Held every fall since 2002, the Iron Skillet Cook Off has become New York City's most sought after culinary competition, where five New York City firefighters and five of New York City's top celebrity chefs match their talents in a fiery contest for top honors.

The evening is a good time for all with great entertainment, celebrity judges and, of course, delicious food. Each year the event is attended by more than 500 professionals, corporations, and individuals who have helped to raise over $500,000 to fund World Cares Center's disaster preparedness and recovery programs. The event has been featured by CW11, FUJI TV, Daily News, New York Magazine, The Food Network, The Martha Stewart Show, and Time Out NY, among others.

All proceeds from the Iron Skillet Cook Off go directly to World Cares Center (WCC), a nonprofit founded in the wake of September 11th. World Cares Center believes the most effective long-term disaster recovery efforts are achieved through communities and relief agencies working together to ensure a comprehensive long-term plan for response and recovery. By supporting community-led preparedness initiatives and training spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers and volunteer managers, WCC bridges the gap between communities' and relief agencies' response to disaster. Empowering communities to safely contribute to their own disaster relief means a quicker response and recovery.

The Competitors

Professional Chefs in the 2007 competition will include:

Dino Redzic - Owner/Executive Chef, Momento Italian Bistro
Ed McFarland - Owner/Executive Chef, Ed's Lobster Bar
Eric Hara - Chef de Cuisine, davidburke & donatella
Mark Lahm - Owner/Executive Chef, Henry's End
Sue Torres - Owner/Executive Chef, Sueños

Firefighter Chefs in the 2007 competition will include:

Andres Flores - Engine 65, Manhattan
Jeffrey Scotto - Engine 246, Brooklyn
Paul Lang - Ladder 115, Queens
Salvatore DePaola - Engine 160, Staten Island
Salvatore Lignore - Engine 38, Bronx

This year's Iron Skillet Cook Off will be held at Slate, a glamorous restaurant and lounge set in the heart of New York City. Located at 54 West 21st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.

http://worldcares.org/events/isco

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