The Food Bank of Central New York announces the First Annual Savor Chef Challenge at SavorSyracuse 2010 – their annual gourmet food, beer, and wine tasting gala. This entertaining and delicious event, which is in its 13th

year, draws an appreciative crowd of approximately 750 Central New Yorkers. It will take place on April 15, 2010 from 6 – 8:30pm at the historic Hotel Syracuse.

This year, there is a new and exciting event: the Savor Chef Challenge sponsored by P&C Food and Pharmacy. An elite group of local chefs will be critiqued based on several different criteria; the winner will be chosen at the end of the evening by a team of designated judges and will be awarded a 42″ high definition TV provided by Olum’s Appliance & Electronics. General attendees will also be able to cast their vote for their favorite participant.

“The Chef Challenge will create new depth and excitement. SavorSyracuse has consistently been a great fundraiser for the Food Bank, but this will take the event up to another level,” said Tom Slater, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Central New York. “The Challenge gives us the opportunity to showcase the talents of Central New York’s finest chefs and add another tasting opportunity for those who attend.”

At SavorSyracuse, participating restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries prepare small, “tasting size” samples for attendees to enjoy. SavorSyracuse is designed both to raise money for the Food Bank of Central New York, and to create awareness of the many in need of food assistance in the Central and Northern New York region.

The Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization working to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education and advocacy in cooperation with the community. Visit us at www.savorsyracuse.org for more information and for

registration details.

For any additional information, contact 422.9400 or [email protected]. Tom Slater can also be contacted at 437.1899

Competing Chefs as of March 18th:

Competition Judges as of March 18th:

-Paul Midgley (Cutting Edge Catering): -Stephanie Miner, Mayor, City of Syracuse

-Sean Poole (Sherwood Inn):

-Judy Fitzgerald, VP Business Media Solutions, WCNY

-Brian Shore (Century Club):

-Shawn Fresina, Table Hopping

-Chance Bear (Owasco Country Club):

-Thomas Eicholzer, Dir. of Food & Beverage, OnCenter

-Chris Kuhns (Phoebe’s Restaurant & Coffee Lounge):

-Peter Ricardo, Dir. of Special Nutrition Projects, Food Bank of Central New York

-Mary Ann Russell, Dir. of Commissary Ops, AdvancedMeal