NEW: Billy Taylor House Burger Cook Off at Whole Foods August 30

Friday, August 01, 2014

GoLocalProv Food Team

 

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Think you make the best burgers in the state? Whole Foods will host the Billy Taylor Burger Cook-Off on Saturday, August 30 at 601 North Main Street in Providence.  All proceeds will benefit The Billy Taylor House.

New Billy Taylor House Program

Founded by residents of Providence’s East Side, the Billy Taylor House is a grassroots non-profit organization that promotes youth engagement.  The cook-off will support a new initiative that will provide culinary job training and mentoring to disadvantaged youth.

Chef Thomas Hunold will lead this 10-week program. Hunold benefited from a similar program, the Community Kitchen at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

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“As a boy, I always wished that someone was in my life who would care enough to sow seeds of time, patience and knowledge in me,” said Chef Thomas. “Now, as a man, my wish has evolved into a vision. We will provide kids a refuge, a trade and a support group so they can make good choices. Most importantly, we’ll show them how the work of their hands and their ever-expanding cooking skills can help them bring hope into their homes, schools and communities.”

During the 10 weeks, participating youths will receive hands-on culinary job training in a professional kitchen. Program leaders will work with restaurants in the Providence area to arrange internships for the students.

About the Cook Off

The cook-off will begin at 2 P.M. at Whole Foods at University Heights, and awards will be presented at the Billy Taylor Park at 4 P.M.  The rain date is August 31.

* Burgers are to be “stuffed” or “filled” with ingredients additional to beef.  "We are not looking for your average burger," said Hunold. A list of ingredients must be provided at time of check-In, due to food allergies and sensitivities.

* Preparation is to be done in advance, off-site.  All cooking/grilling must be done on site, after check-in is completed.  Teams are urged to provide their own grill. If you do not have one, please arrange with Chef Hunold before the start of competition.

* Teams must submit 50, slider size burgers.  Tasting tickets will be $4 per person.  

Whole Foods is offering each team a $50 gift card to purchase as many items as possible from the market for this competition. Contact Bonnie Combs to make arrangements for a card and she can help you shop for your items. Her email is [email protected].

If interested in competing in the Burger Cook-Off, contact Chef Thomas Hunold at 401-649-5111.

To learn more about the Billy Taylor House, please visit here.

 

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