Local pride is on the line in a chef’s competition this weekend that benefits an area charity.
The Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association will host its Iron Chef/Wine and Food Expo, starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Williamsburg Lodge.
The event began in 2009 as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of WARA, and was open only to members. Executive Director LeighAn M. White said the program was so successful they decided to invite the public the next year, in what quickly became an annual tradition.
This weekend’s affair features nine chefs battling for glory using a basket of mystery ingredients. After 45 minutes of cooking time, a panel of five judges will consider an appetizer and entrée from each team and crown one Chef Supreme.
It is the first year the competition has expanded to include chefs outside the Williamsburg area. Joining the local competitors will be three chefs each from Richmond and Virginia Beach.
Hailing from the Historic Triangle will be Colonial Williamsburg’s Justin Addison, Second Street Bistro’s Chris Long and Berret’s Seafood Restaurant’s David McClure. They will battle with the Richmond cohort — The Savory Grain’s Matt Coleman, The Country Club of Virginia’s Andrew Haapala and The Blue Goat’s Todd Richardson — and Catch 31 and Salacia’s Brad Kelly, Hot Tuna’s Todd Ramsey and Steinhilber’s Peter Stine, of Virginia Beach.
For guests salivating to savor some eats, there will be specialty hors d’oeuvres and a showcase of more than 70 wines from around the world. Participating restaurants include The Cheese Shop, Captain George’s, Blue Talon and Opus 9.
Tickets are $60 each or $110 per couple. Part of the proceeds support WARA, and another portion will go to a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of living for those facing the last phases of life and supporting their loved ones.
This is also the first time the event will benefit a charity organization, and White said Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg was a great choice to give back.
“No matter who you are, you’re going to be affected by what they do,” she said. “We all know someone who has benefitted from their service.”
While a pre-event wine tasting is already sold-out, tickets for the main event can be purchased online and will be available at the door.
For more information, visit the WARA website or call 221-6835.
