Prepare to bring your appetite for competition to the 10th Annual Imagine Gala, to be held 7 to 11 p.m. on March 21, 2015 at the Imaginarium Science Center, 2000 Cranford Avenue in Fort Myers. In addition to the other whimsical wonders and decadent delights this event has become known for, some of Southwest Florida’s finest chefs will compete in a live cook-off and entertain the crowd while highlighting the unique flavors, colors and textures of the region’s springtime bounty.
The chefs’ pantry will be stocked with produce, meat, seafood, dairy products and other delicacies that meet the exacting standards of the Fresh From Florida program. Brian Roland of Crave Culinaire, Harold Balink of Cru, and Fabrice Deletrain and Benjamin Voisin of Fathoms Restaurant & Bar are the charismatic, charming and creative chefs who will throw down in this locally grown challenge. A mysterious, secret ingredient will make things even more interesting.
As the competition reaches a fever pitch, no one should worry about being able to stand the heat, as the kitchen will be staged under the stars on the beautiful grounds of the Imaginarium. Guests will be served each of the chefs’ appetizer course, and can purchase opportunities to vote on their “Fan Favorite.” The money from each vote will go toward the Camp i-Sci Summer Science Camp Scholarship Fund. These votes will be counted among those of a panel of local celebrity judges, and the chefs will be afforded a 10-minute presentation to explain the strategy, inspiration and techniques behind their masterpieces. A seat on the judges’ panel will be offered to the highest bidder the night of the event.
Catering focused on Fresh From Florida ingredients will be provided, along with an open bar. In addition to sumptuous culinary creations, attendees will enjoy music and dancing, a live and silent auction, interactive activities on the theme of food and food science and many more surprises. The event calls for cocktail attire.
Many levels of sponsorship are now available, offering exciting promotional opportunities, gala tickets, a seat on the Celebrity Cook-Off Judge’s Panel, family memberships and more. All proceeds support Southwest Florida’s only science center and aquarium, which offers engaging STEM exhibits for Southwest Florida children and families. For tickets and more information, visit i-sci.org
Please join Title Sponsor Lipman Produce, and the other major sponsors for an evening to be remembered: Chico’s FAS, CONRIC PR & Marketing and Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.
About the Imaginarium Science Center
The Imaginarium Science Center is a family-friendly science center and aquarium offering fun interactive exhibits and a 3-D theatre. The mission is to engage guests in the exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through hands-on exhibit experiences and educational programs that further the understanding of the natural and human-made world, foster an appreciation for Southwest Florida’s unique environment and natural waterways, and nurture intellectual curiosity, discovery, and innovation. For more information, visit www.i-sci.org.
