Chef's Specialty

October 7, 2026

Join us for an evening of exceptional food, community, and purpose.

Thank you for joining us for this year’s event!
We hope you had a great time and we can’t wait to see you again next year. If you missed out on donating, that’s okay. You can still donate securely online and help ensure no senior is hungry or forgotten.

12th annual Chef's specialty

Join us for an evening of exceptional food, community, and purpose. Enjoy a strolling tasting featuring signature creations from 10 of West Michigan’s finest chefs, an open bar, and a seated program with dessert, a live auction, and a celebration of event honoree Mark Secchia, our local culinary community, and the impact of Meals on Wheels Western Michigan.

Attendees will be able to cast their vote for the best chef tasting, and the winning chef will be announced later in the evening. You don’t want to miss this fun evening in support of local seniors!

when

OCTOBER 07, 2026

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

where

GOEI CENTER

818 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

tickets

$175

an unforgettable culinary tasting tour

Honoring
Mark Secchia

Mark Secchia is a global entrepreneur and visionary business leader known for building innovative, customer-focused companies across cultures and continents. He is the founder of Sherpa’s Delivery Service, China’s first multi-city food and beverage delivery platform and the founder and owner of SILVA, a boundary-pushing dinnertainment complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In 2023, Mark launched SILVA, a one-of-a-kind venue that blends upscale dining, live entertainment, immersive events, and community energy—all under one roof. SILVA reflects Mark’s lifelong passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences.

With a unique mix of East-meets-West perspective, entrepreneurial grit, and creative hospitality, Mark continues to build bridges between cultures and industries—one great idea (and meal) at a time.

Featured CHEFs

Featured CHEFS

Advanced Culinary Class

Kent Career Tech Center

Andy Krause

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Barbara Johnson

Honeybee's Kitchen & Catering

Bryan Newton

131 Sportsbar & Lounge at Gun Lake Casino Resort

Chris Wessely

Noodlepig

Christa Nesky

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

Jake Schulz

Two Beards Deli

Matt Schumaker & Derrick McArthur

West Michigan Whitecaps

Stefan & Jimmy Fahlen

The Old Mill — Beer City Bread Co. & Arnie's Bakery

Stephen Kolavo

Days

Hours

Minutes

2026 Recipes

Sambusa East African Beef Filling

This is a traditional recipe from the Congo region in Africa, served for parties and special occasions, adapted from her Grandma's recipe, Martha makes it her own.

The Two Tone Twist

This falafel and black bean sandwich is healthy, full of bold flavor, and designed for everyone to enjoy.

Tostones with Cumin Shrimp

This tostones with cumin shrimp and pickled jicama slaw will be a tasty bite that invites you to try new flavors.

Tomato & Kale Soup

Tomato soup is a familiar comfort food, and this recipe gives the classic a fresh twist with kale, vegetables and herbs.

Catalan Braised Beef Short Rib

Popcorn Mashed Potatoes, Pimentón Demi, Chimichurri, Fried Haystack Shallots

Beets & Ricotta Salad With Crunchy Dukkah

Buy some beets, buy some cheese, buy some crunchy stuff. Believe in yourself. See where it takes you.

Katsu Curry

We both love Japanese food and decided that katsu curry is the best comfort food to share for the event.

Swedish Meatballs with Garlic Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

A traditional Swedish-inspired dish featuring tender beef and pork meatballs seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, served in a rich, creamy gravy, over buttery garlic mashed potatoes.

Kona Coast Blackened Cod

Kona Coast Blackened Cod is a vibrant, Hawaiian-influenced dish featuring blackened Pacific Cod served over a bed of coconut-sushi rice.

Honey Glazed Jerk Baked Turkey Chops

Honey-glazed jerk baked turkey chops, fried cabbage, white rice, and hot water cornbread balls create a meal that is flavorful, comforting, nutritious, and familiar to many generations.

Presenting Sponsor

Executive Chef Sponsors

Sous Chef Sponsors

Deputy Chef Sponsors

Brio Living Services, Gordon Food Service, Grand River Bank, Gun Lake Casino Resort,
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Oliver Packaging, Plante Moran, Russo Italian Restaurant & Market, Swift Printing, Yesterdog