For 23 years in Charlottesville, the public has been treated to an annual event named… aptly… Men Who Cook. It’s been sponsored by MACAA (the Monticello Area Community Action Agency) each year in the spring, and over the years it’s been held in various venues as it has grown in popularity and size.
Men Who Cook brings together male volunteer chefs from all walks of central Virginia life, for a fun evening of fund raising and dancing… and of course, the sampling of specialty foods created by area men.
sponsored by the Monticello Area Community Action Agency
MACAA has tried to hold the festivity in ‘real’ neighborhoods and facilities, rather than in clubs or other places that would suggest exclusivity… because this event truly celebrates the cooking talents of Every Man.
Before dinner there is a silent auction fund-raiser, where donated items of art and interest are displayed for bidding. This past year there were approximately 60 Men Who Cooked. They assemble their stations in a circle of serving tables around the room, where they do all of their cooking and serving…. the guests are free to mix and mingle and graze from one cook to another.
Yes, real men serve salads too… wonderful salads. There are roasts and casseroles, appetizers and vegetables, stews and chili and polenta … and they’re all great. Men Who Cook also seem to share our penchant for chocolate…. the desserts are exquisite, from baked goods to homemade decorated specialties…. a good percentage of which are fudge or chocolate.
One of our favorite cooks is a gentleman who brings his saute skillet and serves each diner a single marinated “shrimp” that he grills on the spot. We put the word ‘shrimp’ in quotes because one of his so-called “shrimp” is so large that it fills an entire salad plate, and the result is absolutely mouth-watering (yes, we went back for 2nds and 3rds).
This is an event where everybody wins. The funds from Men Who Cook benefit MACAA. The public is treated to the best dishes that area men can create. There’s an opportunity to meet interesting people from all over central Virginia at your dinner table. And for the participants, there’s not only the appreciation from the diners… there’s also an annual gift such as an apron or a spatula presented to each participant, which has served to be a collector’s item as the years have passed…. their medal authenticating that the man is truly a Man Who Cooks. We want to be sure to acknowledge the efforts of Antonio Rice, who has successfully organized the Men Who Cook function for many years… job well done!
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