Mark down April 13 on your calendars and get ready for an evening of delicious food, friendly competition, and an opportunity to give to a truly great cause.
The Mustard Seed is delighted to announce the return of their successful Chef's Challenge fundraising event. This culinary showdown brings together four top local chefs who’ll compete in a friendly manner, while raising critical funds for The Mustard Seed's ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in greater Victoria.
“This is our third Chef’s Challenge and we are excited to be returning after a hiatus, due to both COVID-19 and the fire we experienced last March,” explains Colleen Sparks, director of development at The Mustard Seed. Suffice to say, the team at The Mustard Seed is excited and ready to raise funds and awareness of food security with the support of the local community.
The Chef’s Challenge will take place at The Mustard Seed’s Food Security Distribution Centre on Saturday, April 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. During this year’s event, the theme of “Supporting Food Rescue” will be showcased, starting with appetizers created by The Mustard Seed’s own Chef Christopher Hammer and followed by four small plates curated by the chef’s who are vying for votes!
Chef Tyler Thomson from Block Kitchen and Bar, Chef Billy Sanderson from Ferris’ Oyster Bar & Grill, Chef Ken Nakano from Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio, and Chef Curtis Toth from LURE Restaurant + Bar will be featured at this year’s Chef’s Challenge. The chefs are creating their dishes using food inspired by what The Mustard Seed would typically rescue for their own food bank and their creativity is sure to delight and inspire.
Dessert is not to be overlooked, and something sweet to cap off this culinary journey will be donated by Cakes Etc. Post dinner service, local favourite The Helen Davies Band will entertain guests with a set list designed to get people on the dance floor. There’s nothing like good tunes to celebrate how good it feels to give back and bring hope to those in need in the local community.
The organizers encourage foodies and those looking for a unique dining experience to purchase tickets in time for the early bird draw on March 17.
“This is a way to support the food insecure across our region, and enjoy a fun, memorable evening with dinner and dancing,” says Sparks. “Those who purchase early bird tickets by March 17 will be entered into a draw for a one-night stay with free parking and breakfast for two at the Inn at Laurel Point, valued over $400.”
All ticket sales and event revenue supports The Mustard Seed's important work in food rescue and distribution in greater Victoria.
Food rescue in the local community is growing, thanks to the 30+ regular grocery partners and the countless food service businesses and local farms that donate food destined for the landfill to The Mustard Seed’s Food Security Distribution Centre. Over 2023, The Mustard Seed distributed 2.4 million pounds of food, beverages and hygiene products via their Food Bank and Hospitality program as well as through the 70+ organizations that make up the Food Share Network.
And with an estimated 70,000 food insecure in the Greater Victoria region, this service is needed now more than ever. Whether it is the working poor, seniors, immigrants, families, or students struggling to make ends meet, the impact of not having food is debilitating. Food rescue means that thousands of people in the community will not go to bed hungry.
To purchase your tickets for the Chef’s Challenge, visit www.eventbrite.com/chefs-challenge-supporting-food-rescue-tickets-84951646561
