14 Aug San Diego Top Chefs Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence at Iron-Chef Style Competition for the 10th Annual Chef Showdown
Center for Community Solutions (CCS) will host the 10th Annual Chef Showdown, on Thursday, September 18 at an exciting new venue, the San Diego Harley Davidson on Morena Boulevard. The annual fundraising event kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is held in October throughout the country. This one-of-a-kind culinary event will benefit the programs and services of CCS, a San Diego nonprofit that provides advocacy, legal support, healing and prevention services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
The event highlights San Diego top chefs participating in an “Iron Chef” style competition including Amy Dibiase from Tidal, Lori Sauer from George’s at the Cove, Jason McLeod from Ironside, and Brandon Fortune from Kitchen 1540. Two teams of chefs and mixologists will compete using a secret ingredient and their dishes must pass muster in front of 8 judges.
The judges for the competition are Chef Bernard Guillas from The Marine Room, Restaurateur Ingrid Croce, Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey, Executive Chef Paul McCabe, Maria Montana of San Diego Food Finds and Executive Chef Flor Franco from the newest restaurant in the Guadalupe Valley, Convivia Artesanal. In addition, two judge spots will be available to bid on during the live auction portion of the evening. Emmy Award winner Sam Zien from the famous television show Sam the Cooking Guy will host the competition.
Chef Showdown is co-chaired by Isabel Cruz, Executive Chef and Owner of Isabel’s Cantina, and Dee Dee Castro, Community Relations Manager from Viejas. Most importantly, Chef Showdown is also a fundraising event with a net income goal of at least $100,000 which will go towards supporting the Center for Community Solutions. Over 600 supporters including individuals, businesses, corporate sponsors, political and community leaders attend the culinary event to enjoy the chef competition, taste an array of delectable creations from more than 20 restaurants, sample a variety of wines and bid on auction items.
Chef Showdown will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at San Diego Harley Davidson, 4645 Morena Boulevard. Tickets to the event are $150 each or $250 for a VIP reservation, and can be purchased by calling (858) 272-5777, ext. 120.
About Center for Community Solutions
Founded in 1969, Center for Community Solutions assists more than 11,000 women, children and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse each year. CCS operates the only Rape Crisis Center in the City of San Diego along with a 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline as well as hospital and court accompaniment services for rape survivors, legal and advocacy for domestic violence and elder abuse survivors, and prevention and education outreach to youth of all ages. CCS provides two 24-hour emergency shelter and transitional housing programs for victims of domestic violence and their children.