BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — Cooking For A Cause will host a live culinary competition on April 12, 2026, at SUNY Broome Culinary & Event Center.
The culinary competition and fundraising event support nonprofit organizations and celebrate locally owned restaurants in the region. The event returns after its successful 2025 launch.
This year’s event will benefit three organizations: Mercy House of the Southern Tier, The American Heart Association of the Southern Tier, and Animal Care Sanctuary.
Competition features local chefs and community leaders
The live culinary competition pairs local chefs with community leaders for a demonstration. Each team will prepare a dish featuring the same protein and will be judged professionally. The top team’s chef will direct a donation to a charity of their choice.
This year’s teams include Marc Yezzi of The Kitchen Counter and Di Cotta’s, paired with Paul VanSavage of Tastes and Tales of New York’s Southern Tier. Dan Polhamus of Food & Fire and Iron Agave will team with Ty Muse, president and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union. Amarissa Scelsi of Baci & Ianni’s Trattoria will compete with Anthony Capozzi of Station 45 American Chop House.
Participating restaurants will host tasting stations with a dish of their choice. Guests will vote on Best Tasting Station and other categories.
More information is available at this link.
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Dining and Cooking