Congressmen Really Get Cookin’ for 32nd Annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala

Congressmen can cook.  Who knew?!   Thirty-eight lawmakers attended last week’s 32nd annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala.  Six (detailed below) went home with awards for their culinary skills, but all helped support the non-profit’s mission to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortaility.

Participating in a competitive cook-off at the National Building Museum, over three dozen lawmakers became “celebrity chefs,” each serving the over 600 guests hors d’oeuvres from their own recipe.

Mrs. Bobbi Barrasso, wife of Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.) and Mrs. Marty Hinojosa, wife of Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (Texas) were Gala Co-Chairs for this scrumptiously philanthropic event which raised over $900,000 for the cause.

Ris Lacoste (in Chef’s coat, bottom right) from Ris was the celebrity judge chair, joined by Carlos Gomez of the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Hank’s Oyster Bar’s Jaime Leeds and Matt Parrilli from the National Democratic Club.  And the winner’s were:

• Best Presentation Award: Sen. Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Abby Blunt for their Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms with Red Pepper Coulis.
• Health and Happiness Award: Sen. Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) and Julianne Chambliss for their Sea Island Shrimp.
• American Regional Cuisine Award: Sen. Jim Risch (Idaho) and Vicki Risch for their Idaho Potato Lollipops. Over the last six years, the Rischs have won four Gourmet Gala awards. This year, they were inspired by the “State Fair” theme.
• Easiest Preparation Award: Sen. Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Kris Toomey for their Baked Honey Raisin Brie
• Best in Show Award: Rep. Ted Yoho (Fla.) and Carolyn Yoho for their Tony’s Chowder.
• People’s Choice Award: Rep. Filemon Vela (Texas) and Rose Vela for their Tacos de Chamorro, which earned 69 votes from attendees.

Looks like lawmakers can cook something up for a worthy cause.

(Photos as credited by watermark)