My Guy Market chef Eduardo Sixayratransy (in yellow) was the winner of the 4th annual CASA Chef Cook-off to support foster youth. CASA photo

The 4th annual CASA Chef Cook-off took place Saturday at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, with six Central Valley chefs facing off and one declared the winner.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit that serves children in the foster care system.

This year’s winner was My Guy Market chef Eduardo Sixayratransy — a former foster child himself. He took home the honors with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich featuring a Southeastern twist.

Sixayratransy, 30, felt his win at the event represents an experience that has “come full circle,” from life in the foster system to a symbol of hope, perseverance and persistence. He started My Guy Market as a ghost kitchen in 2022, with a sandwich-centric menu inspired by the bodegas of New York City.

 

“Eddie, we are beyond proud of you,” a Facebook post on CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties reads. “Your light shines bright, and your success empowers those who were once in your shoes.”

This year’s cook-off also featured competition from Wade Loucks with Mariopsa Culinary Cliffs; Ellena Mendez with E’s Cuisine by Chef Trapunzel; Dwayne McFann with  The Pines Resort; Theresia and Ahlden Maroney with Boarding Pass Eats and Micah Howerton with 559eatsofficial.

CASA serves as a connection between foster youth and a stable support system, assisting children in the foster care system, connecting them with resources, educational and recreational opportunities as well as guiding them through complex and stressful processes centered in and around the foster care system.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties, helping train and support advocates who assist CASA youth.