Iron Chef returns for a third round

After two years of success, the Camas Iron Chef contest is returning for a third time.Hosted by the Camas Educational Foundation, last year it raised $2,200 for local students.

Organizers are hoping to exceed that amount this time around. They are also changing the event’s location from Camas Meadows to Journey Community Church in downtown Camas.

“Last year was nice, but we heard from our guests that they wanted a more central location with enough space to be able to easily mingle and connect,” said Deborah Mrazek, organizer. “Given how popular the event was, we decided to take a risk and expand yet again. This year we’re hoping to fill the house by selling 120 tickets.”

For those who are unfamiliar, Iron Chef is a cook-off contest, typically between two teams.

They are given a few secret ingredients, with a choice of others to accompany it, and in 70 minutes must create a three-course meal. “Celebrity” judges determine a winner.

Chef Peter Echeverio’s team has won for the past two years and is back again this year. His team members include Lacamas Heights Elementary Principal Jan Strohmaier, Hayes Freedom High School student Jordan Lopez, and longtime CEF supporter Art McCallum.

The challenging team will be Hearth Wood Oven Bistro owner and chef David Garcia, Prune Hill Elementary Principal Julie Swan, Camas High School student Jimmy Connell and CEF supporter Jennifer Prouse.

The event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at 304 N.E. Fourth Ave. Tickets are $30 each and include a beverage coupon and appetizers, to enjoy while watching the cooking teams in action.

Pre-registration is available at www.cefcamas.org and by sending a check for the appropriate amount to the Camas Educational Foundation, 841 N.W. 22nd Ave., Camas, WA 98607. Note “Camas Iron Chef” on the memo portion.

“It’s a great way to have a very fun Wednesday evening and support a great cause: innovation and enhancement across the Camas School District,” Mrazek said.