Culinary Showcase And Competition At MCC

Join McHenry County College and the local restaurant community at Taste of McHenry County, a culinary showcase and competition, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 in the MCC cafeteria, Building B, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.

All ages are invited to view a premier cooking competition, featuring professional/student chef teams, from noon until 2 p.m. Other highlights include food tastings from area restaurants and special activities for kids.

The competition will include three teams of two students each, who will prepare a whole menu consisting of an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. Each team has a professional chef as their mentor, available to answer questions, if needed.

 “I’m thrilled about the whole event,” said Chef Thomas Kaltenecker, CHE, MCFE, executive chef and instructor of culinary management at MCC. “I read the menus the students created, and it’s amazing how far they have come in our culinary program. This event will have just as much excitement as an ‘Iron Chef’ competition,” he said.

Participating restaurants include: Around the Clock Restaurant and Bakery, Benedict’s La Strata, Billy’s Beef, Brunch Cafe, Conscious Cup, Egg Harbor Café, Kiera Confections, Port Edward Restaurant, The Pizza Place, Tarts & Truffles, Thirsty Whale, Warsaw Inn, and more

Purchase tickets in advance online through 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 – general admission is $10, and the cost is free for children five and younger. Tickets also available for $13 at the door (cash or credit card only). General admission ticket holders will receive one complimentary ticket for a special drawing to win one free class in the MCC Culinary Management program, not including books, fees, uniform or knife set.

Proceeds will be used to establish a new Culinary Management scholarship for MCC students. Individuals or businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Kathrine Pfister at kpfister@mchenry.edu.

Sponsors of the event include: Ace Coffee Bar, Billy’s Beef and Catering, Centegra Health System, Golden Eagle Community Bank, Northwest Herald, Reinhart FoodService, and Star 105.5.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.mchenry.edu/taste.