Kim Guadagno, executive director of Mercy Center in Asbury Park, said the “Top Chef” event will raised money for the center’s food pantry.
The Mercy Center in Asbury Park s hosting a “Chefs’ Feast,” an inaugural culinary showcase featuring restaurants from the Jersey Shore vying for the title of “Top Chef” to raise support for its fast-growing food pantry in Asbury Park.
The event is scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, located at 1401 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.
“Mercy Center is thrilled to introduce this exciting feast for good,” Executive Director Kim Guadagno said. “It’s an opportunity to come together to rally support to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Mercy Center nourish the growing number of vulnerable families in the Asbury Park area and surrounding communities who turn to the food pantry to help feed their children.
“In 2022, we fed 35,000 people and in 2023 that number climbed to a staggering nearly 100,000,” Guadagno said.
Local restaurants are supporting the cause, said Joe Leone Introna of Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties and master of ceremonies for the fundraiser. “Mercy Center’s Chefs’ Feast is an opportunity for all of us to give back – to support those in our community who need it most by fulfilling the basic need of nourishment. No one should go hungry,” Introna said.
Guests will enjoy sampling signature dishes created by chefs from six restaurants and will cast votes for their favorite. The top vote getter will be named “Top Chef.” The participating chefs and restaurants include Chef David Morales, Frungillo Hospitality Group, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Verona Chef Mike Tsarnas, Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse, Middletown, Chef Rob DiBlasi, The Robinson Ale House, Asbury Park and Chef Lisa Baker, The Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
