Chefs prepare dishes at the CASA Chefs Cookout event in 2022. Photo contributed.

The second annual Chef Cookoff hosted by Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) returns to the Valley this February, showcasing Valley chefs with cooking demonstrations and samples available for attendees, as well as vendors, entertainment and dessert.

This year’s cookoff will be hosted at Granite Park on Feb. 17 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and will be hosted by Robert Ortiz, executive chef at Valley Children’s Healthcare.

The event will feature local chefs competing for the top spot voted on by those in attendance. Attendees will also be able to enjoy beer and wine along with culinary creations from local chefs.

“The Central Valley is the food capital of the world, and CASA wants to celebrate that,” said CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties Executive Director Wilma Hashimoto. “This premiere community event allows our organization to share our mission of supporting local foster youth in a fun, focused environment.”

The event requires a unique venue according to CASA Resource Development Coordinator Rebecca Johnson, with last year’s cookoff being hosted at Chukchansi Park. The venue requires enough space for both competitors, attendees and vendors.

This year, CASA Fresno is trying something different by hosting the event at Granite Park on Cedar Avenue between Ashlan and Dakota avenues.

“We are blessed to have a ton of community support,” Johnson said in an email to The Business Journal. “Not only do they supply food, but community contributors that sponsor this event, like Chukchansi and First Quality Produce, ensure we have the funds to our essential work with foster youth.”

Tickets to the event are available for $50 per person, with sponsorships available. Tickets can be purchased online, or by contacting Johnson at (559) 417-8794 or by email at rebeccajohnson@casafresno.org.

Proceeds from the event will go toward CASA Fresno and Madera Counties.

CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties provides support to foster children.