Local chefs to compete as part of annual fundraiser

Local foodies rejoice. A popular chef’s competition is in the works for the fourth year.

The American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope, billed as the Mat-Su’s signature culinary event, will be held April 30. The springtime date is a departure from previous years, when the event was held in the fall.

As always, the Taste of Hope will be held at Everett’s Restaurant at Mat-Su Resort, on the shore of Wasilla Lake. Also as always, it will feature some of the community’s most popular food providers dishing up walk-around tastings for attendees to sample and vote on.

New to the competition this year is a tighter focus. Earlier versions of the event featured three different competitions – food, cocktails, and mocktails. Organizer Annette Vrolyk, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, said as the event has grown from year to year, it has become unwieldy to do all three.

“We found that was too much,” she said. “We’re focusing on just food this time.” There is room for six chefs, and negotiations are ongoing to finalize this year’s lineup. Vrolyk said she hopes last year’s winner, Big J’s BBQ, will return.

Chef Jason Parsons is the J in Big J’s, which is located inside Band of Brothers on Bogard Road in Wasilla. He wowed attendees last year with his tiny tostada topped with house-made refried beans, birria-style Wagyu sirloin, tomatillo and avocado crema, pickled onions, cotija cheese, cilantro and lime.

Birdhouse Sandwich Co., run by Chef Matt Shaughnessy out of a trailer in the Palmer Food Court on South Alaska Street, won the 2024 competition with his kogi pork belly taco. Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, the pork belly was joined by sesame cilantro cole slaw and spicy mayo in an ethnic fusion of Korean barbecue and Hispanic street food.

Vrolyk said that kind of culinary creativity has become a part of the Taste of Hope.

“It’s really about showcasing the Mat-Su and the local chefs,” Vrolyk said. “I’m a foodie, so I love this event. But anyone who wants to see what the Valley is serving, and wants to see true Mat-Su pride, this is the event for you.”

Among the other local eateries considering participation in this year’s competition is Susitna Brewing in Big Lake, which is the only restaurant to participate in all three previous events. Karma Café, Ohana Grinds, and Pizza Peddler have also expressed interest.

Local chefs who are interested in participating can contact Vrolyk by phone at 907-360-5552 or by email at annette.vrolyk@cancer.org

Tickets for the Taste of Hope, which are likely to sell out, can be ordered online at https://acstasteofhopematsu.org/tickets-donations/. General admission price is $60, and attendees must be at least 21.

A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for $100. VIP guests will enjoy an upscale experience that includes early access to the event and an exclusive lounge, featuring beverages from Bleeding Heart Brewery, as well as a special appetizer and dessert. There will also be an opportunity for VIP guests to converse with chefs.

The event, which is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is black tie optional and includes both a silent auction and a musical performance. Donations are still being sought for the auction. Already available items can be previewed at the Taste of Hope website.

Vrolyk noted this year’s lead sponsor is the Mat-Su Cancer Center.

Businesses interested in sponsoring can contact her to customize a sponsorship package that meets their marketing and philanthropic goals.

“We love all of our sponsors,” she said. “But the Mat-Su Cancer Center has been great to partner with. The Taste of Hope is a great way to show how the American Cancer Society is out in the community and supporting everybody.”

Amber Glasser, director of operations at Everett’s restaurant, echoed the importance of the fundraising aspect of the event.

“Cancer has touched every one of us in some way, which is why hosting Taste of Hope carries such deep meaning for our team,” she said. “As proud sponsors of the fourth annual event, we believe leadership is about more than running a business — it’s about using our venue to serve, uplift, and stand beside our community when it matters most. If Everett’s can be a place where hope is strengthened, generosity is sparked, and lives are impacted, then we are fulfilling our purpose.”