Annual Top Chef competition and fundraiser to be held Sept. 23
The Wellness Kitchen and Resource Center presents the sixth annual Top Chef Competition and Fundraiser on Sept. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Idler’s Home in Paso Robles. In a lively evening of entertainment, three local chefs go head-to-head in a timed competition similar to the Food Network’s “Chopped”. The chefs are Alex Martin, Adam White and Clare Cranford. Chef Alex, owner of Crush Catering, is a three-time winner. Adam White, of Paso Robles Culinary Academy, is a two-time winner. Clare Cranford is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, owner of Central Coast Mobile Massage and volunteer for The Wellness Kitchen. Top Chef will be a sell-out. Seating is limited. Tickets are available at thewkrc.org or at The Wellness Kitchen, 1255 Las Tablas Road in Templeton.
Chef Philip Riccomini is the Master of Ceremonies; quite fitting since Chef Philip recently retired from the Culinary Arts Academy and taught two of the competing chefs in high school. The panel of judges includes Lori Foster, owner of Spice of Life, Mike Lane, COO Twin Cities Community Hospital and Kevin Kuhn, Senior Vice President of Aerospace Group for MW Industries. A raffle winner will win a chance taste the chef’s culinary creations. Major sponsors include Twin Cities Community Hospital, Idler’s Home and Coastal Radiation Oncology – 21st Century Oncology Affiliate.
With the music of Wine Country Troubadours setting the mood, Fig at Courtney’s House will provide a delightful selection of tapas to pair with wine tasting from Pianetta Winery, Ecluse Wines, Asuncion Ridge Vineyards, Jack Creek Cellars, J. Dusi Wines and other local wineries. Auction items include private dinner with Chefs Nancy Walker and Sommelier Evan Vossler, a VIP tour in the Cass Winery Old School Limo with tasting and lunch for four, getaways at Orchard Hill B&B, San Luis Creek Inn, Cambria Pines Lodge, La Quinta Inn, a wine tour and cottage stay at Wine Country RV and Holiday Inn Express. Dinners include restaurants Paso Terra, Mistura, McPhee’s Grill and Korbel on Blue. Special items include two passes for the Margarita Adventures Zipline and Ancient Peaks wine tastings, massages with Clare Cranford, spa and golf package from River Oaks, private portrait session with Dina Mande, a private cooking class for six at Refugio with Bridget Binns, and magnums of wine and gift baskets.
The funds raised will support the Pay It Forward Healing Foods program that provides meals to those going through critical illness, disease and surgery recovery along with the expansion of educational programs and support services. Visit thewkrc.org for details on meal programs, classes and resources.
