entree. Judges will score each round and a winner will be announced at 8: 45 p. m.

Judging their dishes will be Chef John Palacio; Chef Bill Wright, lead culinary instructor at Virginia College; Maria Elliott, general manager at FIVE Bar; and Shawanda Mason- Moore, creator of Eat. Drink.Frolic.

Greg Funderburg will emcee the cooking challenge. Guests will enjoy a cash bar, silent auction, music and food vendors, all while watching the competitors cook their hearts out for a good cause.

For more information: 423-774-3444.