Local chefs ready to go head-to-head in Union Hospital benefit

ELKTON, Md.—Local chefs are ready to deliver a taste of Cecil County in an effort to raise money for Union Hospital.

The annual Chefs’ Challenge, which this year will benefit Union Hospital’s surgical renovation project, will be held March 21 at Rising Sun Banquet Hall from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is organized by the Junior Board of Union Hospital.

This year’s participating chefs are Jeff Burress of the Granary Restaurant, Brandon Bush of North East River Yacht Club, Bruce Wetterau of Schaeffer’s Canal House and Union Hospital’s Gerry Ward.

Each year features different competitors and ingredients. This year’s competition is divided into three rounds based on a key ingredient: potato, ginger and citrus. It’s still under wraps what the chefs will make with those ingredients.

The four local chefs will have to serve up three different appetizers, each featuring the assigned key ingredient. After tasting all 12 dishes, audience members will vote on a winner.

This year’s chefs said there is a sense of friendly competition between them. Although their styles in the kitchen vary — from traditional meat and potatoes dishes to light seafood fare – they all said they had a passion for what they do.