TAMPA, Fla. (July 6, 2023) – Epicurean Hotel is hosting the eighth annual Epic Chef Showdown (Mondays, July 10 – Aug. 7) to benefit Feeding Tampa Bay, the area’s largest food rescue and distribution organization. The event gathers the Tampa Bay area’s top restaurants for friendly weekly cooking competitions judged by select local culinary experts. The first three weeks will feature local sous chefs competing for the Epic Chef title, with the winner announced on Monday, July 24. The remaining two weeks will be encore, all-star nights featuring previous Epic Chef winners competing in “Chopped-style” battles. For all five weekly competitions, chefs will be challenged to create a unique dish using ingredients supplied by the Epicurean team, plus a mystery ingredient chosen by a child who participates in Feeding Tampa Bay’s Affinity Programs. For those enjoying the events in the Epicurean Theatre, Feeding Tampa Bay’s Director of Culinary, Chef Daniel Graves and his team will create a unique appetizer weekly, followed by an additional three-courses crafted by the culinary team at Epicurean Hotel.
“We’re so proud of this event that has each year either added a new element or adapted to support the changing landscape,” said Shawn Routten, general manager of Epicurean Hotel. “This year is no exception, with the addition of the all-star competitions and bringing the event back to five weeks, allowing us even more time to focus on our amazing partner, Feeding Tampa Bay.”
The five -week competition schedule is as follows:
July 10 Chef Josue Collado, Rooster & the Till v. Chef Evan Lipman, Wild Child
July 17 Chef Jada Vidal, Noble Rice v. Chef Adrianna Siller, Bandit Coffee Co.
July 24 Week 1 Winner v. Week 2 Winner – 2023 Epic Chef Announced
July 31 Chef Suzanne Crouch, Lara v. Wayne Mather, Mise en Place
Aug. 7 Chef Michael Buttacavoli, Cena v. Chef Rob Reinsmith, Wild Child
“We’re thrilled to be bringing this unique event back in a way that celebrates Tampa Bay’s iconic Epicurean Hotel, top restaurants, and talented chefs,” said Thomas Mantz, President and CEO at Feeding Tampa Bay. “With our community’s support and these shining stars standing by our side, we’re closer every day to fulfilling our vision of making sure everyone has a healthy meal on the table, support for their family and a future that’s brighter.”
Epic Chef will take place inside Epicurean Hotel’s Theatre from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
A very limited number of tickets are available to the public via Epicurean Hotel’s event calendar, but spectators without tickets can watch all the action from the hotel’s lobby, where the event will be shown on big screen TVs. In addition, Epic Chef will be streamed live through Feeding Tampa Bay’s YouTube channel.
Epic Chef sponsors include Florida Blue (title sponsor), Epicurean Hotel/Mainsail Lodging & Development, Steve & Victoria Heiser, MetLife, ChappellRoberts, DTCC, Ryan Company, Coca-Cola, Carlton Fields and Cheney Brothers.
The food-focused Epicurean Hotel features a state-of-the-art culinary classroom known as the Epicurean Theatre; Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar signature restaurant; EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge; Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits wine shop; Evangeline full-service spa; Chill Bros. Scoop Shop; and 5,200-square feet of flexible event space. The Epicurean Hotel was developed in collaboration with Mainsail Lodging & Development and the legendary Bern’s Steak House and is the first newly constructed hotel property in the United States to join the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).
For information and reservations at the Epicurean Hotel, call (855) U-AWAKEN (829-2536) or visit EpicureanHotel.com. For more information on Feeding Tampa Bay, visit FeedingTampaBay.org.
About Feeding Tampa Bay
As one of the nation’s top hunger relief organizations, Feeding Tampa Bay is ending hunger by fueling human potential in every family, child and senior across our 10-county region. By leveraging the daily connection around a meal, the organization is evolving its partnerships, programs and services with a goal to break down barriers and create long-term health and capability in the lives of the individuals it serves. Feeding Tampa Bay has continuously evolved its services, doubling its reach to serve nearly 1 million people in our community, and anticipates it will serve more than 85 million meals this year. Feeding Tampa Bay and its community stand together to lift our neighbors, because food makes tomorrow possible. FeedingTampaBay.org
About Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com
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