OKLAHOMA CITY –
The fourth annual American Culinary Federation Chef Tasting Event is bringing local chefs, vendors and culinary students together this weekend in downtown Oklahoma City to raise money for scholarships.
Organizers said the event will provide food from local chefs and culinary students while supporting education and training in Oklahoma’s growing culinary industry.
This year, the fundraiser will provide eight scholarships totaling $4,000 for culinary students and instructors.
Event features local food, culinary students
ACF President Will Fenwick said the event gives people a chance to enjoy local food while supporting future chefs.
“This event right here is our annual fundraiser; it helps to raise money for scholarships,” Fenwick said. “A total of $4,000 is going out to culinary students and instructors. It’s a fun time to come out and eat delicious food.”
Food at the event will include ribs, chicken tostadas, desserts and other offerings from local vendors. Fenwick said culinary students will also be involved in preparing and serving food during the event.
“Not only is this something that we’ve got local restaurants and local chefs, but this is also students coming in to be active and be involved with this as well,” Fenwick said.
Organizers emphasize support for culinary education
Fenwick said scholarships can help students and instructors as they pursue careers in the food industry. He said Oklahoma’s growing food scene makes investing in culinary education especially important.
“Oklahoma’s becoming a huge food scene,” Fenwick said. “So the more chefs we can get that are going through culinary school, that are getting trained, that are learning more things, the better off we’re going to continue to be and grow.”
Silent auction to benefit scholarships
In addition to food, the event will feature a silent auction with prizes including University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University items, Oklahoma City Comets memorabilia, hotel stays and OU game tickets.
Organizers said proceeds from the event and auction will support the scholarships for culinary students and instructors.
Tickets available online and at the door
Tickets are available online and at the door, allowing guests to attend even if they decide to come to the event at the last minute.
Organizers encouraged anyone interested in attending to visit acfchefs.org for more information and tickets.
