Cool breezes and an island vibe formed a tropical backdrop for the return of Let’s Get Cookin’, the culinary competition to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City held May 21. The return of the event, after a five-year hiatus, brought 500 guests to the Island Waterpark at the Showboat to taste delicacies prepared by 50 amateur and professional chefs.
“It was a picture-perfect evening featuring some of the greatest culinary talent in our community, but more importantly some of the most passionate supporters of our mission,” said Dr. Charles A. Wallace II, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “We are grateful to the Showboat for hosting us at this spectacular venue, to the chefs who shared their time and talent, to the community partners, the Boys & Girls Club dedicated staff and volunteers who supported us throughout this journey, and importantly to everyone who came out for this amazing cause—to build great futures for our kids.”
Guests had a chance to sample heirloom recipes and gourmet creations from professional and amateur chefs in the Atlantic City area and from Philadelphia. Heading the committee of judges was Chef Pam Green, Executive Director of Hospitality Initiatives at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Chef Green was joined by media personalities Nick Pittman and Robin Stoloff and by Chef Larry Alexander from the Atlantic City Convention Center, who judged the entries.
The event featured two celebrity chefs who had previously been on the Food Network. Philadelphia Chef Chad Rosenthal is known for his appearances on Chopped Grill Masters and Beat Bobby Flay (which he did). Executive Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, was a featured chef on Guy’s Grocery Games and defeated three other contestants to win that competition.
Awards were given in a variety of categories:
Appetizer, Soup, Salad
Amateur Chef: Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Professional Chef: Demetrios Haronis, Tropicana, Lobster Bisque
Entrée
Amateur Chef: GGTI, Chefs Luis, Robert, Ozzy, Stuffed Long Hots with a side of Chimichurri
Professional Chef: Chef Stephan, Docks, Wasabi Crusted Tuna
Dessert
Amateur Chef: Nancy Adler Nutrition, Cake Batter Balls
Professional Chef: Michael D’Angelo, Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake
Healthy Food
Amateur Chef: Nancy Adler Nutrition, Cake Batter Balls
Professional Chef: Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Compressed Melon Dish
Best Overall
Amateur Chef: Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Professional Chef: Michael D’Angelo, Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake
Best Decorated Table
Amateur Chef: Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Professional Chef: Chef Tiffany Rando, Florida Cold Cuts, Charcuterie Wall/6 ft. subs
Longtime supporter Fran Coppola was surprised with a special award for her 20 years of service to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “Ever since I walked into the club at that very first Men ‘R Cookin’ event, I was taken by its incredible mission,” she said. “Watching the kids blossom over the years and learning about the programs has been a real joy and a true passion of mine.”
Guests received a bound recipe book as a memento of the evening. They also had a chance to win raffle baskets and bid on auction items, all to support the cause. Proceeds from Let’s Get Cookin’ 2024 will directly contribute to sustaining and expanding the various programs offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the club empowers youth to build a brighter future.
Let’s Get Cookin’ 2024 was chaired by Larry Sieg, President and CEO, Visit Atlantic City, and Sharon Franz, Sales & Marketing Director, Steel Pier. A committee of professionals volunteered their time to work with ACBGC staff to coordinate the event.
About Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City:
The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is a nonprofit organization that has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of Atlantic City for over 50 years. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We offer a wide range of programs that focus on education, leadership, health, arts, and more, helping children and teenagers build essential life skills and develop into well-rounded individuals. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City – visit acbgc.org, call (609) 347-2697, or email Executive Administrator Brianna Register at bregister@acbgc.org.
