Battle of the Chefs Culinary Showdown At Founders Hall June 5

On Sunday, June 5, from 4-7 pm, three chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits in an exciting culinary showdown to benefit Founders Hall in Ridgefield, CT. Chefs Beck Bolender (One Twenty One, North Salem), Frank Bonnaudet (Sucré Salé, Ridgefield), and Jehan S.de Noüe (formerly Chez Noüe, Ridgefield, now JSN Catering and Albano Appliance, Pound Ridge) will open a basket of surprise ingredients in front of an audience of over 200 and, in just 60 short minutes, compete to create the winning entrée.

A panel of food experts, including John Barricelli of SoNo Baking Company, master chef Ron DeSantis, director of culinary excellence at Yale University, and Brendan Walsh, dean of culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America, will judge the chefs on their creativity, craftsmanship and culinary results. Amy Kundrat, executive editor of the award-winning regional food blog CTbites will once again referee this showdown.

Join the Battle to savor and judge appetizers created by the three master chefs for this event. Mingle with the chefs before and after the entrée competition; get up close and personal as they compete under pressure. Cheer them on while you feast on delicious hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, gourmet sampling stations and the chefs’ signature desserts. To taste the chefs’ competition entrees, buy a seat at a special tasting table (a limited number will be available).

Your ticket purchase, $100 for general viewing or $500 for a seat at a tasting table, supports Founders Hall, a donor-supported education and recreational center for people age 60 and over. For tickets and information on Battle of the Chefs visit www.founders-hall.org or call Founders Hall at 203-431-7000. Event sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and The Chefs Warehouse.