Chef Ralph Brown /IRON CHEF /2004

The Center for faith-based and community learning located in Charlottesville, Virginia takes a look back to remember past events. The Daily News-Record, Lee Zion writes, "CHEFS COMPETE FOR CHARITABLE CAUSE".

"Chef Ralph Brown explains the secret behind making a good omelet--saute the veggies first. Then pour in the eggs. That way, the flavor of the vegetables permeates the whole omelet, he said.

Use a Teflon skillet, so the omelet won't stick, and you can flip the omelet into the air, Brown said as he demonstrated with a snap of the wrist. Brown was one of six chefs from the region participating in the Taste of Harrisonburg Iron Chef competition. Brown (a member of the Blue Ridge Chef's Association) runs a food safety/service training program through Project Food Chain in Charlottesville.

Chefs were invited to cook up their best for a paying audience, with the proceeds going to charity. The event, organized by Clear Channel Communications, raised money for Toys For Kids, a local program that gives toys to about 400 needy children every year, said Susie Smith Niarhos, 48, sales manager for Clear Channel.

Although Clear Channel runs a charity event for Toys For Kids every year, this (2004)event is the first time a chefs' cook-off was organized around it. Niarhos hopes it will become an annual event. "It's For The Kids"