ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – Get ready for an unforgettable evening of culinary creativity and community spirit as Ripe for Revival's Chef Rival Sip n Sizzle returns for its second year. The event, taking place on June 18th from 6-8 p.m. at Factory 633 in Rocky Mount, promises a delightful blend of food, fun, and philanthropy, all in support of a vital cause.

A Culinary Competition with a Mission

At the heart of Chef Rival Sip n Sizzle is a cooking competition designed to showcase the region's top culinary talent. Three esteemed chefs will go head-to-head, crafting dishes using ingredients from Ripe for Revival's Mobile Market. With a time limit to spur their creativity, these chefs will demonstrate the art of turning local produce, meat, and dairy into gourmet creations. The competing chefs include:

-Luke Owens of Native Fine Diner and Julep in Greenville, N.C.

-Malik Williams of LouReda's, an American Table, in Rocky Mount, N.C.

-Quentin "Q" Sidney of Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. in Oxford, N.C.

The event will be emceed by Benton Moss of Twin County Media and Simmons & Harris. The panel of judges includes radio personality Kitty Kinnin from 96.1 BBB, Michelle Grainger from the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, and Zac Hackney from the Farmville Food Hub.

Guests at the event will enjoy an array of refreshments from Tobacco Wood Brewing Co., live music from Will West & Friends, and the opportunity to participate in a silent auction. Most excitingly, they will get to sample the culinary masterpieces created by the competing chefs.

Supporting Food Security

The primary aim of the event is to raise awareness and support for Ripe for Revival's Mobile Market program. This innovative initiative operates a fleet of five mobile markets that travel to up to 18 sites and events per week across eight counties: Beaufort, Edgecombe, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, Sampson, and Wake. These markets provide local produce, meat, and dairy to the public on a pay-what-you-can basis, supporting families experiencing food insecurity.

"While the buses operate to support families facing food insecurity, anyone in the community can shop on the bus," says Anne Parker Chambless, Community Coordinatorfor Ripe for Revival. "We want to showcase that esteemed chefs in North Carolina can create unique and delicious dishes using produce and protein that can be found on the Mobile Markets."

A New Spin on a Successful Series

The Chef Rival event is a spin-off of Ripe for Revival's former Chef Series fundraiser events, which were created during the pandemic. Those events featured virtual cooking demonstrations with meal kits delivered to attendees' homes. Now, with the return to in-person gatherings, Ripe for Revival aims to bring the same excitement to a live audience.

Building on Last Year's Success

Last year's event was a resounding success, with over 300 attendees enjoying delicious food, drinks, and a warm community atmosphere. Chambless recalls, "It was such a great evening with delicious food, fun drinks, and a great crowd to support such an important issue in our community – which is, food insecurity."

Last year's event was filled with memorable moments. One highlight was the opening prayer led by Ripe for Revival's Founder and President, Will Kornegay. "It was a special moment for the attendees to express gratitude and acknowledge that all good gifts come from Him," Chambless reflects. "Witnessing over 300 individuals come together in prayer and support of our mission to revive communities through food was very special."

Get your tickets for the Chef Rival Sip n Sizzle HERE!

For more information about Ripe Revival and their mission, click here!

Check out other programs and events coming up for Ripe for Revival!

Thank you to this week’s sponsors!