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Midwest chefs converge in Ann Arbor for charity ‘Top Knife’ competition

Proceeds to benefit mental health nonprofit

A knife set on a counter with cheese, basil and tomatoes. (StackCommerce)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Chefs from eateries around Michigan and Ohio are headed to Ann Arbor to make money for charity and prove who has the best knife skills.

Starting at 6 p.m. on March 26, eight chefs will go head-to-head at Carson’s American Bisto during the “Top Knife” Competition. Part of the proceeds will be given to Garret’s Space, a suicide prevention nonprofit helping teenagers deal with mental health challenges.

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The organization is named after 23-year-old Garrett Halpert, who took his life in 2017. His parents Julie and Scott Halpert started the nonprofit in his honor to aid and offer resources to young adults ages 18-28.

Attendees of the “Top Knife” Competition will sample dishes and desserts created by staff from restaurants operated by Ann Arbor’s Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant Group.

Eaters decide the winning chef who receives the “Top Knife Award.”

Officials said beer and wine will also be available.

Tickets including a 20% gratuity cost around $125. Without gratuity, tickets cost around $105. Buy them here.

Here are the chefs:

COMPETITORS:

  • Areej Imran - Palio | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Camara Mackey - Real Seafood Company | Bay City, MI
  • Ismael Herrera  - Real Seafood Company | Bay City, MI
  • David Bicknell - Stillwater Grill | Brighton, MI
  • Alyton Wynia - The Chop House | Grand Rapids, MI
  • Micheal Goodson - The Chop House | Toledo, OH
  • Willie Smith - Real Seafood Company | Toledo, OH

DESSERT COMPETITORS: 

  • Olivia Riggs - Carson’s American Bistro | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Ana Sorge - Palio | Grand Rapids, MI 
  • Andrew Kritzer - Real Seafood Company | Toledo, OH

Carson’s American Bistro is at 2000 Commonwealth Blvd.


About the Author
Sarah Parlette headshot

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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