Above / Memories of Loaves & Fishes Community Services Chef Showdown, “Battle of the Champions,” in 2018. (Photo by Time Stops Photography)
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is very pleased to announce that after much anticipation, Chef Showdown, “Battle of the Champions” will be held from 6 to 9PM on Wed., March 9, at their new Food Distribution Hub at 580 Exchange Court, Aurora. This year, the event is held in partnership with My Chef Catering and will raise funds for essential services for struggling families in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties.
The “Battle of the Champions” will showcase the winning restaurants from the past years of the competition. Executive Chef Eddie Sweeny representing Catch 35, and Chef Ian Schlegel, Chef de Cuisine of Che Figata, will compete to create unique dishes using food from the Loaves & Fishes Market in a stadium kitchen assembled for the competition.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Chef Showdown, at our new facility and are so very grateful to our partners, sponsors and guests,” said CEO & President Mike Havala. “We are looking forward to a unique, fun, and memorable event that will make an impact for families in need.”
The competing chefs will be assisted by celebrity sous chefs and Loaves & Fishes supporters Beth DeGeeter, Dean’s Clothing; Natasha Marriner, Busey Bank; Jessica Linder Gallo, President and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber; and Benny White, Joliet West Sr. Army Instructor JROTC and Naperville City Councilman.
Dishes will be voted upon by a panel of select judges, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, Joe Chura, Celeste Wagner, and Lenore Chemers. The evening will be emceed by Ray Kinney from Blooming Color and Nicki Anderson from Benedictine University.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy delicious cocktails and appetizers provided by My Chef Catering.
New ‘Ice Bar’ and ‘ringside seats’ added to the mix
An exciting addition to this year’s event is the Ice Bar in the new Loaves & Fishes walk-in cooler, where guests will enjoy a specialty cocktail in the icy lounge. In addition, guests will be able to sample the new, locally made non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic craft beer from GO Brewing.
Also new this year are “Feel the Heat Seats,” which are reserved ringside seats where you can experience the excitement and energy of the kitchen with a close-up view of all the action. This ticket also includes a personal server for the night and a visit to the ice bar.
There will be a special wine auction and a moment to raise the paddle for Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
Tickets now on sale
Tickets start at $100 and can be purchased by visiting loaves-fishes.org. This event has sold out quickly in the past, so purchasing your tickets now is highly advisable. Tickets purchased for the 2020 Chef Showdown will be honored. For more information or accommodations, contact Nicole Louis at nlouis@loaves-fishes.org.
Loaves and Fishes Community Services since 1984
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that has served our community since 1984. Our vision is to end hunger and transform lives. Our mission is to provide healthy food and impactful programs to promote self-sufficiency. Learn more at loaves-fishes.org.
Submitted by Joni Wiltz, Director of Marketing & Communications, Loaves and Fishes Community Services.
