Best Chef 2026
An entertaining evening of giving back, delicious food, raffle and auction prizes, and more! Be a part of this exciting event of friendly competition and delicious tastings from some of the North Shore’s finest restaurants!
See all options: About the Event | Competing Chefs & Judges | Sponsorships | Taste of the North Shore | Auction Items
SAVE THE DATE – Friday, April 10, 2026
An Evening of Culinary Excellence, Giving Back, and Fun!
Get ready for a night of flavor, competition, and community at Best Chef 2026, Beverly Bootstraps’ signature fundraising event! Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring:
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The Best Chef Competition – Watch top chefs from across the region battle it out to create the most innovative and delicious dishes.
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Taste of the North Shore – Savor culinary creations from incredible local restaurants.
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Raffles, Auctions, and Prizes – Bid on unique experiences and items, all while supporting a vital cause.
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Fun, Entertainment, and Community – Mingle with fellow food lovers, local leaders, and celebrity chefs in a lively and inspiring atmosphere.
Your participation directly supports Beverly Bootstraps, providing essential resources to help families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency. From emergency food and housing assistance to youth programs, education, and advocacy, your support ensures we can continue this critical work.
Stay tuned for announcements about chefs, judges, sponsors, and ticket availability. This is an evening you won’t want to miss—mark your calendar, gather your friends, and prepare to indulge in a night of delicious food, friendly competition, and meaningful impact.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities coming soon!
Our 2025 Competing Chefs
Gabe Cheung
With Gabe’s heritage rooted in Chinese and Cuban traditions, his passion is driven by fusion and flavor. Chef Gabe has been the executive chef of the Essex Country Club since April 2017.
Alex Pineda
The son of legendary Boston chef and restaurateur, Lydia Shire, and former Chopped finalist, Alex Pineda is carving his own path as the co-owner of Que Mas in Beverly.
Bill Fogarty
Chef Bill Fogarty has spent 28 years in the food industry. He believes in working with local farmers and vendors and maintaining the integrity of food. He is the executive chef at Kitchen Table in Beverly.
Our 2025 Celebrity Judges
Anna Rossi
This could be YOU!
Join us for an exciting fundraiser! Bid on a unique opportunity to be a judge alongside the celebrity judges. Enjoy a delicious variety of dishes and help select the winner of the title Best Chef!
Maria Sansone
Maria Sansone is an Emmy Award-winning television host with an illustrious career and unmistakable voice in broadcasting spanning 3 decades.
Want to make an even bigger impact?
Become a sponsor!
Our sponsors gain:
- Exclusive VIP experiences and tables
- High-visibility logo placement on event signage, website, invitations, and social media
- Recognition from the stage and in press materials
- Opportunities to connect directly with attendees and showcase your brand
Tickets and sponsorships are limited—don’t miss out!
EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY - Presenting Sponsor
$20,000
- VIP table for 10 guests with Chef’s Tasting experience.
- Title recognition as “Presenting Sponsor” in all marketing materials.
- Prominent logo placement on event signage, invitations, website, and social media.
- Opportunity to provide opening remarks and address guests.
- Recognition in press releases, media coverage, email campaigns, and post-event recap.
- Photo opportunity for check presentation and social media highlights.
- Logo inclusion on event favors.
SOUS CHEF SPONSOR
- VIP table for 10 guests.
- Logo featured on event signage, invitations, website, and social media spotlight.
- Recognition during the event program.
- Inclusion in press releases and email campaigns.
- Opportunity to provide branded items to guests.
- Social media spotlight post.
PASTRY CHEF SPONSOR
- Tickets for 6 guests.
- Logo on select print materials, email campaigns, and website.
- Acknowledgement during the event program.
- Social media spotlight post highlighting your support.
Showcase Your Cuisine at Best Chef 2026 – Taste of the North Shore
We’re excited to invite restaurants and food businesses to be part of Best Chef 2026 on Friday, April 11, 2026 at the Boston Marriott Peabody. This signature event brings together 250+ guests for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community impact—an excellent opportunity to showcase your culinary talents to an engaged and generous audience.
What We’re Asking From Participating Vendors:
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Provide tastings of one or more menu items for 250–300 guests.
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Supply any heating/cooling equipment needed to keep your food at safe temperatures.
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Have at least one staff member present to serve at your table the evening of the event.
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Submit a Certificate of Insurance for the Boston Marriott Peabody.
What Beverly Bootstraps Provides to You:
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An 8-foot table for your food presentation.
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Small plates, bowls, and utensils for tastings.
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Table linen (or bring your own branded linen for added flair).
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Exposure to 250+ event attendees—potential new customers and supporters.
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Recognition in event marketing, including website listing and logo placement, social media spotlights, email campaigns, and local media coverage as part of the Taste of the North Shore.
Donate an Auction Item – Make a Difference at Best Chef 2026!
What you can donate:
- Unique experiences (dining, travel, classes, or behind-the-scenes tours)
- Gift certificates or products from your business
- Exclusive items or collectibles
Why donate:
- Gain exposure to 250+ guests, including local business leaders and food enthusiasts
- Highlight your brand and business in event marketing and the auction
- Support a meaningful cause while connecting with the community.
Every donation helps make the event a success and directly supports our mission to help families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
2025 Participating Taste of the North Shore restaurants:
Thank you to our generous 2025 sponsors!
Sous Chef Sponsor
Pastry Chef Sponsor
