Don Cummings - adding chef to his extensive resume

In the next couple of weeks, leading up to 60 Men Who Cook, I will be spotlighting some of the fine chefs who have graciously offered to be a part of this event that is presented by Geneva Chamber of Commerce and supports Geneva History Center, Geneva Lions Club and Rotary Club of Geneva.

Don Cummings is a name many should recognize.  Besides living in Geneva for many years, he has served on various boards and committees.  Most recently being appointed to City of Geneva Alderman, filling a vacancy in the 2^nd Ward.  A current member of Rotary Club of Geneva, which in addition to Geneva History Center and Geneva Lions Club, are being supported by this event, he is also an active Geneva Chamber of Commerce member.  Oh, Don too has a paid job, Managing Partner at Blue Haven Capital in Geneva.   

And now he is adding chef to his already extensive resume.  At least a chef for 60 Men Who Cook.

So what has Don cooked before? 

“I burned leaves as a kid, but I do actually a few dishes I cook each year and they are consistently good.” 

“Who really made this?” is quite often what Don hears when he cooks.   On Friday, May 11 there will be proof that he indeed (with assistance from his daughter Delaney) did make his Cheesy Potatoes using 100% free-range potatoes, which “people will be pleasantly surprised how good they are”. 

Don may have been coerced into showing off his culinary talents, but he is very excited to be raising money for such great causes. 

Vote for your favorite chef at www.genevachamber.com and at 60 Men Who Cook. 

60 Men Who Cook is on May 11, 5:30 pm at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.  Tickets are available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (8 S. Third St.), Geneva History Center (113 S. Third St.), The Paper Merchant (328 S. Third St.) and State Street Jewelers (214 W. State St).   View last years fun at http://youtu.be/ABXWEZPxjTk.

Meet a 60 Men Who Cook Chef

In the next couple of weeks, leading up to 60 Men Who Cook, I will be spotlighting some of the fine chefs who have graciously offered to be a part of this event that is presented by Geneva Chamber of Commerce and supports Geneva History Center, Geneva Lions Club and Rotary Club of Geneva.

It is tremendous when all ages want to join in on the 60 Men Who Cook phenomenon.  Bennett Melone is a 5^th grade student at Fox Ridge Elementary in St. Charles.  His mother, Kathy, is President of Rotary Club of Geneva.  One of the non-profits benefitting from this event. 

Bennett wanted to help out his mom and the Rotary Club, so he decided to step up to the stove.  While he makes very good sandwiches and ice cream sundaes, his dish of choice will be Grandma’s Homemade Fudge.  With all three of those words in the name of the dish, you just know it will be delicious. 

A recipe that hasn’t changed in 40 years, Bennett remembers how yummy it tasted when his grandma made it for him when he was young.  

“Vote for me because I have a really good dessert and it will be the best.”  

What do Bennett’s friends say about his cooking? 

“I think my friends would think I was an OK chef.  They would at least take a bite.” 

Buy your tickets now to come and take a bite of Grandma’s Homemade Fudge and many other appetizers, sides, entrees and desserts. 

Vote for your favorite chef at www.genevachamber.com and at 60 Men Who Cook. 

60 Men Who Cook is on May 11, 5:30 pm at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.  Tickets are available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (8 S. Third St.), Fagan’s Graphic Design (524 W. State St., Suite A), Geneva History Center (113 S. Third St.), The Paper Merchant (328 S. Third St.) and State Street Jewelers (214 W. State St).   View last years fun at http://youtu.be/ABXWEZPxjTk.

Meet 60 Men Who Cook Chef Justin Eggar

In the next couple of weeks, leading up to 60 Men Who Cook, I will be spotlighting some of the fine chefs who have graciously offered to be a part of this event that is presented by Geneva Chamber of Commerce and supports Geneva History Center, Geneva Lions Club and Rotary Club of Geneva.

J’s Sexy Stuffed Mushrooms.  How’s that for an attention getter?!  It is actually a real dish being prepared by Justin Eggar of Allstate- Eggar Insurance Agency.  Besides the name being delicious, Justin has actually said they really are delicious. 

Hoping one day to receive some formal culinary training, Justin calls himself a “regular schmo” when it comes to cooking. Likes to cook for family and friends, who does do some dishes better than average.  Hopefully, one of those “better” items is the dish he is preparing at 60 Men Who Cook on May 11. 

From the minute Justin and his wife Katlyn opened their business on State Street in Geneva, they both immersed themselves in the community. 

“(60 Men) is a great event supporting our wonderful local not-for-profits. In addition, it adds some fun flair to our community and allows me to give back a little for the wonderful time that we have being here,” says Justin. 

Votes generated that evening, not only are how the chefs win, but also how the non-profits are supported.  Chefs might do just about anything to be declared the winner in their category. 

“People should vote for me because they are going to love the dish that I’m preparing. In addition, I will happily resort to bribery…. Wait, will that get me kicked out of the competition? I need to read those rules again.” 

Still not sure if you should put 60 Men Who Cook on your calendar…. 

“It’s going to be a great time and the cooks are going to knock your socks off this year.” 

And Justin, like the true community guy he is, wants your ideas too. 

“If you have any great ideas for my set, please email me at : justin.eggar@gmail.com – I have a few ideas of what I’m going to do but I’d love suggestions!” 

Vote for your favorite chef at www.genevachamber.com and at 60 Men Who Cook. 

60 Men Who Cook is on May 11, 5:30 pm at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.  Tickets are available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (8 S. Third St.), Fagan’s Graphic Design (524 W. State St., Suite A), Geneva History Center (113 S. Third St.), The Paper Merchant (328 S. Third St.) and State Street Jewelers (214 W. State St).   View last years fun at http://youtu.be/ABXWEZPxjTk.

Two time winner returns to 60 Men Who Cook

In just a little over 30 days, 60 local community “celebrities” will be baking, cooking, grilling and sautéing dishes to please our palates.  The 4^th Annual 60 Men Who Cook takes place on May 11 at Prairie Event Center at Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Rd., St. Charles.  Doors will open at 5:30 pm and samplings will begin at 6:00.  Tickets are $30 which includes samplings and voting.  Of course, you need to vote for your favorite chef! 

In the next couple of weeks, I will be spotlighting some of the fine chefs who have graciously offered to be a part of this event that is presented by Geneva Chamber of Commerce and supports Geneva History Center, Geneva Lions Club and Rotary Club of Geneva. 

One of our returning chefs is Pat Hofstetter.  Pat has the esteemed honor of being the two time winner for Best Presentation.  Not surprising as Pat and his wife Mindy, for 21 years, have owned CPR Printing in St. Charles, where creativity and design are key.

Proclaiming himself as a novice cooker who has no formal training, except eating, Pat likes to experiment with different flavors and spices.  That being said, his dish this year is New England Clam Chowder because he had a great idea for the display! 

An active Geneva Chamber member and always looking to give back to his community, helping to raise money for a good cause, coupled with eating is why Pat has participated all four years in 60 Men Who Cook. 

Obviously Pat is creative, but would others say he is a good chef?   

“Others may not say a good chef, or even a fair chef, but everyone would agree that I put my best foot forward and I have the body to show it,” said Pat. 

Voting by the public is not only how the chefs are declared “winners” in their categories, but also how the non-profits earn their money.  After all, this is a FUNdraiser.  Why should you vote for Pat Hofstetter?   

“I’m funny, charming and witty.  It’s events like this that give me an opportunity to see a lot of my friends and business customers in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. I look forward to this event every year!” 

Vote for your favorite chef at www.genevachamber.com and at 60 Men Who Cook. 

60 Men Who Cook is on May 11, 5:30 pm at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.  Tickets are available Friday, April 6 at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (8 S. Third St.), Fagan’s Graphic Design (524 W. State St., Suite A), Geneva History Center (113 S. Third St.), The Paper Merchant (328 S. Third St.) and State Street Jewelers (214 W. State St).   View last years fun at http://youtu.be/ABXWEZPxjTk.

Go for the GOLD and GOLF

Many people would agree that having a great golf game is kind of like winning a pot o' gold or receiving a gold medal, even if is just in their own minds.

Geneva Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual golf outing on June 4, 2012.  Being an Olympic year, the theme is Go For the GOLD!  I can't promise there will be gold medals, but there will be food, drinks, awards, an auction and of course lots of fun. 

This year's event takes place at Royal Hawk Country Club, 5N748 Burr Rd. in St. Charles.  Lunch is at 11:30 am followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 pm.

Everyone is invited and welcome to join in.  Grab a foursome or sign up just yourself (we will find you a group to play with).  Early Bird Pricing until April 15 at golfinvite.com/genevachamber.

It is sure to be a PARty and a TEErrific good time.

Got Talent? Geneva Chamber is looking for you!

Seems every channel on television has some sort of talent opportunity.  And now Geneva Chamber of Commerce is bringing talent to Geneva. 

"Geneva's Got Talent" is looking for talent! Singers, dancers, magicians, jugglers, gymnasts…just about anything.

Why should you apply, to audition, for ours? Besides the fact you don't have to travel to Hollywood, first prize is $1000!

Auditions will be held May 20 in Geneva.  Only the first 75 applications received will be invited to audition and vie for a chance to perform during Swedish Days for a chance at  the $1000 cash prize. 

You do not have to live in Geneva to apply.   

Rules and the application can be found at www.genevachamber.com/swedishdays.html.  For more information, please call 630.232.6060.

Weddings and Pizza

Yes, I have been to a wedding that served pizza.  However uncommon it may be.  Clearly, this choice may not be for everyone.   Dining, photographers, flowers and everything else that completes your special day will be on display at Geneva's Wedding Walk this Sunday, March 4.

The Downtown Geneva Wedding Walk is the perfect time to see all Geneva has to offer to plan your unique wedding (even pizza if you want it).  You will have a chance to meet with venues, boutique shops, and visit some of the top wedding businesses in Chicagoland.  Each bride that registers to attend the Geneva Wedding Walk will receive fabulous ideas, goodies and giveaways!  Tickets: $25 for the bride & 2 guests ($30 at the door).  Check in / Registration is at 11:00 am at Herrington Inn & Spa, 15 S. River Ln, Geneva.  Visit www.genevabride.com for more information.

All this pizza talk have you hungry?  Tuesday, March 6, stop by one of our newest members, Morano's Pizza, 417 Hamilton Street in Geneva.  The Geneva Chamber will help celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 5 pm.  Their extensive menu carries much more than pizza too!  Something to satisfy every taste bud.

Always visit our website for complete Geneva, IL happenings (www.genevachamber.com). Your guide to fantastic fun!