The Richardson Center at Indian River State College was filled to capacity last Monday evening as roughly 300 foodies came out to enjoy dishes prepared by local chefs competing in the eighth annual Vero’s Top Chef Challenge Qualifying Event. Chefs from 15 restaurants and catering establishments competed in the event, presented by Gordon Food Service to benefit the Hope for Families Center.
In the end, attendees selected four savory-dish finalists who will compete in the Top Chef Finale at The Club at Pointe West on Feb. 22 and one winner in the dessert category who will serve up that evening’s sweet conclusion.
Each year the competition gets more intense as chefs enter to earn major bragging rights and recognition, offering creative treats as beautiful as they were delicious. Guests went around the room sampling the tasty choices before dropping their top dessert and entrée vote cards into chef hats at the voting table.
Event chair Deborah Murphy said the biggest event challenge was coordinating all of the chefs and their menus, which were kept under wraps until that evening.
“It has been fun getting to know all the chefs. They just did a beautiful job,” said Murphy. “Indian River State College’s Culinary Institute has been very involved this year and our thanks go to Bill Solomon and Joe Brozenick.”
“It has been good working with them; it is a great organization,” said Solomon, Culinary Institute department chair. “We have three of our graduates in the competition. Chefs Joe Faria, Chris Bierley and others employ some of our students so it is good to have them interact with all the chefs.”
Stephen Maresca, who grows organic peppers and cooks with Orchid Gourmet, his wife Tara who also works in the restaurant industry, and his brother Scott, a self-proclaimed foodie, were all having a difficult time deciding on their favorites.
“All the foods are so creative and different,” said Tara Maresca. “There is spicy, there is savory, and sweets. They are hitting all the right notes.”
“We wanted to support the event since we know a lot of the chefs. It is also a great way for Scott to see what places he likes, to take him to dinner,” said Scott Maresca.
HFFC executive director Mary Ellen Maguire said people were getting excited about attending the upcoming Top Chef Finale.
“The tickets are really going fast but ultimately both events are to raise awareness about homelessness in Indian River County,” said Maguire. She added that the new venue was the perfect collaborative partnership since many of their clients now attended programs at the college.
Quail Valley Golf Club Executive Chef Joe Faria, who was instrumental in founding the fundraiser with Gordon Foods and his fellow chefs, said the Hope for Families Center is a cause dear to his heart.
“My uncle came to America and then sponsored my family and also brought over my two aunts from Portugal, helping all of us get housing, food and jobs,” said Chef Faria. “He showed me the importance of helping one family at a time and that is what the center does too. They help one family at a time.”
