The second annual "Iron Chef Goes Coastal" culinary competition is set for Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Seaside Convention Center. The event is organized and hosted by United Way of Clatsop County with the support of presenting sponsor US Bank.
A silent auction will begin at 5 p.m., and doors to the main event area will open at 6 p.m.
Chefs competing in the event include John Newman of Newman’s at 988, Lynn "Red" Pelletier of Bridgewater Bistro, Alex Kurrus of Astoria Golf and Country Club and William Leroux of Wayfarer Restaurant.
The timed culinary competition will be decided by a panel of judges, while guests will have the opportunity to name a "People’s Choice" winner. Top performers will be invited to return for the 2010 event.
Iron Chef Goes Coastal is one of three major fundraising events hosted throughout the year by United Way of Clatsop County (UWCC). In 2008 – the inaugural year for Iron Chef Goes Coastal – the event cleared more than $17,000 with a near sold-out crowd. Organizers shifted the event to a larger venue this year to accommodate higher attendance.
Advance tickets are $25 per person at any Clatsop County US Bank location, the Seaside Convention Center, or the UWCC office (503.325.1961). Tickets are $30 at the door the day of the event.
UWCC raised more than $280,000 during its 2008 campaign, and set its goal for the 2009 campaign at $300,000. This year’s annual campaign kicks off September 8 and will continue into the fall.
UWCC is an affiliate of United Way of America and Associated United Ways of Oregon. It is governed by a local board of directors. All funds raised by United Way of Clatsop County stay in Clatsop County and address local needs through the health and human service organizations with which it partners. More information is available online at www.clatsopunitedway.org.