Catalina Offshore Products to Host 3rd Annual Front Burner Fund Taco Throwdown on June 29 | Local Chefs Build Their Finest Tacos to Support San Diego's Culinary Community

June 17, 2014

On Sunday, June 29, from 1-4pm, local chefs will construct their most delicious taco concoctions to support San Diego's culinary community at Catalina Offshore Products. The Front Burner Fund, along with 15 premier chefs and restaurateurs, will join together for the 3rd Annual Taco Throwdown, a competition-based cooking demonstration and tasting that will raise funds to assist back of the house restaurant staff with emergency medical bills. SanDiegoVille has 2 passes for one lucky reader - just enter our raffle below and we will contact the winner by email by June 27.



Many of San Diego's top culinary talents will converge at Catalina Offshore Products for a tasting of SoCal's most amazing tacos... all for a benevolent cause. Premier chefs will bring their best taco-interpretation, ranging from yellowtail to lamb belly tacos, to raise money for the Front Burner Fund. Along with tasty tacos, delectable desserts are included in the cost of the event. After sampling the chefs offerings, guests will have a chance cast their vote in a friendly taco challenge. The competition will also be judged by San Diego Magazine's own Troy Johnson, Sam "The Cooking Guy" Zien, CBS News 8 Anchor, Shawn Styles, and George Morris of Beaumont's Eatery. URBN St. Brewing and Tito's Handmade Vodka will be providing beverages. Event sponsors include Specialty Produce, Newport Meats, Catalina Offshore Products, URBN Street Brewery and Bay Bird Inc. Public Relations.

Chef Ricardo Heredia of Alchemy
"Often times a need is present in the community and goes largely unnoticed because of the tenacity of the individuals to just get it done on their own," explained Ron Troyano, proprietor of Alchemy and board member of The Front Burner Fund. "Such is the case with a population of workers that cannot afford to be injured or out of work - I am speaking of our San Diego kitchen workers, or 'back of the house' as they are known to their industry partners. When one of them is accidentally injured and requires medical attention The Front Burner Fund can assist with a one time grant of up to $1,000.00 and guidance on how to receive assistance from other sources."

Participating chefs include Jeff Rossman from Terra American Bistro, Tommy Gomes from Catalina Offshore Products, Tommy Fraioli, Chef De Cuisine at Beaumonts, Chris Spayde from Blue Wave Bar & Grill, Miguel Valdez from 100 Wines, Luistzen Gonzalez from Puesto, Mitch Coniff from Mitch's Seafood, Private Chef Brandon Brooks, Eric Manuel from The Firefly at the Dana Inn, Ricardo Heredia from Alchemy, Craig Jimenez from Gang Kitchen, Karen Blair from Hamiltons Tavern, Small Bar & Monkey Paw and Davin Waite from Wrench & Rodent. Desserts will be provided by Jenny Wenny Cakes, Andrea's Truffles, Cupcakes Squared and Millie's Gelato.

The Front Burner Fund serves as a monetary benefactor to help cover emergency medical needs and healthcare costs of the independent "back of the house" culinary community. The fund is supported by three annual events with the recipients of such benefits being selected through an application and panel review process on a case-by-case basis.

"The Front Burner Fund raises money through events such as the 3rd annual Taco Throwdown to support it's efforts to provide emergency financial support to our brothers and sisters in the food service industry," continued Troyano.

Tickets to the 3rd Annual Taco Throwdown are $35 online and $45 at the door. Tickets for children under 13 years of age are $15. Guests are encouraged to BYOC (bring your own chair).

Catalina Offshore is located at 5202 Lovelock St. San Diego, CA 92110. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tacothrowdown.bpt.me.