Three local chefs – Gene Evans, Thomas Raymond, and Mike Travis – competed in Watchdog Culinary Cook-Off #2 to raise funds for the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley on December 18, 2018.
Cook-Off #2 had similar rules as CHOPPED! on the Food Network, but there were no eliminations, and there was a point system used by the three judges. Steve Novotney hosted the event and United Way Executive Director, Jess Rine, co-hosted. Contests from Cook-Off #1 served as judges: chefs Rocco Basil, Matt Welsch, and Christian Kefauver.
Each competing chef was asked to prepare an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert during the two-hour show that featured a small studio audience. The big twist during Cook-Off #2 were the secret ingredients – for each round, each chef was presented with a different ingredients that they incorporate into their presented dishes.
The competing chefs each auctioned off a dinner for six. The event was broadcast live on the Watchdog Network, AM 1600 WKKX and AM 1370 WVLY, and also on Facebook Live just as the Pointe Restaurant Culinary Showcase is each Tuesday from 5-6 p.m.
The United Way would like to thank Steve Novotney, WKKX and all of the volunteer chefs for making this fundraiser a blast and a success!