This evening when I get dressed to head out for the night I’ll be wearing purple. Why? Because I will be judging the Dish It Up! Food Contest at The Moore College of Art. Purple represents the color for the non-profit Women Against Abuse (WAA), and this annual fundraiser raises money and awareness for this important program.
As one of the largest domestic violence programs in the country, WAA serves more than 10,000 individuals each year through emergency housing, legal services, hotline counseling, education and advocacy. WAA operates the only comprehensive program in Philadelphia whose sole purpose is to assist victims of domestic violence and their children.
Purple will be the fashionable color of the evening for both participants and patrons, but most importantly, the dishes that the contending chefs will prepare and plate! Expect purple potatoes, purple rice, purple cauliflower, and purple sauces, and of course purple drinks. It will be a fun even and I am excited to be a part of it once again. In past years I have covered it from a Press standpoint, but this year I will actually be judging along with 3 other professional palates: Drew Lazor Food Editor at Citypaper, Colin Flatt of Eater.com, and Chef Marcie Turney who was last years Purple Dish Award Winner!
The event starts tonight at 5:30pm Tickets are available AT THE DOOR so come out and join me! Expect top chef plates, crazy cocktails and live entertainment. NBC’s Bill Henley will Host and Announce the winner of this years PURPLE DISH AWARD by 8pm!
This year’s event has even expanded to include a fashionable aspect, with Jay McCarroll, fashion designer and winner of the inaugural season of Project Runway providing live coverage from the “purple carpet”. Expect Jay to be wearing his new purple shoes as he seeks out the best showcase of purple-wear for the Purple Style Contest.
Lastly, sweets will have their chance to shine as the three talented bakers compete for the Purple Cupcake Award. I’m expecting berry frosting for sure.
I’ll be judging according to taste, presentation and of course the creative use of the color purple! I hope I will see you there….in purple. 
CHECK OUT THE HOT LINE UP OF TONIGHT’S TOP CHEFTESTANTS!
Ann Jamavan, Jasmine Rice
Effie Bouikidis, Effie’s Greek Restaurant
Angela Iovino, Michele Iovino and chef Rosalba Morici, Girasole
Francesca Kauffman and chef Franca DiRenzo, Tre Scalini
Victoria Tyson, Victoria’s Kitchen
Susan Schlisman, Devil’s Alley / Smokin’ Betty’s
Ali Waks, AHW Consulting
Chef at Delicatessen
Rachel Klein, Miss Rachel’s Pantry
Brooke Higgins, Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
Bridget Foy, Bridget Foys
Meet the cupcake competitors
Kylie Tsai, Cups & Chairs Tea Cafe
Kristen Piano, Social Sweets
Cinda Blake, Lil Miss Cupkakes
