Key West Master Chefs Classic to Offer Cuisine and Cocktails for a Cause

KEY WEST, Fla. — Top local chefs are to vie for culinary honors while food lovers savor their edible entries at Key West’s 26th annual Master Chefs Classic set for 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020.

An eagerly anticipated tradition for food fanciers, the fundraising feast is scheduled to take place on the harborside pier at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St.

Chefs from some of the area’s finest restaurants are to concoct their most creative offerings at the event, competing for first-, second- and third-place honors in the appetizer, entrée and dessert categories.

Attending foodies can enjoy tapas-sized offerings of the entries in all three categories and cast people’s choice ballots, while official judges determine the dishes most deserving of other awards.

Prior to the culinary competition, Papa’s Pilar Rum is to present the second annual Key West Classic Cocktail Challenge. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., leading local bartenders will battle for the title of Master Cocktail Specialist.

The afternoon of temptations does more than satisfy attendees’ appetites for innovative cuisine and cocktails. Its primary purpose is to raise funds for the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, also called MARC, a nonprofit agency that provides life services for developmentally and intellectually disabled adults in the Florida Keys.

Only 450 tickets are available for the culinary tasting and competition. Ticket prices begin at $75 per person. In addition, groups of attendees can reserve tables with premium wine.

Tickets for the cocktail challenge are $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door.

Combined tickets for both events, including early VIP admission to the Master Chefs Classic, are available as well.

All can be purchased at keystix.ticketforce.com/.

Event information: masterchefsclassic.com or 305-294-9526, ext. 25