Buy Your Tickets Now: Battle of the Chefs in Ridgefield on June 1

Three chefs will match sharp knives and quick wits in an exciting culinary showdown to benefit Founders Hall on June 1 from 4-7 pm.

Chefs Forrest Pasternack of Bailey's Backyard, Matt Storch of Match in South Norwalk, and Jeff Taibe of The Whelk and LeFarm in Westport will open a basket of surprise ingredients in front of an audience of over 200 and, in just 40 minutes, vie to create the winning entrée, as judged by a panel of food experts.

Renowned food writer Jane Stern will emcee the action. Brendan Walsh, dean at the Culinary Institute of America; Stephen Fries, food columnist for the New Haven Register; and Denise Mickelsen, senior editor of Fine Cooking magazine, will judge the competition.

In addition to enjoying an open bar and variety of hors d'oeuvres, all audience members will taste and judge appetizers prepared by the three chefs. People who purchase tasting table tickets will taste all three entrees. Guests can also bid for a seat on the judging panel, and join a dessert competition, which is open to all amateur and professional bakers.

Tickets will be available in late April at www.founders-hall.org or by calling 203-431-7000. All proceeds from this rollicking, mouth-watering, soul-satisfying extravaganza will help provide life-long learning to over 3,200 people.

Event sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and The Chefs' Warehouse.