In a culinary showdown similar to those featured on television shows such as Top Chef and Chopped, three seasoned chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits for the benefit of Founders Hall.
Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, June 1, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Chefs Forrest Pasternack of Bailey’s Backyard on Bailey Avenue, Matt Storch of Match in Norwalk, and Jeff Taibe of The Whelk and LeFarm in Westport will compete to create an entrée from a basket of surprise ingredients in front of more than 200 people. Food critic and writer Jane Stern will emcee the action. She is known for her Road Food books and website as well as for her contributions to National Public Radio, The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Parade magazine, and more.
A panel of judges, including Culinary Institute of America’s dean, Brendan Walsh, New Haven Register food columnist Stephen Fries and senior editor of Fine Cooking magazine Denise Mickelsen, will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results. Amy Kundrat, executive editor of the food blog CTBites.com, will referee the competition.
All guests will taste and vote on appetizers prepared by the three chefs. Guests who buy tickets for a special tasting table will taste all three of the chefs’ entrées. All attendees will have the opportunity to bid for an open slot on the judging panel. This year’s battle will also introduce a baking competition, which is open to both professional and home bakers.
Last year’s Battle of the Chefs raised more than $37,000 for Founders Hall, a donor-supported education and recreation center for people age 60 and older. Tickets to this year’s event will once again support lifelong learning, fitness and fun for more than 3,200 people.
Tickets and more information on Battle of the Chefs, which is sponsored by Fairfield County Bank and The Chefs’ Warehouse, will be available in late April at founders-hall.org or by calling Founders Hall at 203-431-7000.
