Cooking for a Cause: Battle Secret Ingredient

Mark your calendars for Cooking for a Cause, on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at The Chef's Academy. There have been a spate of "Iron Chef-style" cooking challenges lately, but this one looks to be one of the best if the sheer talent involved is any indication. A benefit for Lungs for Life, the event will feature 6 of the city's best chefs making 3 dishes with a secret ingredient. Chefs will have 1½ hours to prepare 3 dishes incorporating the unknown delicacy which will, of course, only be revealed just before the competition. Guests at the event will be able to view the chefs through the kitchen windows and organizers even tout commentators! ("I wonder what he's going to do with those cuttlefish eyeballs.") Judges award points, you know how this works.

Event starts with a brunch at noon and final awards by 4:00 p.m. And the lineup?! Cheftestants include:

Chef Eli Anderson, H2O Sushi, Indianapolis

Chef Jason Anderson, Chef’s Academy Instructor, Indianapolis

Chef Neal Brown, L’Explorateur, Indianapolis

Chef Dave Tallent, Restaurant Tallent, Bloomington

Chef Greg Hardesty, Elements, Indianapolis

Chef Ryan Nelson, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Indianapolis

General Admission tix are $100. If you want a seat at the chef's table for the up close tasting and action: $250. Reserved Table (seats 8) for $700 or the Chef’s Table (seats 6) for $1300. For tickets or information, contact Heather at 317-578-3521. Tickets are already going fast for this one.