Local Chef Competition will Benefit Homeless Women in Washington, D.C.

On Sunday, September 23rd, some of the hottest local chefs, restaurateurs, and foodies will gather in Alexandria to take part in an “Iron Chef”-style competition to benefit Calvary Women’s Services, a local nonprofit.

At this year’s Iron Chef Calvary event, Sugo Executive Chef Justin Bates will go head-to-head with Mike Friedman, Co-Owner and Executive Chef at The Red Hen, slated to open early next year in Bloomingdale. The two competitors will engage in a fierce culinary battle, using their skills to craft an original appetizer, entrée, and dessert – all containing the same secret ingredient. Adam Bernbach, bar manager at Estadio, will also participate by crafting a specialty “Calvary” cocktail, and local hotspot Cava Mezze will provide Greek-inspired appetizers for guests.

Their creations will be evaluated by a panel of judges including Haidar Karoum, Executive Chef at Proof and Estadio, Karen Nicolas, Executive Chef at Equinox and winner of Food and Wine’s “Best New Chef” of 2012, Kristin Connor, Co-Owner of Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering, and Nycci Nellis of the popular blog “The List Are You On It.”

The second annual Iron Chef Calvary will be hosted by Kymber Messersmith and Tracy Ballard of Calvary Women’s Services’ Board of Directors, John Eisenhart, and also by Michael James of Proof. The event is sponsored by Wasfi Alnabki, Joanna Mason, and Stacey Jacobs of Calvary’s Board of Directors.

“This is such a unique event in the community, and I’m so grateful to the hosts and competitors,” said Calvary Executive Director Kris Thompson. “It’s wonderful to see the restaurant community come together to not only put on such a fun event, but to also support our programs and the women we serve.”

All proceeds from the event will support Calvary Women’s Services’ programs for women who are homeless in Washington, D.C. In particular, the event funds Calvary’s Good Hope Kitchen, which provides 100 meals each day for women who are working toward their goals for good health, employment, and independent living. Calvary’s meals focus on promoting healthy living by providing women with nutrients that homeless women often lack – including whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetable dishes.

For additional information about Calvary Women’s Services, the Good Hope Kitchen, or the Iron Chef Calvary event, please contact Heather Laing at (202) 548-0596 or info@calvaryservices.org.