Chefs to cook for center benefit

MATAMORAS — Imagine enjoying an evening of gourmet foods, prepared by a dozen or more area chefs, in the same dining room, on the same night. The atmosphere is relaxed. The tables sparkle with candles, silver and china. Your plate can be filled as often as you like with whatever you choose. Seconds - possibly thirds - are encouraged. The cash bar pours your favorite beverage. Musical entertainment throughout the evening is provided. Is this a foodie fantasy? No, it’s the 11th Annual Chefs Do Dinner, Pike County’s premier culinary event to be held this year on March 24 at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing in Matamoras, as a fundraiser for the Center for Developmental Disabilities. The Center for Developmental Disabilities serves the youngest, most vulnerable population of Pike County by providing early educational services for children born with developmental challenges. To continue to operate their free and sliding scale programs, especially those provided in the homes of differently-abled infants, the Center will once again offer area residents and their guests tickets to what has become one of the most talked about events each Spring. Diners are treated to a sumptuous smorgasbord of canapés, entrees, side dishes and desserts provided by area chefs. Last year’s feast included hors d’oeuvres (prepared by La Gorille), Crab Cakes (Ehrhardt’s), Roast Pork Roulade with Spinach, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella (Woodloch Springs Country Club), Peppered Lacquered Filet of Chilean Sea Bass with Chardonnay Beurre Blanc (Restaurant at 20 Front), Lobster Artichoke Dip (Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing), Eggplant Rolletini (Fretta’s), Warm Goat Cheese Dip and Nori Rolls (Cliff Park Inn) and a host of other chicken, beef and pasta delights. Then add desserts: Mini-Strawberry Tartlets (the Waterwheel Café), assorted pastries (Hotel Fauchere), delightfully decorated cookies and cupcakes (Just Add Sugar). The feasting was topped off with a delicious cup of freshly roasted and brewed coffee from Seventh Street Coffee on Broad. Diners may sample as many dishes as they like by visiting each chef’s cooking station, which gives the opportunity to see some of the delicious food being prepared and to chat with the chefs themselves. The cash bar opens at 5:30. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. The dinner also honors a “Children’s Champion” each year. This year’s honoree will be Marion Amquist, who is a Registered nurse, Family Service Coordinator for the Center, as well as one of its original founders. If you go The 11th Annual Chefs Do Dinner Culinary Event benefits the Center For Developmental Disabilities; March 24, at The Best Western Inn At Hunt’s Landing. Tickets are $75 per person and early reservations are encouraged. Call Kelly at 570-296-3992 or email chefsdodinner@gmail.com.