A great way to participate in the St. Simons Island Food & Spirits Festival and donate directly to Hospice of the Golden Isles is to support your favorite local chef in the Chef Showdown at the Tastings Under the Oaks event on Saturday. Similar to last year, chefs will be soliciting donations and the top money earners will be competing. We touched base with last year’s winner Chef John Belechak from Palmer’s Village Café, and he’s throwing down the gauntlet to all challengers. But despite his renowned culinary skills, he knows it’s anybody’s game, saying, “you’re only as good as your last dish.” Take a look at some of this year’s competitors and vote for your favorites by going online or encourage any other local chefs to join the competition and the fun on Saturday. See the festival website for updates on competitors and ways to vote.
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Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
2015 Chef Showdown Winner John Belechak of Palmer's Village Cafe
"Good times, good people, and a great cause. Come on out and be a part of something that helps so many in their time of need."
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Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
James Flack, ECHO
"I'm fired up for this year's Chef Showdown. It is all in good fun and for a great cause, but be prepared because I'm turning up the heat!"
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Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
Bethany Fahey, Westin Jekyll Island
"I'm really excited and honored to be part of this challenge for a great cause. I plan to bring a fresh approach to the showdown and look forward to a fun event."
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Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
Dave Snyder, Halyards Restaurant Group
"We are ready to have fun with our fellow chefs raising money for Hospice of the Golden Isles."
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Joe Loehle, Loehle Photography
Mary Schowe, Ember y Mas
"The competition will be hot again this year at the Chef's Showdown. Everybody get ready because this year I'm on fire!"
