Philly Cooks 2011: Yummy Food, and Drinks while Helping Charity

Philly chefs cooked up their best plates on Wednesday February 23, 2011 for Philadelphia Magazine’s Philly Cooks Competition.  It was held at The Crystal Tea Room in The Wanamaker Building where more than a thousand guests sampled drinks and food from many local chefs.   Dozens of chefs from 40-some restaurants competed in the Philly Mag-sponsored benefit for the Ronald McDonald House.

Everyone rocked out to DJ Chef Marc Weiss, a nationally recognized culinary entertainer, as he simultaneously heated up the beats and the eats.

My personal favorite dish was the appetizer from El Rey.  My friend and I couldn’t get enough of the avocado ravioli topped with crab apps. They were so good, and our healthiest choice of the night.

Here are the winners and their dishes:

Best Appetizer:

El Rey

Executive Chef Dionicio Jimenez

(Ravioles Aguacate y Cangrejo / Avocado Ravioli Topped with Crab)

Best Entrée:

Harvest Seasonal Grill

Corporate Chef Stephen Calise

(Alaskan Halibut)

Best Dessert:

Moshulu

Pastry Chef Sandra Valentine

(Michel Cluizel Chocolate Espresso Torte)

Dish of the Year:

Blackfish

Owner & Chef Chip Roman

(Hiramasa Sashimi Style)

Overall, it was a great fun-filled event. I even ran into my sorority sister and friend Alicia Vitarelli who is now a news reporter at WPVI-TV ABC 6.  I am so proud of her!

The event raised $20,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.  The silent auction raised $3,770.  I can’t wait until next year and I plan to get to El Rey as soon as possible, a.k.a. tonight for my favorite dish.

Check out all of the party pics on Philadelphia Magazines Parties page:  http://www.phillymag.com/party_pictures

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