Press clippings

Contacts:
Katherine Chiu • 212-563-7570 ext. 209 • press@worldcares.org
Jamie Serino • 917-373-7695 • press@worldcares.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORLD CARES CENTER’S IRON SKILLET COOK OFF
PITS FDNY FIREFIGHTERS AGAINST TOP NYC RESTAURANT CHEFS

Panel of Celebrity Judges to Decide Who Will Take Top Honors at Sixth Annual Fundraiser for Disaster Preparedness

NEW YORK (October 22, 2007) - On Monday November 5, 2007, World Cares Center, Inc. (WCC) [http://www.worldcares.org] will host its sixth annual Iron Skillet Cook Off, a unique gastronomic fundraiser in which five firefighters battle against five of New York City’s best restaurant chefs to find out who is New York City’s hottest chef. The event, to be held at Slate (54 W. 21st Street) from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., is open to the public and benefits WCC and its mission to foster safe and effective disaster response and resiliency within communities worldwide. Learn more about the event here: http://www.ironskilletcookoff.org.

Valerie Smaldone of New York’s 106.7 returns as Master of Ceremonies. Highlights of the evening will include world-renowned brewmaster Garrett Oliver pairing Brooklyn Brewery’s craft beers with the chefs’ dishes; a live auction that includes exclusive items such as a Canyon Ranch weekend for two and a private tasting for 50 at Brooklyn Brewery; select wines; and of course, a taste of the delicious food prepared by all 10 chefs.

Serving on the panel of celebrity judges this year is Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who noted, “This year’s Iron Skillet Cook Off brings together all the best New York City has to offer, and the cause it supports is needed now more than ever.” Stringer added, “World Cares Center’s disaster preparedness programs are critical for the safety and resilience of our communities. As we continue to face emergencies and disasters, we are reminded that we need to work together at the community level to engender clear disaster preparedness, response and recovery plans for the security and wellbeing of our loved ones and ourselves.”

“The Iron Skillet Cook Off allows World Cares Center to thank our family of supporters during one of the most exciting fall events in Manhattan,” said Lisa Orloff, founder and executive director of World Cares Center. “We are so honored to have Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer involved as well as so many government officials from New York City’s five boroughs, and businesses and individuals who share a common view that safe and effective disaster response and recovery must be fostered on a community level and connected to official response plans.” Orloff continued, “Aside from our serious mission, we are pleased that World Cares Center throws one of the best parties in town. Our firefighters, celebrity chefs and judges are all wonderful hosts. You’ll feel like family the minute you walk through the door, and it’s all to support a worthy cause.”

The cook-off works as follows: participating firefighters each submit an original recipe for the competition. The firefighters are then paired one-on-one with the professional chefs, who are challenged to develop their own unique takes on the ingredients. Last year’s winner was Marc Murphy, owner and Executive Chef of Ditch Plains and Landmarc.

Professional Chefs v. Firefighter Match-ups are as follows:
• Dino Redzic, Owner/Executive Chef, Momento Italian Bistro v. Sal Lignore, Engine 38, Bronx
Penne with Shrimp and Baby Snow Peas with Saffron Asiago Sauce

• Ed McFarland, Owner/Executive Chef, Ed’s Lobster Bar v. Andres Flores, Engine 65, Manhattan
Ceviche de Camarones Tower

• Eric Hara, Chef de Cuisine, davidburke & donatella v. Jeffrey Scotto, Engine 246, Brooklyn
Walnut Ribeye with Escarole

• Mark Lahm, Owner/Executive Chef, Henry’s End v. Paul Lang, Ladder 115, Queens
Chicken Ashley with Roasted Autumn Vegetables

• Sue Torres, Owner/Executive Chef, Sueños v. Sal DiPaola, Engine 160, Staten Island
Tortilla Crusted Seared Tuna with Avocado Sauce and Black Beans

Additional celebrity judges presiding over the competition include: Michael Imperioli, Sopranos Star and Emmy Award winner; Irv Gikofsky, (“Mr. G”), CW11 Weatherman; Christian Hoff, Jersey Boys star and Tony Award winner; Jared Lorenzen, NY Giants Quarterback; Christine Nagy, New York’s 106.7 morning show co-host; Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster; and Tom Westman, winner of CBS’ Survivor Palau.

Sponsors include: Brooklyn Brewery; Clear Channel; EMCOR Group, Inc.; Newmark Knight Frank; Turner Construction Company; Fred Alger Management, Inc.; London Fischer LLP; RailWorks Corporation; Slate; TSS Facility Services, Inc.; Metronome Hospitality Group; Cauldwell Wingate Company, LLC; RBC Dain Rauscher Inc.; QBE the Americas; Washington Group International; Canyon Ranch; and Flemington Furs.

Corporate sponsorship packages are still available for the event. Individual tickets are $200 and are available for purchase at www.ironskilletcookoff.org, or by calling 212-563-7570.

Media representatives are welcome at the event. To RSVP, to arrange an interview with Lisa Orloff or any of the participating firefighters, or to get photos of the Cook Off, please contact Katherine Chiu at 212-563-7570 ext. 209 or press@worldcares.org.

# # #

World Cares Center (“WCC”), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in New York City after the 9/11 attacks, works to foster safe and effective disaster response and resiliency in communities worldwide. To learn more about WCC, call 1-800-975-4281 or visit www.worldcares.org.

By Ellen Thompson

Huddled in the tiny kitchen of up-and-coming Manhattan nightspot Strata Restaurant, Donald Barbour of Engine 325 in Woodside tossed a dash of salt onto a batch of scrambled eggs as his two assistants looked over his shoulder.

Barbour, who has spent the past five years putting his life on the line for the New York Fire Department, is no stranger to the kitchens of top-notch restaurants. On the morning of Nov. 7, he reached back into his past to prepare for that night’s World Cares Center September Space fourth annual Iron Skillet Cook Off.

The 34-year-old firefighter learned the real ins and outs of kitchen culture when he worked in upscale restaurants in Atlanta and the Hamptons for nearly five years. But what he had fallen in love with during his days training at North East Culinary Institute was no match for the stress he would endure behind the swinging doors of the kitchen.

“The schedule as a chef was just hectic and tiring, I would have to work almost every holiday and would rarely have weekends off,” Barbour said. “It really didn’t make me happy after a while. In a way its more stressful being a chef than it is a firefighter.”

When Barbour first heard of the Iron Skillet Cook-Off three years ago, he jumped at the opportunity and signed up two years in a row, having to decline the offer to face off against an executive Manhattan chef twice. This August, though, when he found out he made it he decided to step up to the stove and take part in the fundraiser that benefits those affected by Sept. 11 and other disasters.

World Cares Center Executive Director Lisa Orloff, who volunteered during the months following Sept. 11, turned to those with whom she was working side-by-side in hopes of giving back to the volunteers, she said.

“I was brainstorming with a few other rescue workers and firefighters and the idea of a cook-off as an initial ‘thank you’ just stuck,” Orloff said.

After close to 30 firefighters throughout the five boroughs signed up, September Space chose the contestants on a first-come basis and paired them up against the Manhattan executive chiefs and was told to select a meal to prepare.

“I had to choose my own dish and then write a recipe for it,” Barbour said, so he went with Salmon with Corn Risotto and a Gazpacho Sauce, because “it sounded good.”

Each firefighter was allowed to choose two fellow firefighters from their house as assistants and Barbour chose two men that he knew would complement his style well and enhance his chances against Alexandra Guarnaschelli, executive chef at Butter in Manhattan.

“The judges tonight will just have to recognize Don’s skill and potential, that is pretty much what it comes down to,” said assistant Terrence Osborne before the cook off.

“Don really is the best cook we have at the house or at least the most extravagant,” added James Padula, the second assistant.

At around 6 p.m. 10 firefighters from Engine 325 and Barbour’s parents, who came up from Virginia, showed up to the restaurant situated on the corner of 21st Street and Broadway to support their personal hero.

After the dishes were garnished with the finishing touches and made their way to the palates of the 10 celebrity judges, including Anthony Galde from the cast of “Wicked,” Wendy “the Snapple Lady” Kaufman and CBS Survivor Tom Westman, John Sierp of Ladder 169 in Brighton Beach was awarded the vaunted iron skillet award with a slew of other kitchen tools for his Rigatoni alla Rescigno with Crab Bruschetta.

The proceeds will go towards programming, help in the Gulf region in response to the recent hurricanes and everyday disaster relief, Orloff said.

“Both jobs have been extremely gratifying and rewarding for me, but I feel that I contribute so much more to people’s lives by doing what I am now,” Barbour said.

Date: 10/30/06
Hours: 6-10 p.m.
Price: $150
Address: 915 Broadway (21 St.) - 212-563-7570 x201
http://www.ironskilletcookoff.org
Description: NYC firefighters face off against top restaurant chefs in World Cares Center's annual fundraiser, in support of its programs fostering safe and effective disaster response and resiliency within communities worldwide. Five New York City firefighter chefs--one from each borough--go up against the top chefs from five of the city's best restaurants, to see who will reign supreme as this year's hottest chef. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery will match beer with food. The event will be hosted by WLTW Lite-FM DJ Valerie Smaldone and CW 11 Weatherman Irv Gikovsky ("Mr. G"). The judges will include Wendy "The Snapple Lady" Kaufman, Tom Westman, Winner of CBS' "Survivor Palau," actor Tony Lo Bianco, and several local NYC radio and TV personalities. The professional chefs are: Brian Bistrong, Executive Chef, The Harrison; Marc Murphy, Executive Chef/Owner, Ditch Plains; Christian Schwaiger, Chef, Sumile; Jacques Sorci, Chef, 2 West; and Greg Zapantis, Chef, Thalassa. The firefighter chefs are: Carmine Anacona, Engine 247, Brooklyn; Joe Czyzewski, Engine 94, Bronx; Keith Devenish, Engine 315, Queens; Andrew Enders, Engine 168, Staten Island; and Tom Sullivan, Marine Co. #1, Manhattan.

Five firehouse cooks will compete against five professional chefs in fifth annual Iron Skillet Cook-Off
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
By JANE MILZA
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
Jack'd-up Penne and Grilled Chicken is the sizzling entree Andrew Enderes will depend on to make him the winner in the fifth annual Iron Skillet Cook-Off set for next Monday, beginning at 6 p.m. in Strata Restaurant, Manhattan.
A paramedic assigned to the EMS Station 23/Engine 168 in Rossville, Enderes will be among five New York City Fire Department firefighters and paramedics -- one from each borough -- who will demonstrate their culinary talents while competing against professional chefs from five hot Manhattan restaurants.
"I planned originally to make a Cajun shrimp dish, but they asked me to change it, so I switched to grilled chicken with a pepper jack cheese sauce instead," said Enderes who has had time to practice making the dish several times since he was selected for the competition.
"They needed somebody from each borough, and someone mentioned me because I cook in the firehouse," he said, adding with a laugh, "Isn't that scary?"
"It's like an Alfredo sauce -- with prosciutto and diced tomatoes. The cheese -- pepper jack -- and some habanaro peppers kick up the spice a little," he noted." But he can tone down the heat some if he's asked, Enderes said.
"It's just a recipe I made up. I like hot food, and I wanted to do something a little different -- so this is it."
A LONG DAY
When it comes to planning for the actual cook-off, said Enderes: "It will be a long day. I'll go in relatively early, about 6:30 in the morning. Larry Hoff will be there for Channel 11, and later they'll do a walk through and we'll see the Strata kitchen. We'll have a little break before the cook-off begins.
"Each of the chefs will know what our ingredients are. They have to take those same ingredients and use them in their own dish."
Enderes' competition during the cook-off will be Executive Chef Brian Bistrong of The Harrison, Manhattan.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, the Island paramedic/cook will have the help of two firehouse mates, his partner Kevin LaRoy and firefighter Nicholas DePalma, in assembling the dish he'll present to the panel of professional judges.
Enderes, a graduate of Our Lady Queen of Peace School and New Dorp High School, is proud of the fact that he is a fourth-generation Staten Islander. The firehouse where he is assigned as a paramedic is one of only two firehouses in New York City with joint Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire suppression services in the same house. LONG-TIME COOK
Cooking has been a favorite pass time, he explained, long before he became a paramedic. So, he has some experience, he noted: "I cook in the house every chance I get, but in the mid-'80s I worked at Hedges Cafe in New Dorp and even started my own catering business in 2000."
Even now, his children -- Alexandria, Katie and Andrew Jr. -- have enough chance to taste their dad's cooking, but, he admits, his wife Jeanmarie, a police officer, probably would like him to cook at home more often.
WLTW DJ Valerie Smaldone will co-emcee the program along with Channel 11 weatherman Irv Gikovsky ("Mr. G."). Brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery will be on hand to match beer with each of the dishes prepared.
The event, at the Strata at 915 Broadway, at 21st Street, is open to the public and will serve as a benefit for World Cares Center, Inc. (WCC) in its efforts to foster effective disaster response within communities worldwide. Tickets for the fund-raiser are available at $150 by visiting www.ironskilletcookoff.org, or by calling 212-563-7570, extension 201.
Here's the recipe Enderes will prepare for the competition. JACK'D-UP PENNE AND GRILLED CHICKEN (Serves 5) 1 pound chicken cutlets 1/4 cup powdered Cajun seasonings 1 pound penne pasta 1/2 pound prosciutto 2 tomatoes, diced, or 1 small can diced tomatoes 1 clove garlic 2 fresh habanaro peppers, or scotch bonnet 3/4 pound butter, divided 2 pints heavy cream 1 pound pepper jack cheese, cut into cubes Salt and pepper, to taste 1 dozen fresh basil leaves, chopped
Place chicken cutlets in a large bowl and slowly add Cajun seasonings while mixing well with hands. Let stand for about 30 to 45 minutes. When ready, grill chicken over medium heat until cooked through, then cut into thin strips.
Cook pasta in large pot with lightly salted boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, cut prosciutto into small strips. Dice tomatoes, if using, or have ready the diced canned tomatoes. Dice garlic and habanaro peppers. Combine in a small saute pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Saute over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Then combine chicken strips, with penne, prosciutto, tomatoes, garlic and peppers in a large serving bowl, gently mix and set aside.
In a medium-size pot over low heat, or in a double-boiler, melt remaining butter and then slowly stir in heavy cream, alternating with cubed cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted.
Pour cheese sauce over pasta and chicken; add salt and pepper to taste. Mix slowly, while adding the freshly chopped basil leaves. For extra kick, more Cajun seasoning can be added. Makes 5 servings.