2021 CHEF Culinary Showdown events benefit Southwest Florida students

Chef Jason Goddard dueling with Chef Gloria Jordan

CHEF, the Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida, held three separate events in 2021 to raise scholarship funds for students in Collier and Lee Counties, allowing them to continue their education in the culinary arts and hospitality industries.

CHEF Board President Taryn Cafiero announced, “With proceeds from 2021 events, CHEF has raised and distributed nearly $400,000 in scholarships and grants since the organization’s inception.”

CHEF’s 2021 signature event was the Culinary Showdown featuring Aielli Restaurant Group’s Corporate Executive Chef Jason Goddard, challenged to an epicurean duel by La Trattoria Cafe Napoli’s Owner & Executive Chef Gloria Jordan. Chef Jason Goddard received CHEF’s Golden Whisk as the 2021 Showdown Champion, winning by just four points out of 300.