7th Annual Food Fight for Scleroderma

Culinary competitions are all the rage. Perhaps you've heard of a little food show that refuses to die called Top Chef? Cooking competitions are a lot more inspiring when the impetus is a good cause, rather than fifteen minutes of fame. This is precisely what the Food Fight for Scleroderma is all about. With its seventh annual event on track for April this year, the Food Fight for Scleroderma brings together a few of Chicago's top toques for a little chummy culinary camaraderie, all for the sake of raising funds and awareness to combat Scleroderma via the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago. 

 

The 7th Annual Food Fight for Scleroderma takes place Sunday, April 26, at the James Hotel. This year's culinary competition features Chris Pandel of the B. Hospitality Co. contingent (e.g. The Bristol, Formento's, etc.), Sarah Grueneberg formerly of Spiaggia and of a forthcoming West Loop Italian spot, and Harold Jurado of Yusho. They'll vie against one another for a good cause, with all proceeds from the event going to the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago. During the event, each chef will present a dish to the audience and a panel of judges, the latter of whom will rate the dishes based on taste, creativity, and presentation. Said panel this year includes Heather Terhune of San Francisco's BDK Restaurant & Bar, Gale Gand of Spritz Burger, and Tom Van Lente of Big Star. Amanda Puck will once again serve as emcee of the event. A winner will be announced at the end of the evening. 

General admission for the event is $95 per person and grants entry from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A VIP reception goes for $145 per person and allows entry an hour earlier, with a chance to mingle with chefs and culinary judges, as well as enjoy samples provided by Formento's and David Burke's Primehouse, and cocktails from Sable Kitchen & Bar's John Stanton. 

The event also features a foodie raffle, silent auction, and take-home goodie bags. For more info, visit here.

- Matt Kirouac