Talk radio host and award-winning chef to judge fundraiser food competition

Sam Hayward, the James Beard Award-winning chef of Fore Street restaurant, will partner with Ray Richardson, morning show host on talk radio WLOB 1310 AM, as judges in Wednesday night’s 7th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary’s House Food and Wine Extravaganza.

The tasty products of Cranberry Island Kitchen, one of the entrants into the 7th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary's House Food and Wine Extravaganza. (www.cranberryislandkitchen.com)

The event will be held at Holiday Inn By the Bay, with doors opening at 6 p.m. According to an event announcement, at least 16 Portland area restaurants and caterers will be competing for honors such as best appetizer, entree, dessert and display. New to this year’s challenge will be beer tasting, it’s perhaps worth noting.

Live music will be offered by the Paper Street Jazz Band, hosting duties will be held by comedian and Food Coma blog/TV star Joe Ricchio. Live and silent auctions are also on the docket.

Chef Jeff Landry of The Farmer's Table at 205 Commercial St., one of the participants in the Wednesday night challenge. (www.farmerstablemaine.com)

Everybody likes local food competitions, but don’t lose sight of the charity: Gary’s House, described by the affiliated Mercy Hospital as its “safe, comfortable and affordable home-away-from-home for families and individuals with loved ones receiving medical treatment in any greater Portland area hospital.”

Seth Koenig

About Seth Koenig

Seth has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and writes about the greater Portland region.