Local Chefs get ready to duke it out at Best Chef

On Monday, March 6 Beverly Bootstraps will be holding its 7th Best Chef Competition. The event at Danversport Yacht Club from 6-9pm, features four local chefs duking it out on stage in a timed cook-off to create the best gourmet dish to win this year’s title.

The Chefs have 45 minutes to whip up something creative and delicious with ingredients from the Food Pantry. 25% of the ingredients can be from their own kitchens. “It’s amazing what they come up with – we’ve had gnocci made from ramen noodles, and a previous winner used Spam!” said Sue Gabriel, Executive Director. The dishes are judged by three food industry professionals based on taste, overall presentation, and originality.

“Best Chef took a hiatus for a year. We decided to stop while we were on top in 2015 after we had the most successful event to date. But people really missed it. So we’re bringing it back again,” explained Heather Johnston, Director of Donor Relations.

In addition to watching the four chefs on stage, guests can circulate around the room to samples the specialties of the restaurants competing for the Taste of the North Shore awards. There are two categories: Sweet and Savory and guests get to vote for their favorites in each. In the past there’s been everything from steak tips to scallops and cupcakes to whoopee pies as winners.

Tickets are available online at http://beverlybootstraps.org/Events/BestChef.php or by calling 978-927-1561. You can also purchase tickets to the raffle online – and you do not need to be present to win. “It’s a really fun night. It’s very social and very filling! You might even find a new favorite night out spot,” added Ms. Johnston.

Best Chef is Beverly Bootstraps largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds directly support the important programs and services they provide to families and individuals to help them achieve self-sufficiency. They offer emergency and long-term assistance including: access to food, housing stability, adult and youth education, counseling and advocacy. Beverly Bootstraps served 10% of the Beverly population last year and is community funded and supported.