The vibrant culinary scene of South Florida came alive on October 15th at the ABC Supply Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase presented by BRiC and CP Group thanks to delicious food and amazing enthusiasm and spirit from two dozen local restaurants, hotels, breweries and mixologists.

This annual event at Boca Raton Innovation Campus not only celebrated the talents of local chefs and brew masters but also played a vital role in supporting Spirit of Giving’s annual Holiday Gift Drive. Spirit of Giving is a collaborative nonprofit organization that supports nonprofits in South Florida and is Boca Raton’s Bowl charitable partner. Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase raised an impressive $40,000 which will provide over 1,000 gifts to local children in need this holiday season.

“We are deeply grateful to ESPN and the Boca Raton Bowl, ESPN West Palm, the participating restaurants and breweries and our dedicated volunteers whose efforts made this year’s event a tremendous success and a powerful force for positive impact in our community,”said Lindy Harvey, Executive Director of Spirit of Giving.

“Our Holiday Gift Drive is a true community-wide effort, uniting local businesses, organizations and volunteers to serve the children of 78 different nonprofit agencies in Palm Beach County. This large-scale collaboration not only ensures more children receive holiday gifts, but also streamlines efforts, minimizing redundancy and maximizing the impact of our collective generosity,” added Harvey.

With over 500 guests in attendance, Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase was a feast for the senses, featuring culinary delights, desserts and some of South Florida’s best brews.

Judges for the event included former Miami Dolphins legendary wide receiver O.J. McDuffie, The Boca Raton’s Director of Catering George Petrocelli, Boca magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Christiana Lilly, Stepping Out South Florida’s Deby Goldfarb, Assistant Vice President of Baptist Health Orthopedic Care’s Assistant Vice President Reggie Laroche and Let’s Eat South Florida’s Michael Mayo.

Chefs from the following restaurants and hotels brought their A-game: Ceasar’s Famous Ribs, Colab Kitchen, drift by Sonrisa Boca Marriott, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Farmer’s Table, How Ya Dough’n, Just Baked, Little Moir’s Catering, Loch Bar, Los Bocados, Oceans 234, Owls Catering, Papa’s Raw Bar, Potions in Motions Catering, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, The Melting Pot, Waterstone Resort & Marina and Won-Toms.

Owls Catering was named the Grand Culinary Champions for their delectable cheeseburger quesadillas, winning the hearts—and stomachs—of attendees. The People’s Choice award went to Won-Tom’s for their irresistible wagyu smash sando bites.

“What an honor to attend, serve and compete at this year’s Boca Raton Bowl event. It was such a great opportunity to meet new people and mingle with our locals. Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase is an amazing event and we are so grateful to help raise funds and awareness for Spirit of Giving,” said Cassie Ganter, co-owner of Won-Tom’s and Papa’s Raw Bar.

The night was infused with a spirited atmosphere, thanks in part to Potions in Motion Catering, which wowed guests with quite an array of food and drink. Potions in Motion took home the Most Spirited Award, reflecting the event’s festive feell leading up to the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl, set to take place at FAU Stadium on December 18.

“So many talented individuals were honored to attend such a special event benefiting Spirit of Giving at BRiC. All chefs left a winner, all guests left smiling,” said Potions in Motions Catering Chef Justin DeSimone, also known as ‘SEXZCHEF.’

Local breweries and cocktail companies added to the celebration by providing a selection of refreshing brews and toasts. Beverage participants included some of South Florida’s very best: Barrel of Monks Brewing, Prosperity Brewers, Cove Brewery, Civil Society Brewing Company, Kombucha Cocktails and Rodney Strong Wine Estates. Prosperity Brewers took home the Best Beverage Champion Award.

Start saving room now in your bellies and calendars for next year’s Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase and be sure to save the date for this year’s Boca Raton Bowl – December 18 at FAU Stadium! Fan Fest begins at 2pm and kickoff is set for 5:30pm at FAU Stadium and on ESPN.

Learn more at www.BocaRatonBowl.com and www.SpiritofGivingNetwork.com

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