Epicurean Evening features competition

 By Amanda Thames

At one annual Wilmington event, nobody complains that there are too many cooks in the kitchen.

Thursday’s Epicurean Evening Top Chef Competition pits 30 area culinary artists against each other for the Copper Kettle, a prize that sits in the winner’s restaurant for a year, and a white chef’s jacket with “Wilmington Epicurean Evening Top Chef” embroidered on the breast.

Competitors this year include chefs from 22 North, Elijah’s, Apple Annie’s Bake Shop, and Havana’s.

All proceeds from the Epicurean Evening, now in its seventh year, go to the Methodist Home for Children. Each $1,000 raised saves one child for an entire year; last year, the event raised more than $93,000 and organizers are hoping to top $100,000 this year.

The Epicurean Evening is being held at the Wilmington Convention Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for patrons who will find the chefs set up around the center of the room, ready for taste testing.

“There is always a lot, and I mean a lot, of food,” said Regina Hawse from the Methodist Home for Children.

In addition to enjoying the food, patrons can get involved in the evening’s live and silent auctions. This year’s offerings include golf bags and tickets to the David Letterman show.
“Everything offered is donated, including food, products, and, most importantly, everyone’s time,” said Hawse.

The Methodist Home for Children was founded more than 100 years ago. The fundraiser’s theme this year’s focuses on the home’s past, present and future. Several early residents, now in their 80s, will speak about the past; more recent residents who are in graduate school will speak about the present; and the president and chairman of Methodist Home for Children will talk about the future.

“It’s important to show our patrons where their money is going,” said Hawse.