Green Bay, Wis. — It’s chef versus chef and tastes of the finest cuisine in the Greater Green Bay area over two evenings for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin’s biggest fundraisers of the year Chef Showdown and Taste of the Town.

The events, to be held at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center on back to back nights Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, will feature live competition and judging, live music, live and silent auctions, raffles and cuisine from the Greater Green Bay area’s finest establishments. Tickets are available for purchase at www.bbbsnew.orgor by calling 920-498-2227. Another great way to attend is by volunteering. Many volunteers are needed to serve many capacities at both events. Details are online at https://bbbsnew.org/event/taste-town-chef-showdown/.

“The success of this year’s events is building on the momentum of growing support in the community for mentoring,” said Katie Hess, executive director. “People are noticing the need for mentors for our community’s youth and supporting Taste of the Town and Chef Showdown is just one way we can have a little fun and expand our programs’ reach.”

The events are possible thanks to support from hosting sponsor Radisson Hotel & Conference Center / Oneida Nation, and co-sponsors: American Foods Group, Aurora Baycare, BMO Harris Bank, Fox Communities Credit Union, Festival Foods, Green Bay Packers, Green Bay Packaging, Nicolet National Bank and Schneider National. Promotional support comes from 101.1 WIXX, WLUK Fox 11 and Khrome.

Chef Showdown is the ultimate fine dining cook-off for a great cause featuring four local chefs in a head-to-head cooking contest. The event starts with a quick fire challenge in which the four chefs have 25 minutes to prepare an appetizer with ingredients revealed moments before.

The final round pairs two chefs who will have 45 minutes to prepare an entrée with ingredients, again, revealed just before cooking begin. The audience tastes, votes and a champion will be awarded. Each chef will be auctioned off for private dinners during the event.

Chef Jyll Everman of Gather on Broadway is returning to defend her 2017 Champion title against Chef Jack Wozniczka of Republic Chophouse in the first round. Also competing is Chef Robert Houle of Carmella’s versus Chef Josh Swanson of 1919 Kitchen & Tap.

Judges include Chef Aaron Morse, Black & Tan Grille; Chef Andy Mueller, Galley 57; and Chef Joe Schmidt, Tenet. Expert commentary will be provided by Chef Jeff Igel, program director of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Department at Fox Valley Technical College, and led by emcees Pete Petoniak and Rachel Manek of Fox 11’s Good Day Wisconsin.

The Chef Showdown event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m., on Nov. 8 and seats are limited to 300. Tickets, valued at $125 for individuals, and sponsorships are available online at www.bbbsnew.org or by calling 920-498-2227.

Taste of the Town, in its 26^th year, pairs fine dining, music and mingling for charity. Guests will savor the Greater Green Bay area’s finest food paired with local beer, wine and cocktails while enjoying the spicy musical style of Brass Differential. With dozens of food, beverage and dessert vendors to sample from, celebrity judges and guests will vote for their favorite dishes of the evening. The event will include demonstrations from Chef Ace Champion and From Above Bakery & Youth Center.

Taste of the Town also will offer many silent and live auction items including a private dinner at A’Bravo, a Paul McCartney signed guitar, an Eagles signed guitar, a framed “Solo: A Star Wars Story” movie poster signed by cast members, a framed, signed “Star Trek” cast photo, a signed NFL quarterback icons helmet, and many items and experiences for men, women and children ready for holiday giving.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 9. Tickets, valued at $100 for individuals, and sponsorships are available online at www.bbbsnew.org or by calling 920-498-2227. A detailed list of participating restaurants, caterers, bakeries and beverage distributors is available on the website.

Proceeds benefit the mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin.

Millions of children need a caring adult role model. When children and teens have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and to focus on academics. Today’s youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential.