Imagine an event where you could catch dozens of professional and amateur chefs in action and taste their best dishes!? No, Atlantic City Restaurant Week hasn’t offered a speed-tasting session (although that isn’t a such bad idea). Nor is this event a reality TV show on Food Network. However, your food fantasy has become a reality and it’s called…
“Let’s Get Cookin!”
Originally called “Men R’ Cookin’ in 2001, this signature Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City event may have actually coined the phrase “FUN-raiser”. According to Sharon D’Angio, Director of Resource Development Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City , “Men R’ Cookin’' was the largest and most successful fundraiser and it is so exciting to be bringing it back as "Let’s Get Cookin’" after a five year absence.”
It was – and still is – the only event of its kind where you are able to not only taste some of your favorite dishes from highly rated restaurants across Atlantic County but also meet the chefs that created them. Would you like to find out the secret to a stellar tasting stock or how to balance your blanching? If so, then this is your kind of event. But, if you simply like to taste food - as in - all kinds of fare from all backgrounds…including Vegan, Soul, Hispanic, Asian, Italian, and Fusion cuisine, then this is your jam too. Oh, and if you want to do something positive for Atlantic City youth, this is a great feel-good fundraiser. It’s the trifecta!
Food + Fundraising + Fun
From the James Beard award-winning Steve & Cookies by the Bay and their Executive Chef Kevin Kelly to acclaimed funny man / Executive Chef Stephan Johnson from Dock’s Oyster House ....and Food Network competitor Chef Michael Brennan from Cardinal Restaurant, this year’s featured chefs are sure to have your taste buds dancing. Throw in spirit tastings, an awards ceremony, silent auction and a take home recipe book and you’ve got the makings for an event that is certain to attract the who’s who of South Jersey.
As far as amateur chefs, you’ll recognize them too. How about “Let’s Get Cookin’" Veteran/Cooper Levinson COO Ken Calemmo, Entrepreneur Scott Cronick, Smithville Inn Owner Tony Coppola, Jr, Nutritionist Nancy Adler and many other familiar faces that love to share their culinary creations for a good cause too!
Photo: Press of Atlantic City 2016
Although there are quite a few new twists surrounding this 20+ year-old event, like a new venue at Showboat Hotel and a spring date on May 21st (6p-8p), there is one thing that will remain the same. The fundraiser will still benefit one of Atlantic City’s most celebrated organizations for children & teens. The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. Sharon D’Angio explains, “This new venue in the terminal of Showboat allows us a large space that we can really make into our own. Many aspects of the previous event will stay the same with our Chefs providing samples to be tasted and judged, a large silent auction, cookbook and recipes.”
“We're thrilled to revive the beloved culinary tradition of Let's Get Cookin' here in Atlantic City,” said Charles A. Wallace II, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “This event not only showcases the culinary talents of our community but also provides crucial support for our club. By coming together to cook, taste, and celebrate, we're making a real difference in the lives of local youth, empowering them to thrive and succeed. We invite chefs, sponsors, and the community to join us in this exciting endeavor.”
This culinary creativity has also positively influenced The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City which has expanded their culinary offerings under the direction of their Executive Chef Pam Green. This year they launched “Club Café “ serving delicious breakfast items from their take out window at the Teen Center on Pennsylvania Ave.
100% of the proceeds from Let’s Get Cookin’ 2024 will help sustain and expand the various programs offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City including their Club Café as well as other career exploration and job training programs. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the club empowers youth to build a brighter future.
The event is chaired by Larry Sieg, President and CEO, Meet AC, and Sharon Franz, Sales & Marketing Director, Steel Pier. A committee of professionals is volunteering to work with ACBGC staff to coordinate the event. iHeartRadio - Atlantic City, 95.1 WAYV, 100.7 WZXL, 99.3 The BUZZ and 96.1 WTTH are proud to promote & sponsor the event.
For General Admission and VIP tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities, and Chef Registration, visit Let’s Get Cookin’2024 – ACBGC. FB Event Page is HERE.