Chat with Chicago Chefs for Tips on Cooking with a Budget

CHICAGO, Aug. 10


What:

Opportunity to chat with four of the "hippest" Chicago chefs on tips and ideas for making quality budget meals for the whole family.


Who:

Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno, Roger Herring of Socca, Chris Macchia of Coco Pazzo, and Dirk Flanigan of The Gage will be judging the final contestants who created a tilapia meal for a family of four and stayed under a budget of $15. They are available to discuss ways that families can cut costs during these hard economic times, including:

-- Try going meatless a few days a week and eat more salads and soups instead.

-- Start your own garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs.

-- Make your own snacks with goodies like fruits, nuts, and pretzels.

-- Utilize leftovers to the fullest ... don't let anything become unnecessary waste.

-- Cook in large batches to increase efficiency and prepare all meals weeks in advance.

-- Maximize the use of a freezer to save food for as long as possible.


When:

2 - 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 11th, 2009


Where:

Calphalon Culinary Center, 1000 W. Washington St., Chicago


Details:

Regal Springs Tilapia, the world's largest producer of tilapia, is sponsoring a contest to find the best, homemade tilapia meal for under $15. The meal must include a salad or fruit and vegetable. Nearly 300 entries were reviewed by a panel of experts. They narrowed it down to the final 10 winners, who will be judged by these chefs. The six winners will all receive cash prizes, with the grand prize finalist catching $5,000.