Local nonprofit Mercy Center is hosting a “Chefs’ Feast,” an inaugural culinary showcase on February 29, featuring restaurants from the Jersey Shore vying for the title of “Top Chef” to raise support for its fast-growing food pantry in Asbury Park.

The event will take place from 6-9 p.m., at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, located at 1401 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.

Guests will enjoy sampling signature dishes created by chefs from six restaurants and will cast votes for their favorite. The top vote getter will be named “Top Chef.” The participating chefs and restaurants are:

Chef David Morales, Frungillo's Hospitality Group, Asbury Park
Chef Mike Tsarnas, Gabriella's Italian Steakhouse, Middletown
Chef Ryan Bush, La Mondina, Brielle
Chef Ulises Nova, Metropolitan Cafe, Freehold
Chef Rob DiBlasio, Robinson's Ale House, Asbury Park
Chef Lisa Baker, White Chapel Projects, Long Branch

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres from Frungillo’s and a Tuscan display of meats and cheese from Bueno Sera, a restaurant in Red Bank. The entrée tastings will follow, and the food event will conclude with desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes, Shrewsbury, and River Street Sweets, Asbury Park.

Tickets to the benefit are $250 and include an open bar and live music. A special ticket price of $150 is available to young professionals ages 21-35. The event will also include live and silent auctions and the drawing for a 50/50 cash raffle.

Tickets and sponsorships, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, are available to purchase online at www.MercyCenterNJ.org until February 14, 2024. For more information, call 908-378-8502.