Let me explain.
The fourth annual Tampa Bay Food Fight event is back, but it’s different from ever before. Rather than a sold-out, packed to the gills event where foodies watch Tampa and St. Pete chefs duke it out, the now COVID-friendly event is set to be hosted virtually on October 15, and everyone is invited. The battle is set to be streamed live from 7-8 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. This means you can be in your pajamas, with a glass of wine in hand cheering on some of the best chefs throughout Tampa Bay.
While the ambiance will be a bit different, the rivalry and the mission are the same (and I’m not talking about the trophy).
Although the event is free to stream, the goal of Tampa Bay Food Fight is to raise $150,000 for 100 student scholarships in Metropolitan Ministries’ Culinary Arts Program for 2021. Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Ministries’ culinary program was not exempt from feeling the brunt of the pandemic. The event’s page shares details of how TBFF can save the program from extinction.
“In the wake of COVID-19, our culinary arts program funding has come to a halt. Without the Tampa Bay Food Fight, the program may be forced to shut down. Top chefs are returning to the ring to help keep Metropolitan Ministries’ culinary arts program in existence.”
These donations can help those who are looking for a hand in the culinary industry while transitioning out of homelessness.
“I love that there are young men and women applying themselves to the culinary scene. I remember being a young cook and having a chef take me under her wing, so I want to return the knowledge,” said Team Tampa Captain and chef Michael Buttacavoli Cena Tampa in a post.
To register to stream the event, visit qtego.net and fill out your information and shell out a few bones for a good cause. Think of all the money you saved on not having to buy a ticket, an Uber to go to the event and money you would've spent on getting tipsy. Instead, raid your pantry and donate what you can.
Just a heads up, if you register for free before October 7, you’ll receive 10 free raffle tickets to experiences ranging from $400-$2,500. One of which is a deluxe two-night stay with cabana and dinner at Cipress and The Rez Grill – another is a six-course dinner for 10 at your home prepared by the Culinary Art Program’s chef and students. Those who are planning on streaming are encouraged to register prior to October 15.
Mark your calendars, update your laptop and get ready to watch both sides of the bay battle for bragging rights while getting a little good karma.
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This article appears in Best of the Bay 2020.