Calling all chefs that like to tantalize tastebuds with the sweet and savoury taste of the cocoa bean while supporting local women furthering themselves through education.
Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore is looking for chefs to participate in its second annual Flavour of Chocolate gala fundraiser event on Saturday, April 23 at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa in Langford.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a really cool concept,B次元官网网址� said Soroptimist club member Deb Alcadinho, the event organizer and fundraising co-chair. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a total foodie event.B次元官网网址�
Up to six chefs will go toe-to-toe, vying for guestsB次元官网网址� votes with their chocolate creations. But if that isnB次元官网网址檛 enough to satisfy oneB次元官网网址檚 taste buds, after the competition Sooke Harbour HouseB次元官网网址檚 renowned pastry chef, Matthias Conradi, will prepare a decadent dessert to finish off the evening meal.
Two chefs have already signed up for the challenge, including Westin Bear Mountain executive chef Mark Wadsworth, and last yearB次元官网网址檚 event winner and Chopped Canada finalist Toivo Heyduck from Stewart, B.C.
B次元官网网址淭hey provide their labour, ingredients and their time,B次元官网网址� Alcadinho said, adding chefs will be provided with a $300 stipend to help with some of the costs. TheyB次元官网网址檒l also bring a beverage partner to the gala dinner to pair the perfect libation with their creation.
B次元官网网址淔or foodies, they can really engage on a different level,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 very much a social, interactive event.B次元官网网址� Despite the name, she added, Flavour of Chocolate isnB次元官网网址檛 B次元官网网址渁 total sweets fest.B次元官网网址�
Chefs will prepare savoury small-plate creations that include elements of either chocolate or cocoa beans. These dishes are larger than tapas, but smaller than a main course.
B次元官网网址淭heir dishes were exquisite,B次元官网网址� Alcadinho said of last yearB次元官网网址檚 competition. B次元官网网址淭his is not a simple dish on a plate. TheyB次元官网网址檙e quite complex.B次元官网网址� Some of last yearB次元官网网址檚 creations included jerk chicken and chocolate pasta.
Along with a champagne reception, the culinary competition and decadent dessert, the Soroptimist club will present three financial awards to young women to help further their education. The evening also includes a performance by a classical music trio and a silent auction to help support the clubB次元官网网址檚 three signature projects: Imagining Possibilities, a one-day conference aimed at teaching life skills to women aged 15 to 24; AnneyB次元官网网址檚 Closet, which provides donated household items for at-risk women getting a fresh start, and the many financial awards to help women fund their education.
B次元官网网址淥ur whole mandate is to support women to reach their full potential,B次元官网网址� Alcadinho said. B次元官网网址淓ducated women will change their family dynamics (and) their communities. It just has a ripple effect.B次元官网网址�
If youB次元官网网址檙e not a chef, but want to see what these chefs have cooked up, she recommended purchasing tickets early, as last yearB次元官网网址檚 event sold out a month in advance. B次元官网网址淚t was a huge success.B次元官网网址�
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to flavourofchocolate.com or if youB次元官网网址檙e an interested chef, email Alcadinho at deb@wwbnvictoria.com.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
