The pantry is filling up,  along with reservations for the 3rd Annual Chefs’ Show-Off which will take place on Sunday, April 1st (no foolin’!) at the Linn-Benton Community College’s main campus at 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany from 2 to 5 p.m.

This event is co-sponsored by Ten Rivers Food Web and LBCC’s Culinary Arts Department. It showcases  food and those who produce and process it from Benton, Linn and Lincoln counties.

New this year: All women chefs compete! Chef Michele Bursey (ONA Restaurant, Yachats),  Chef Kimber Hoang (Magenta, Corvallis), Chef Regina Iovino (Iovino’s at Enoteca/ Iovino’s Cucina & Catering, Corvallis) and Chef Karen Novak (Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant, Albany).

The chefs will select ingredients from a dazzling array of all local ingredients (yes, there are lots of them this time of year!) then set to work preparing an entree of their own design.

Chef Michael Waliser of Saffron Salmon, Newport, competes in 2011 and will be among this year’s judges.

The plates will be judged by last year’s competing chefs: Michael Waliser (2011 winner), Saffron Salmon in Newport; Jason Devrouax, Clemenza’s, Albany; Nathan McClure, OSU Catering, Corvallis; and Chad Pope, Cappies Brewhouse, Albany.

While the chefs compete, stroll the Food Fair to sample products from dozens of local farms, restaurants and food businesses. Many of their products will also be available for purchase. LBCC Culinary Arts students will  prepare and sample local foods, too!

Also New this Year:

A Bake-Off at the Food Fair: Three professional bakers from the Ten Rivers Food Web region will turn assigned ingredients into unique treats. Come sample and vote with a dollar on your favorite! Those bakers are: Katie McNeil of Pacific Sourdough in Waldport, Ana Patty of Gathering Together Farm Restaurant in Philomath, and Kris Krabill of Kris’ Kitchen in Lebanon.

Women in Agriculture: We’ll shine a light on women farmers and food entrepreneurs. You’ll be impressed by how much of our ever-growing and strengthening local food system is in the capable hands of women. Come meet ‘em and sample some of their wares!

New Brewery:  Come sample brews from Twisted Snout Brewery in Toledo. You’ll have a new destination for your next trip to the coast.  Also returning will be Two Towns Ciderhouse. New to the CSO is Lumos Winery of Wren (who will also sample little cupcakes made with 2 kinds of wine!) Tastes require a $10 Passport and is, of course, for those 21 and older. You MUST have an i.d., no matter your age. (OLCC requirements).

Silent Auction for the culinary services of Chef Scottie Hurley!

Advance Tickets: No messy coupons this year. Purchase tickets in advance for just $8 at both First Alternative Co-op stores, Corvallis Brewing Supply, Mennonite Village in Albany, Oregon Coast Community College in Newport, or click here to buy them online. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10.

Cash or checks only!

(Photo of last year’s winning chef courtesy of LBCC’s Marketing Department)