Michael Stefan, Anthony Langham, Carmen Czich, Angela Mazzolini and Jordyn Voll

“Cleveland’s Top Chefs,” a benefit for the ICASI Scholarship Fund, Inc., provided an unforgettable culinary experience for the 330 guests in attendance.
Party goers strolled through the classrooms and the grounds of the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute (ICASI) and indulged in a variety of delectable small plates prepared by some of the most talented area chefs. The chefs donated their time and talent to help raise close to $80,000 in scholarship funds for students to pursue their dreams of becoming a chef in the culinary and pastry arts.
In addition to providing some of the best food Cleveland has to offer, the event featured unique raffle items including a gastronomic tour of Sicily, private cooking classes with Chef Loretta Paganini at ICASI, and

Holly and Booker Bair, and Melissa and Brad Payne

“Dine around Cleveland” gift card baskets. The all-volunteer staffed benefit was chaired by Mara Amedia, president of the ICASI Scholarship Fund, Inc.
The ICASI Scholarship Fund was established several years ago as a way to provide culinary arts students with an opportunity to pursue an education regardless of their economic status. As the Northeast Ohio culinary scene continues to grow, the demand for talented trained chefs is rising along with it. ICASI recently earned national recognition as one of the top 25 culinary schools in the country. The success of its students has helped Cleveland achieve its ranking as the seventh Best Food City in America according to www.time.com. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN.