STUART — The second Annual Top Chef Martin County charity event sizzles April 14 at St. Joseph’s Family Center in Stuart from 7 to 10 p.m.
The new batch of local amateur chefs includes Dina Roosth, Melissa Zolla, Dr. Brian Moriarty, Tina Kraft, and Jennifer Stull Wise, and they are already turning up the heat. The five contestants will be cheered on by event attendees who will also enjoy gourmet tasting stations, music and dancing, and a “pop-up” House of Hope boutique. All proceeds will benefit House of Hope’s mission to empower Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship.
(left to right) “The New Batch” of contestants, Tina Kraft, Dina Roosth, Dr. Brian Moriarty, and Melissa Zolla. (5th contestant, Jennifer Stull Wise absent) pose in House of Hope’s Elisabeth Lahti Nutrition Center.
During the heated competition, each of the five contestants will be given a surprise pantry of goods composed of items that can be commonly found in-house of Hope’s Client Choice pantries and nutrition gardens. Chefs will have 45 minutes to create a tasty dish — one worthy of the title of Top Chef Martin County. In the weeks leading up to the big night, each contestant will raise funds to support House of Hope in order to meet the fundraising component of their total scores.
The judging panel consists of local foodies Adam Fetterman, the inaugural Top Chef Martin County victor; Jason Stocks of The District Table & Bar; and Jeff Goldstein of The Quiet Crab. In front of the live audience, judges will sample and critique the dishes followed by interviews with each contestant about their strategy and methods in preparing their best dish.
Known for feeding thousands of Martin County residents since 1984, House of Hope has evolved into an empowerment model targeting ways for clients to achieve self-sufficiency and improved health. Top Chef Martin County highlights nutritious meal preparation, healthful dietary choices, and showcases House of Hope’s career training programs, agriculture and production farm, and the Elisabeth Lahti Nutrition Center.
Sponsors for this event include: Whiticar Boatworks, Florida Power & Light, Amerisweeps, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elaine Matts, and Deborah Lovequist. For sponsorship information, event reservations and/or to support one of the five chef’s fundraising efforts, please visit TopChefMartinCounty.com or call Chelsea Paine at (772) 286-4673 x 1002.
ABOUT HOUSE OF HOPE
Founded in 1984, House of Hope touches the lives of about 6,000 people per month with services that include basic needs: food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance and long-term case management that helps people build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. The agency has service centers and thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown and Jensen Beach. House of Hope recently opened the Golden Gate Center for Enrichment in Stuart offering the community free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health and overall well-being. The agency’s newest nutrition initiatives have grown to include several community gardens, an agriculture and production farm, aeroponic greenhouses and the Elisabeth Lahti Nutrition Center. For more information about ways to both get help or give help, visit hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673.
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