Top Chef of the Champlain Valley

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 David Fonte of 156 Bistro on August 9 from 6-8:30pm 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.

David Fonte, Executive Chef of 156 Bistro spent his early years as as a journeymen in the front of the house and back of the house with personalities such as Todd English and Bobby Flay. Most recently he worked at Basin Harbor and helped create the Church and Main concept. Top Chef 3

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 Restaurant at the TopNotch Resort & Spa in Stowe, Suzanne Podhaizer, food critic for Seven Days, and Tim Elliot, Executive Chef and Owner of Stone Soup in Burlington. Top Chef 3

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.

Click here to see a list of Silent Auction items

Tickets are $35, call 1-800-642-5119 to order. Win a chance to be served a tasting plate by the winning chef after the competition in a private dining, raffle tickets are $5 for this one of a kind opportunity.

The Top Chef of the Champlain Valley benefits the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging's Meals on Wheels and Case Management programs to help seniors age with independence and dignity.