50 Men Who Cook

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 22nd annual 50 Men Who Cook a great success! Special thanks to our chefs, attendees, volunteers, event committee, sponsors & donors.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 21st annual 50 Men Who Cook a great success! Special thanks to our chefs, attendees, volunteers, event committee, sponsors & donors.

Join us for our 22nd annual 50 Men Who Cook on August 8!

Join us for the 22nd annual event!

August 8, 2026 | 6-9 PM
Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at NIU

Online ticket sales have closed. Buy your ticket at the door on Aug. 9 for $50 each!

Event Photos

50 Men Who Cook 2026 Chef Winners

Appetizer

1st Place: Kevin Jackman | Hog Wild Deviled Eggs
2nd Place: Joe Dombek | Candied Bacon
3rd Place: Randy Carlson | Cowboy Queso Dip

Side Dish

1st Place: Mat Wantland | Brisket Esquites
2nd Place: Chad Metcalf | Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Goat Cheese and Honey
3rd Place: Mike Verbic & Mike Rothamer | Blame it on the Beans

Entree

1st Place: Ray Hernandez | Pulled Pork Tacos
2nd Place: Jackson Marbutt | Cubano Sandwich
3rd Place: Craig Brannstrom & David Brannstrom | Banh Mi Bombs

Dessert

1st Place: Edward Valdez | Mango Madness
2nd Place: Dan Pavelich | Shamrock Shake Pie
3rd Place: Adam Richards | Caramel Apple Cider Cake

Professional

People’s Choice Award: Josh Smith/The Dirty Bird | Brisket Burnt-End Sandwich
1st Place: Josh Smith/The Dirty Bird | Brisket Burnt-End Sandwich
2nd Place: Jacob Breen/Tapa La Luna | Pork Osso Bucco Tacos
3rd Place: Erik Frank/The Angry Pickle | Corned Beef Taco

Learn More

What

CASA’s signature fundraising event, 50 Men Who Cook, features 50+ men from the community who bring their best dish for guests to taste and vote for their favorite in each category. Categories include Appetizer (sponsored by Syngenta), Side Dish, Entree and Dessert. Professional Chefs compete in their own category.

Enjoy good food, a cash bar, entertainment and raffle, all for a good cause.

When

August 8, 2026 | 6-9 PM

Where

Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at NIU

Who

50 Men Who Cook is open to the public. Invite your friends and family along!

Why

To raise money to support CASA’s work of advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in DeKalb County.

How

Tickets are $50 each or $45 each when you buy two or more before August 8.

Purchase tickets:

Online through August 7
In-person at the CASA Office
By mailing a check to CASA DeKalb County (308 W. State St. Ste 301, Sycamore, IL 60178)

Tickets are also available at the door on Aug. 8 for $50 each.

event timeline

6 PM - Doors Open, Tasting & Raffles Begin
8 PM - Voting Closes
8:15 PM - Raffle Closes
8:20 PM - Event Program
8:45 PM - Chef Winners Announced
9 PM - Event Concludes

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