San Diego Top Chefs Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence at Dueling Culinary Competition for the 8th Annual Chef Showdown


August 21, 2012

Center for Community Solutions (CCS) will host its signature event of the year on Thursday, September 13 at Liberty Station in the NTC Promenade.  Formulated in the style of other head-to-head cooking competitions, the 8th Annual Chef Showdown is always a foodie-favorite occasion.  Proceeds from this one-of-a-kind culinary event will benefit programs and services of CCS, a San Diego nonprofit that provides prevention and intervention support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.

The event highlights San Diego top chefs participating in an “Iron Chef” style competition and they include Amy Dibiase from The Shores, Dawn Parks from Wild Thyme Co., Joe Magnanelli from Cucina Urbana, Paul McCabe from Delicias, Bobby Mariner from Viejas, Hanis Cavin from the Carnitas Snack Shack, Chef Matt Gordon of Urban Solace, Rachel King of Searsucker, Anthony Sinsay from Burlap, Augie Saucedo from Donovan’s, Scotty Wagner from Chi Cuisine, and Chris O’Donell from La Villa. The competing chefs will be divided into two teams and they will be given a secret ingredient to use to create eight dishes during the evening.

Chef Showdown 2011
The judges for the competition are Chef Bernard Guillas from The Marine Room, Restaurateur Ingrid Croce, Restaurateur Joe Bussalachi, Restaurateur Michelle Lerach, and two judge spots will be offered to guests for bidding during the live auction portion of the evening.  Sam Zien from the famous television show Sam the Cooking Guy will host the competition.

Chef Showdown is co-chaired by Isabel Cruz, Executive Chef and Owner of Isabel’s Cantina,  and Dee Dee Castro, Community Relations Manager from Viejas. Most importantly, Chef Showdown is also a fundraising event with a net income goal of at least $100,000 for much needed support for Center for Community Solutions.  Over 600 supporters including individuals, businesses, corporate sponsors, political and community leaders attend the culinary event to enjoy the chef competition, taste an array of delectable creation from more than 25 restaurants, sample a variety of wines, and bid on auction items.

Chef Showdown will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at NTC Promenade in Point Loma. For Tickets to the event are $125 each or $200 for a VIP reservation, and can be purchased by calling (858) 272-5777, ext. 120 (or get them online!)