Top Chef of the Champlain Valley to Benefit Local Seniors

Sam Palmisano of Pulcinella's will try to defend his title as Top Chef at the fourth annual Top Chef of the Champlain Valley, an Iron Chef Experience to benefit CVAA's Meals on Wheels and Case Management programs. Last year CVAA delivered over 220,000 Meals on Wheels in the Champlain Valley to homebound seniors. Palmisano will go head to head with Donnell Collins of Leunig's Bistro and Kevin DesChenes of 156 Bistro on August 9 at UVM's Davis Center in Burlington to prove they have what it takes to be the Top Chef.

Palmisano was the 2008 and 2009 winner of the Top Chef of the Champlain Valley. He is the Executive Chef and owner of Pulcinella's in South Burlington. In May of 2002, Palmisano won the first national annual "Sunkist Signature Recipes Contest" held at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago.

Donnell Collins, Executive Chef for Leunig's Bistro has put her mark on this 30-year landmark restaurant on Church Street. Collins creates seasonal menus that use the best products Vermont has to offer. Previously, Collins did a stint at Starry Night Café and Pauline's Café.

Kevin DesChenes is the Executive Chef and owner of 156 Bistro in Burlington. He looks to combine sports entertainment with culinary excellence. Previously, he was the Executive Chef for McGrath's Catering in Newport, Rhode Island and Executive Chef at the Aqua Bistro in Peterborough, New Hampshire.

Sean Buchanan of Vermont Public Television's "Feast in the Making" and former Executive Chef of the Stowe Mountain Lodge, will emcee with Charlie Papillo of WVMT. The panel of judges who will critique the chefs' performances include Mark Timms, Executive Chef of Norma's at the TopNotch Resort & Spa in Stowe, Suzanne Podhaizer, food critic for Seven Days, and Tim Elliott, Executive Chef and Owner of Stone Soup in Burlington.

The Top Chef event supports local farms, using all Vermont ingredients in this gourmet cook-off. Some of the areas top chefs will be providing a selection of tasty appetizers and desserts for the audience. A wine, beer and draft cider tasting will be hosted by Shelburne Vineyards, Switchback Brewing, and Woodchuck Draft Cider. Lake Champlain Chocolates and Cabot Creamery will host tastings at the Top Chef. Live music will be provided by acclaimed local Celtic band "Trinity." A silent auction will offer items for the foodie in all of us and sports packages including helicopter rides, sailing lessons and golf green fees.

Tickets are $35 and are available online at www.cvaa.org or by calling 1-800-642-5119. Enter the rafffle to win a chance to be served a tasting plate by the winning chef after the competition in a private dining room. Raffle tickets are $5 for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.

CVAA is a non-profit organization that empowers seniors to live well. CVAA works with seniors and caregivers, offering guidance and providing the support and services they need, when they need them. With the help of community partners and volunteers, CVAA serves over 10,000 seniors. Established in 1974, CVAA is known as the resource for seniors in the Champlain Valley (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties).For more information call 1-800-642-5119 or click on cvaa.org.