Chef Denise Shavandy and Texas Poet Laureate Karla K. Morton create the winning dish. Photo courtesy of Jon Uzzel.

Chef Denise Shavandy of Texas State Tech College, assisted by Texas Poet Laureate Karla K. Morton, took top honors at the Fourteenth Annual Cookin’ for Kids Celebrity Chef Cook-Off.

The benefit for Kids Who Care musical theater troupe was held March 6 at Fort Worth’s River Ranch. Twelve professional chefs, each with a notable Texan as an assistant, competed in a race against the clock to create the evening’s winning plates.

For the cook-off, each team was provided a cooler full of ingredients, two Bunsen burners and 45 minutes to create two plates.  One plate was delivered and divided among the evening’s judges, and the other was auctioned off to the evening’s highest bidders.  Simultaneously, five amateur chef teams competed in the amateur chef category.

FORT WORTH, TX - Kids Who Care, a non-profit international musical theatre company based in Fort Worth, announced the winners of the Thirteenth Annual Cookin’ for Kids Celebrity Chef Cook-Off,  held March 7 at River Ranch. 

For the event, 11 professional chefs, each with a notable Texan as an assistant, competed in a race against the clock to create the evening’s winning plates. Each competing team was provided with a cooler full of ingredients, two Bunsen burners and 45 minutes to create two plates. One plate was delivered and divided among the evening’s judges, and the other was auctioned off to the evening’s highest bidders. Simultaneously, five amateur chef teams competed in the amateur chef category.

In the professional chef category, first place went to chef Christof Syre of Four Seasons, assisted by Joan Trew of Williams-Trew/Joan Trew Real Estate Services. Second place went to chef Sean Merchant of The Covey, assisted by Richard Dixon, publisher of the Fort Worth Business Press. Third place was awarded to chef Juan Rodriguez of Reata, assisted by Tonya Veasey, of Open Channels Communication. In the amateur chef category, the winner was Mitch Conditt, DDS, assisted by Grant James.

Cookin’ for Kids is Fort Worth’s original celebrity chef cook-off benefit. Annually held the first Sunday in March, the charitable evening is the single largest fundraising event for Kids Who Care. All proceeds benefit Kids Who Care and help provide scholarships, youth leadership training and other support that makes Kids Who Care arts education and affordable family entertainment available in our community.

Founded in 1989, Kids Who Care offers professional musical theatre classes, leadership training, summer musical theatre camps, international cultural exchanges, a touring company and public performances. The company’s performances include taking the stage Off-Broadway at the Lamb’s Theatre, The Kennedy Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. For more information, visit www.kidswhocare.org.

Cowboys, Cajuns, Mardi Gras and food–what a combo!

That’s the party gumbo that Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County has cooked up for its annual fundraiser, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at River Ranch, 500 N.E. 23 St., Fort Worth. “Cowboys & Cajuns Mardi Gras Party 2009″ will feature both western and Louisiana food, plus musical entertainment with the Ridin High Band.

Both silent and live auctions are planned, along with a raffle. Marilyn Dent-Davenport is serving as event chairwoman.

Individual tickets cost $100, and reserved tables for eight sell for $1,500. Advanced purchase is required and may be made by calling 817-336-0912.

Proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels’ program of providing meals to homebound and disabled individuals throughout Tarrant County.