Battle of the Chefs Returns to Ridgefield's Founders Hall on June 3

Photo: Michelle Williams

Battle of the Chefs returns to Founders Hall on Sunday, June 3, 4 – 7 pm.  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. Chefs Brian Bender (David’s Soundview Catering in Stamford,  formerly of Cutting Board Café in Ridgefield), Zachariah Campion (Bailey’s Backyard, Ridgefield), and André Gainer (Luna Rossa, Ridgefield), will compete to create an entree from a basket of surprise ingredients, in just sixty minutes, in front of a live audience.  A panel of food experts, including Brendan Walsh (Dean of Culinary Arts, the Culinary Institute of America) and Amy Kundrat (executive editor, CT Bites) will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results as the crowd cheers the chefs on. Ken Tuccio, host of CTbites new Food & Drink podcast, will emcee the action.

As part of the entertainment, culinary enthusiasts can mingle with the chefs before and after the entrée competition, and get close to the action to watch their techniques and skills as the fast-paced contest unfolds. Food and beverages (including an open bar) will be bountiful throughout the event. Guests will taste and judge appetizers created by these three notable chefs, and savor hors d'oeuvres that feature the competition’s secret ingredients as well as signature desserts from all three chefs. There will also be sampling stations featuring locally-sourced gourmet food and beverages.  To taste the chefs’ entrees, guests may buy a seat at a chef’s table (limited number available).

“It’s my favorite event of the year,” says past attendee Ellen Ross. “It’s just fantastic that these incredibly talented people will give of themselves and share their craft and most delicious food with us.”  Last year’s Battle of the Chefs raised $40,000 for Founders Hall, a donor-supported education and recreation center for people age 60 and older located at 193 Danbury Road, Ridgefield.

Ticket purchases, $100, or $500 for a seat at the chef’s table, will support life-long learning, fitness and fun for more than 3,600 people. Tickets and more information on Battle of the Chefs are available at www.founders-hall.org or by calling Founders Hall at 203-431-7000.  Event sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and The Chefs’ Warehouse.