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Welcome to Home Skillet, where the chili-tasting boots are officially on. Some big dining events on the agenda this week:
Friday, April 16: Meals from the Masters weekend kicks off Friday with the 8th annual Evening with the Masters at the Chase Center on the Riverfront beginning at 6 p.m.
More than 40 local and regional restaurants and beverage purveyors will put their best feet forward with scrumptious culinary creations, and guests are invited to enjoy a silent auction, live music and dancing, plus the highly-anticipated Cellar Masters’ Wine Auction. The live auction of fine wines, rare beers and spirits is presented by Bouchaine Vineyards, the Napa vineyard owned by Delaware’s own Tatiana and Gerret Copeland.
A few of our local restaurants leading the way this year include the Bayard House, Corner Bistro, Firebirds, Movable Feast, Ole Tapas Restaurant, Orillas Tapas Bar and Restaurant, and Pizza By Elizabeths.
Tickets for the Evening run $75 ($35 of which is tax deductible). Premium tickets, which include access to the Cellar Masters’ Wine Auction, are $90.
Proceeds from the weekend’s events (see Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch below) benefit Meals On Wheels Delaware.
Click your way over here for all the info.
Saturday, April 17: As a veteran of the chili-tasting scene, I was pleased as punch to welcome the “Who’s Cookin’ Wilmington’s Best Chili?” contest to my hometown, a new event that benefits the Elementary Workshop Montessori School.
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Urban Cafe (12th and Market streets across from the Hercules building, pro chefs and amateurs alike will compete for prizes and top honors. It will be judged by yours truly, along with Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, Wilmington City Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz, Wilmington Communication Director John Rago, WJBR’s Paul Lewis, and Randy Currie from Currie Hair Skin and Nails.
Tickets cost $35 a head and $60 per couple in advance, $40/$70 at the door. Call EWMS at 656-1498 for more.
Sunday, April 18: You gotta love brunch. When else can you swig mimosas with reckless abandon while pounding down foods that would hardly qualify as either breakfast or lunch foods?
Maybe that’s why the annual Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch—part of the Meals from the Masters weekend—is such a monster of an event. The culinary and wine extravaganza, featuring more than 30 celebrity chefs from around the world showing off their ample cooking chops, commences at 10 a.m. Sunday from the Bank of America building downtown Wilmington (1100 N. King St., Wilmington).
Just like last year, I’ll be on-hand to snap some pics, shake some hands and scarf some quail eggs. Keep a lookout here next week for a picture-laden recap.
In the meantime, click here for all the info you’ll need regarding chefs and ticketing information.