The St. Charles Borromeo Men’s Club is now registering teams for its Saturday, March 21 Top Chef Cook-off, according to Brandon Hebert, president of the club.
The SCB men’s club will host the cook-off from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the front parking lot of St. Charles Borromeo’s Catholic Church in Destrehan. The registration fee for four-member teams is $150. Teams can register online or email Hebert at scbmensclub1@gmail.com.
Unlike other jambalaya or crawfish cooking competitions, the Top Chef lets teams decide which dish to prepare. Last year’s winning dish was Andouille Crusted Redfish over a Cajun slaw from the Lagniappe Legends lead by Ron St. Pierre. Other dishes included jambalaya, red bean gumbo, chili, fried fish, seafood gumbo, shrimp etouffee and more.
Tickets to the event are $15 for attendees 13 years old and older, and include all-you-can-taste. There are beverages available for purchase.
Attendees of the event will cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, and the teams will also compete for first and second place from a panel of judges.
The SCB men’s club revived the cook-off last year after a 10-year hiatus. At last year’s event, 15 teams competed and the event raised over $8,000.
Hebert said the money raised helped cover the cost of the event and helped the SCB Men’s Club fund campus enhancement projects like repainting the states map, adding four square courts and funnel ball game, and hosting community events like coffee and donuts after mass.
“We created the SCB Men’s Club for all men in our St. Charles community that want to come together and be leaders in the eyes of their families and friends,” Hebert said. “We participate in men’s retreats, service projects, prayer groups, and fellowship events.”
This past year, the men’s club held LSU/Saints watch parties, the Top Chef Cook-off and a dad-daughter dance.
“Hopefully we have been able to rally some of the men in our community to take more active roles as husbands, fathers, and leaders in the community,” Hebert said.
Hebert said the men’s club is planning for a bigger cook-off this year, with the goal of 20 teams participating. Hamburgers, hot dogs and a dessert table are new additions to the event. The cook-off will also feature a DJ and emcee, with a mix of oldies, classics and some of today’s best hits.
“Our goal in any event is not necessarily to raise money, but to bring the community together to enjoy good food and each other’s company,” he said. “The cook-off is a sign that the church exists outside of the physical building itself and is alive in how we come together as a community whether it be for assistance through our various programs, or just for good food and company.”
Dining and Cooking