When it comes to big names in the South Florida culinary scene, Michelle Bernstein is kind of a big deal.
The affable celebrity chef is all over the place, from her highly acclaimed Miami restaurant Michy's to her public television show Check, Please! South Florida to numerous food and wine events, whenever Bernstein is involved, people pay attention -- and want to jump onboard.
Next Friday, she's judging ARC Broward's "Delish 2014 - Fire & Ice" hosted by the Wasie Foundation at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
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From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 7, Bernstein is holding the post as honorary chair, evaluating the cooking station manned by graduates of ARC Broward Culinary Institute.
ARC Broward is a not-for-profit human services organization that provides services for kids and adults with developmental disabilities. It offers nonprofit catering service for students to obtain real world on-the-job training, with all revenues directly supporting job training, placement, and student scholarships.
This is the second year-in-a-row that Bernstein has participated in the event.
She's a huge supporter of the culinary program and the overall efforts of the organization.
"It is an honor to be part of such a fabulous event for an incredible cause," says Bernstein. "I truly believe in the ARC Broward Culinary Institute's mission of using food as a tool to transform lives, and the food that the students are creating is top-notch."
This year, battling chefs will be experimenting with "Fire & Ice," allowing the competitors to show of their skills and techniques with both hot and cold elements.
Also included as part of the event, special guest celebrity chef Michele Ragussis from T.V. shows like Food Network Star, Chopped, and 24 Hour Restaurant Battle are competing mano-a-mano in a quick-fire-type challenge against Hilton executive chef Sean McDonald. ARC Broward Culinary Institute student chefs are assisting both Ragussis and McDonald in the contest. Bernstein is judging two groups and crown the winning team.
While the chefs and students battle it out, guests will be treated to gourmet foods, cocktails, dancing, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a chance to get in on the judging action -- attendees get to weigh-in on the competing stations.
In addition to judging the culinary stations and selecting an official winning chef team, Bernstein is also presenting the "Michy's Best Award" to ARC Broward graduate, Ashley Guzman.
The cost to attend is $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $1,000.
For sponsorship information or tickets, contact Jessica Kersey at [email protected], 954-746-9400. or visit arcbroward.com.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-414-2222, or visit hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hilton-fort-lauderdale-beach-resort
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