Top chefs to face off at Memorial's third annual Ladies Night Out

Five of Western New York's top chefs will face off Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Niagara Falls Conference & Event Center in a "Healthy Chef Competition" sponsored by Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

The competition will be the high point of Memorial's third annual Ladies Night Out Health and Wellness Expo.

"We've all seen 'Iron Chef' and other high-energy cooking competitions on television," said Memorial Events Coordinator Cheryl Wienckowski. "The 'Healthy Chef Competition' will bring that excitement to Niagara Falls as celebrity chefs battle to prove how delicious healthy cuisine can be."

The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

Chef Mark Mistriner of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, chef Paul Jenkins of Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange and chef Brian Mahony of Seneca Gaming Corp. will judge the contestants as they compete for a Sandals luxury vacation. Nick Pittillo of Osteria 166 will serve as host and chef Mahony will deliver a healthy cooking demonstration.

Ladies Night Out will also feature women's health and wellness professionals along with dozens of vendors offering products and services for women. Jewelry, fashion, beauty and salon products, nutrition, fitness, artwork and products and services for the home will be showcased.

"This event gets bigger and better every year, and the women who attend have a ball," said Memorial Vice President Ann Marie Tucker. "Health and wellness are certainly important issues for women of all ages. Taking time to have fun and learn about our health is an important aspect of taking care of ourselves."

Musical entertainment and a basket auction will round out the evening. Tickets are $5 and available at: M&T Bank's Main and Cedar branch in Niagara Falls, Angel to Apple Clothing & Shoe Boutique in Lewiston, Studio 1 Hair Design on Niagara Street in Niagara Falls, Niagara Fashion Outlets and the Memorial Medical Center Foundation. Tickets also will be available at the door.

For more information, call 716-278-4570.