Culinary Cup

Entry Details

The Culinary Cup was created as a signature event dedicated to our food & beverage and chef communities, blending education with spirited competition and unforgettable inspiration. This engaging program featured an exclusive interview with celebrity chef Dan Jacobs—head chef and co-owner of Milwaukee’s EsterEv and DanDan, six-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef Midwest semi-finalist, two-time Iron Chef “Bobby Flay” challenger, and Top Chef Season 21 finalist. The highlight of the event was a fast-paced culinary competition: four teams of two went head-to-head, crafting sensational dinner entrées from mystery baskets in just 30 minutes. Participants showcased their creativity, skill, and passion, producing stunning dishes that were presented, judged, and admired. The event not only fostered camaraderie and fun among members but also elevated culinary education through hands-on experience and candid interactions with an accomplished industry leader.

Implementation

The Culinary Cup was designed around the unique interests of our chapter’s chef and F&B communities. We recruited enthusiastic two-person teams from local clubs, curated challenging “mystery baskets,” and awarded fun prizes to the winning teams including certificates to Chef Dan’s restaurants. The event was promoted across our website, app, and direct communications to ensure a vibrant, cross-club turnout. Chef Dan Jacobs served as guest judge, bringing world-class expertise and palpable excitement, offering live feedback, sharing career insights, and interacting with competitors and attendees alike. Members raved about the experience, noting the thrill of competing under time pressure, the inspiration gained from Chef Dan’s stories and encouragement, and the pride in showcasing their culinary talents. Attendees praised the event’s energy, inclusivity, and educational value, saying it left them both motivated and eager to bring new ideas back to their clubs. The Culinary Cup truly became a sizzling success and a highlight of our chapter’s programming.