Chowdown For Charity Supports Culinary Programs

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Posted on October 9, 2013 by in: Florida | Post Comment

Presented by the Manatee Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and hosted by Riverhouse Banquets and Weddings, the event costs $30 for general access and $50 for VIP access, including an open bar.  Regular attendees can get $1 tokens to spend at the bar by bringing along canned goods to donate to the Manatee County food bank.

The centerpiece of the night involves teams from each of the ten competing restaurants serving up their best dishes to a panel of experts that includes Senator Mike Bennett and Mayor Wayne Poston, and celebrities Summer Smith, Maverick Johnson and Vin Mannix.  Attendees can also sample the food and purchase special tickets to allow them to vote in the People’s Choice Award.  Taste, appearance and creativity will all be factors in determining who gets to claim the title of Best in Show.

Following the main competition, there will be a student contest in which trainee chefs from local culinary arts schools will prepare desserts.  These will be judged by celebrity chefs Tommy Klauber, Derek Barnes and Ray Arpke, with gold, silver and bronze prizes up for grabs.

There is something fishy going on with this year’s competition, as participating restaurants include the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, which specializes in seafood of all types; Bridge Street Bistro, the seafood spot on Bradenton Beach;  Mar Vista and Peaches. Pier 22 restaurant is also known for its delicious seafood, while Polo Grill mixes it up with steak and pizza alongside the miso glazed Chilean sea bass. Renaissance on 9th uses gourmet ingredients to make simple soups and sandwiches into something extra special, and Riverhouse Reef & Grill is famous for its crispy lobster fritters.  Completing the line-up are the Soma Diner and YachtSea Grill.  Together they showcase the rich flavors of Manatee County.

Thanks in part to the Chowdown for Charity, Manatee area culinary programs are continuing to expand and take on new students, teaching useful life skills as well as providing preparation for employment.

About this author:

Sandy is a food enthusiast, vegetarian, and writer. She is also an online instructor and is interested in helping people connect to the right college and degree program to help them reach their professional goals.