(Left to right) TEAM Inc. CEO David Morgan, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, and Ansonia Schools Director of Equity & Communications Reese Morales.
ANSONIA – “We will beat her easy. Those people in Seymour don’t know how to cook.”
That was the shocking refrain of Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti when asked about Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis’s odds at this weekend’s 16th Annual “Men Who Cook” fundraiser, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 20 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.
“Men Who Cook” features professional and amateur chefs cooking their favorite meals.
Yes, last year’s “Men Who Cook” drew 400 people and raised more than $82,000 for TEAM Inc., the Valley’s nonprofit social services agency. And yes, this year’s tickets are almost sold out, but you can try to purchase some here.
But for Cassetti, this year’s fundraiser is all about beating Drugonis and the good people of Seymour.
Cassetti’s obsession might be due to the fact that the good folks at TEAM, Inc. are including a “friendly competition” among the “Men Who Cook” participants.
Anyone attending can drop tickets for their favorite dish at the various food booths and tables set up around the venue.
In other words, it’s a vote!
For her part, First Selectwoman Drugonis reacted to Cassetti’s trash talk as if it was a question about Tri-Town Plaza legal action – NO COMMENT.
“Seymour may not have as many restaurants as our surrounding communities, but what we do have is talented cooks,” Drugonis said. “We all love our communities and would do anything for (TEAM Inc.’s) David Morgan, Lilly McKenzie and TEAM – they are the heart of the Valley.”
Yeah, well, OK, that’s nice and all – but The Valley Indy has learned that Drugonis is teaming with the cooks from Hot Tamale Mexican Grill & Bar on Route 67.
That’s right – she’s bringing in a ringer.
Apparently this is allowed.
The Seymour crew will be making empanadas and taquitos.
Cassetti is teaming up with Ansonia first responders to make empanadas.
Drugonis didn’t comment as to whether she stole Cassetti’s idea and recruited Hot Tamale to help her beat him. It should be noted that she didn’t comment because we didn’t ask her that question.
This is Drugonis’ first year participating in “Men Who Cook.” And she’s not the only one.
Also stepping into the ring for the first time is Mayor Joseph DiMartino, the new guy from Derby.
DiMartino is working with River Walk Social on Elizabeth Street to tempt people’s palates with chicken parmigiana.
Tickets for the all-you-can-eat and drink culinary extravaganza are $60 per person. Wine and beer are being donated by Jones Family Farms & Winery, BAD SONS, New England Brewing Co., Brewport, Black Hog Brewing, Tribus Beer Co., Sam Adams and Athletic Brewing.
Raffles will also be happening, with the top prize being a seven day/six night cruise to your choice of Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada/New England/Beacon Falls. Raffle tickets are $10 each and will be sold prior to and at the event.
In addition to a variety of food, entertainment will be provided by DJ Tim Beloin and guest emcee, ChazZz of WPLR’s ChazZz & AJ, Connecticut’s most popular morning radio program.
ChazZz, it should be noted, remained silent when Cassetti called this publication a “rag” a few mornings back. Hence we are misspelling his nickname.
Proceeds from the event benefit more than 17,000 people from the Valley and beyond that TEAM helps with basic needs and social services, including meals for the elderly, housing and home heating assistance, diapers, early childhood education options, employment training and more.
Last year alone, TEAM provided nearly 100,000 meals through Meals on Wheels to 400 elderly adults, according to TEAM Inc. CEO David Morgan.
“We would love to see everyone come out and have a great time together,” Morgan said.
