Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward – Kabuki Celebrity Cookoff

A night of cooking flair and showmanship – chopping, sizzling and smoking
At the 6th Annual Kabuki Cook-off
Benefitting Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County

Shrimp were flying and tunes were pumping as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and Benihana Restaurants teamed up once again to host the extraordinary 6th Annual Kabuki Celebrity Cook-off fund-raiser. The event was held on Monday, August 25 at 6:00 p.m. at Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, local Fort Lauderdale restaurant located at 276 Commercial Blvd.

Kabuki featured 23 local “celebrities” and community leaders dressed in eccentric costumes performing as master teppanyaki chefs for the night. The event began with a lavish cocktail hour before dinner and the famous “Parade of Chefs” for each “celebrity” to strut their stuff before the cheers and applause of the guests at the sold out event.

Once the grills are fired up, the cooking begins and guests enjoy a full Benihana meal while being entertained by their hosting chef. During dinner, the chefs perform to earn tips from their table guests that benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.

The completion was fierce this year as the chefs’ competed for different superlative awards.
• Sumo Award – Chef who most wrestles with food – Rookie Chef Sheldon Holloway
• Kabuki Award – Most Theatrical Chef – Susan Renneisen – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
• Taiko Award – Chefs’ table that makes the most noise – Chad Van Horn – Van Horn Law Group
• Samurai Award – Best Knife Skills – Chef Jorge Alsonso – Gables Engineering
• Geisha Award – Chef who caters most to guests – Chef Louis Triosi – Publix
• The coveted Golden Tip Award – Chef who earns the most money in tips, went to the Celebrity Cruise Divas who collected a record $5,150 in tips.

“Our Kabuki chefs cook with love, they entertain as work hard for their table tips. Every year they get more and more creative and crazy with the table themes and decorations. It is an incredible evening of sights, sounds and excellent food, everyone enjoys themselves and knows that together, they are helping to impact the lives of even more children in Broward by providing them with a caring adult role model,” said Ana Cedeño, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.

Great video by Lisa Pirro – Roving Reporter! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXNpcpIxjWY&feature=youtu.be&list=PLA88B1887D3D0F0AF