Mens' cook-off returns to Bloomingdale

Some labor over a grill all day cooking tenderloins and chops.

Others keep it simple with pasta dishes or appetizers.

And a few believe presentation is the key to a meal, fancying up their tables for guests.

But all the men who will participate in the annual 50 Men Who Cook on Saturday, Sept. 25, in Bloomingdale want to show that they are savvy in the kitchen, too.

Now in its second year, the event hosted by the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce and Adventist GlenOaks Hospital invites local male residents, community leaders and dignitaries to whip up their best recipes to raise money for Bloomingdale public schools.

"It's just a really fun event and it really pulls together everyone from the community," chamber spokeswoman Marianne McKeown said. "Everyone has a stake in it."

The idea was modeled after an event in Chicago launched several years ago, 100 Men Who Cook, which spurred similar cook-offs in DeKalb, Batavia and other suburbs. Bloomingdale's event is the only one in DuPage County, chamber officials said.

Chefs compete for bragging rights by trying to earn prizes in categories like best appetizer, best entree, best side dish, best dessert and best table decoration.

Many cooks from last year will return, but McKeown said many new chefs saw publicity materials for this year's event and wanted to sign up.

"This is generating a lot of interest," she said.

The event also draws food lovers of both genders, with more than 250 people attending last year. McKeown said she expects an even bigger turnout this year because word has spread.

Proceeds will help fund health programs at the three schools in Bloomingdale Elementary District 13 as well as at Winnebago Elementary School in District 15 and Stratford Middle School in District 93. Last year's cook-off generated approximately $5,000 for the cause.