This year’s Super Chef Showdown was the biggest ever, and according to a great many palates, the tastiest.
As far as fundraisers go, it’s the lifeblood of local charity Hope House, which provides residents in need with everything from prescriptions and medical bills to transportation and rent and utilities.
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A whopping 523 tickets were sold to the 13th annual event, making for a crowded venue at the First United Methodist Church of Union County. Right there to greet those gustatory-minded guests on March 8 was organizer Pam Alexander, wearing a sleek black chef’s hat.
“I cannot thank you enough for supporting Hope House,” Alexander said with a smile. “Every dime that we make for this thing goes toward Hope House, so we thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Beside her was a portrait of Mary Colwell. As a member of the Hope House Board, Colwell helped keep the organization afloat for years, and she left a lasting legacy that will carry on well after her passing last November.
“Even in death, Mary had in lieu of flowers, send money to Hope House,” said Alexander, hoping to honor Colwell’s legacy and show her family that she was loved by her fellows. “To do that, to keep with us, even in death – that’s an awesome thing.”
This year saw a few other changes from the norm. For starters, attendees were advised to stay at their tables and move in lines to reduce the risk of “traffic jams.” The blessing, too, was administered at the start of the event.
This year’s panel of judges included Vincent Taylor, owner of Vincent’s Coppertop Restaurant & Pub in Blairsville; Netflix sensation and sausage champion James “BBQ” Grubbs of Grubbaque; and Sawmill Place owner Amy Kight.
Each judge was impressed with the amount of effort that was put into not just food, but appearances this year. Local organizations serve as the competitors during the Super Chef Showdown, and many of them enjoy getting into the spirit of things.
In particular, the judges cited extravagant displays and decorations, whether for food or booth. One group – the Ladies of First United Methodist Church – took things a step further and dressed up in their vintage Sunday best.
The judges agreed that the foodstuffs featured that fine day made it difficult for them to reach a conclusion. Several varieties of chili and Brunswick stew were available among other choices like short ribs, minestrone soup, lasagna and Creole red beans and rice.
Folks with a sweet tooth also appreciated the dessert options like brownie bites, strawberry pound cake, key lime cheesecake and church window cookies – decorated to look like stained glass with their colorful marshmallow cells.
Despite the difficult decision, the judges made their three picks. First Place went to the Appalachian Shrine Club’s Korean barbecue tacos; Second Place to Union County 911’s sweet and spicy crockpot meatballs; and last but not least, Third Place was awarded to the Tri-State Business Women’s pasta salad.
Still, even if a competitor doesn’t place in the Judge’s Choice category, they have a chance to win the public’s favor through donations. Another three winners were crowned in this way: the Ladies of FUMC won First Place with their church cookies; Blairsville Police Department took home Second Place with their Brunswick stew; and Twins’ key lime cheesecake earned Third Place.
Special recognition goes to chefs who go above and beyond raising money and promoting the event before it comes time to compete. The Giver of Hope Award made the Ladies of the First United Methodist Church doubly crowned super chefs this year.
In the end, between entry fees, donations, tips and the silent auction, the Hope House raised an outstanding $23,000. There are already plans in place for next year, Alexander said, as this year’s popularity ensures growth.
“We will probably be looking for another venue to address some of the issues we had because of the amount of people,” disclosed Alexander. “Every year is a learning experience.”
