There will be a fierce but friendly battle at Loaves & Fishes when Bev’s and Allegory restaurants compete at Chef Showdown on April 19.
The entertaining event provides valuable support for Loaves & Fishes services for those in need. Chef/Owner of Allegory Chris Mason, and Executive Chef of Bev’s Nadia Tilkian, will be preparing three delectable courses in our pop-up competition kitchen at our Food Distribution Hub. The culinary gurus will be assisted by Celebrity Sous Chefs Kelly Douglas, Itzy Ritzy; Megan Lynch, Duly Health and Care; Tom Miers, Naperville Bank & Trust; and Chuck Nelson, former Deputy Mayor of Aurora. Their gourmet dishes will be judged by our esteemed panel of judges: Beth DeGeeter, Dean’s Clothing; Annette Kenney, Edward-Elmhurst Health; Mark Rice, Chairman of the 2020 US Census Naperville & Alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America; and Mark Wright, Diverse Facility Solutions. Loaves & Fishes Board member Nicki Anderson, Benedictine University, will again serve as emcee.
Presented in partnership with My Chef Catering, Chef Showdown is a festive party complete with an “Ice Bar” in our big cooler, but the best thing about the evening is that it raises funds for families in need.
Loaves & Fishes is now serving more than 7,000 people a week – more than double the number seeking help from just a year ago. Many factors contribute to the increased need including high inflation and a reduction in SNAP benefits. Loaves & Fishes provides healthy groceries and programs for self-sufficiency including emergency assistance for rent or utilities, car donations, and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.) Clients can now receive food at our Naperville Grocery Market, through online ordering or through a pre-pack. All include a healthy assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, and other nutritious foods. Funds raised through Chef Showdown help bring all these vital Loaves & Fishes programs to life.
Bev’s and Allegory are stepping up to the plate for struggling families and you can, too. By supporting Chef Showdown, you’ll have a great time and best of all, you’ll be serving up compassion, too.
