Student participants (from left to right): Bingliang Li, Mark Palaciaos, Joshua Suh, Taylor Duncan, Elijah Bryant, Demi Nicholson, Jacob Pa’au, Joseph Velasco, Kye Shamblin, Roshan Vettikattu, Gabriel Baldaia, Renz Tongson. Photo courtesy of Dana Hursey Photography.
Get ready for a culinary spectacle like no other! Cooking for a Cause 2023 is set to take the stage on Friday, June 23rd, from 5-7pm, at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) on Green Street in Pasadena. This event will not only showcase the extraordinary talent of ICE students but also shed light on the challenges faced by individuals who rely on the Friends In Deed (FID) Food Pantry, the largest food bank in the Pasadena area.
Drawing inspiration from popular television shows, this thrilling culinary competition will feature six teams of Institute of Culinary Education students. Armed with kitchen pantry staples and “mystery” ingredients handpicked from the Friends in Deed Food Pantry’s weekly grocery distributions, these aspiring chefs will battle it out to create the most innovative and mouthwatering dishes within the span of one hour.
The event aims to bring attention to the ongoing struggle faced by the community members when it comes to putting together meals, especially when the availability of food varies unpredictably from week to week. By participating in Cooking for a Cause 2023, these talented students will not only showcase their culinary prowess but also contribute to the vital funding of all FID programs serving the greater Pasadena area.
As the clock ticks away, a panel of professional judges will closely evaluate each team’s culinary creations, considering factors such as taste, presentation, and creativity. The anticipation will be palpable as the judges deliberate and, ultimately, name the victorious team that will claim the prestigious title of Cooking for a Cause 2023 champion.
This event promises to be an evening filled with fun, excitement, and, of course, delectable dishes. It’s an opportunity for the local community to come together and support a noble cause while enjoying a remarkable display of culinary talent. So mark your calendars for Friday, June 23rd, and prepare to be amazed by the culinary masterpieces and the dedication of these Institute of Culinary Education students.
There are several ways you can get involved in this exciting culinary event. If you’re looking for an exclusive experience, consider becoming a sponsor or a VIP patron, which grants you access to view the challenge on-site at the Institute of Culinary Education. However, please note that space is limited, so secure your spot early. For those who prefer to support FID from the comfort of their own homes, you can become a Home Cook by contributing a minimum of $100. As a Home Cook, you will have the opportunity to try the cooking challenge at your own home after the live event, adding a touch of culinary excitement to your own kitchen. And for those who simply want to witness the culinary showdown, worry not! The cooking competition will be livestreamed to the public, free of charge.
For more information or to become a sponsor visit: www.friendsindeedpas.org/cookingforacause/ or call (626) 797-2402.
