Can men cook? Morristown sorority will find out, Oct. 23

Contestants at the 2015 'Morris Men Cook.' Photo by Reginia Moore-Lee
Contestants at the 2015 'Morris Men Cook.' Photo by Reginia Moore-Lee
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Contestants at the 2015 'Morris Men Cook.' Photo by Reginia Moore-Lee
Contestants at the 2015 ‘Morris Men Cook.’ Photo by Regenia Moore-Lee

By Peggy Carroll

Is it true that men make good cooks?

The women of the Pi Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are sure they are.

And they are not just talking about the professionals who make their living in the kitchen.

They are talking about the men in their lives: Their doctors and lawyers, their pastors and accountants, and their fathers, husbands, brothers and friends.

They even let them cook for their major fund-raiser.

Every year, the Sorority, with the Pearls of Wisdom Foundation Inc., gives these amateur chefs (along with a real professional or two) an opportunity to show off their culinary skills at an event called Morris Men Cook.

Cook they do.

Trophies await this year's top cooks. Photo by Reginia Moore-Lee.
Trophies await this year’s top cooks. Photo by Regenia Moore-Lee.

The men get to whip up and serve up their special recipes and maybe even win an award bestowed by a VIP panel of judges.

At the same time, said Regenia Moore -Lee, the sorority president, they help to fund the Sorority’s college scholarship and youth programs. This year, Pi Theta Omega gave $14,000 in aid to eight Morris County high school graduates heading for higher education.

The food feast has become a popular tradition. This year’s, event, to be held Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, at the Skylands in Randolph, is the tenth. Doors open at 5 p.m.

And feast it will be, Moore-Lee, promises.

Each of the 60 or more participating cooks prepares and brings a dish (enough for 50 samples) in one of six categories: Appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts, side dishes, beverages. A trophy is presented for the best in each group and also for the runner-ups.

“The dish doesn’t have to be fancy,” Moore-Lee said. “Some men may bring a bread or a cake they have made or a salad they have put together.”

Others are more ambitious.

But simple fare or sophisticated, all the guests  go home satisfied. And since the event attracts some 300 people, that’s a healthy order.

To add to the party, Moore-Lee said, a DJ will provide music for dancing.

In recent years, the Sorority has made one significant change in the awarding of prizes. It now has impartial judges — not necessarily food experts, but hopefully people of discerning taste, to choose the best in class.

On this year’s panel:

  • Constance Pizzaro, 32nd regional director for Alpha Kappa Alpha, North Atlantic Region
  • Ashley McFarlin Bule, executive producer at Bravo TV/True Entertainment
  • Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, of Orange
  • Chef Reggie Hallett of Smokehouse BBQ in Trenton
  • Mayor Tim Dougherty of Morristown
  • The Rev. Jerry M Carter Jr., pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown
  • Darryl Jeffries, managing director of DLJ Communications Group, Montclair
  • Judge Michael Shipp, US District Court for New Jersey

The Pi Theta Omega Chapter, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last May, is the first African American Greek organization in Morristown. With its emphasis on service, it follows the five program initiatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha: Educational enrichment, health promotion, family strengthening, environmental ownership and global impact.

It has awarded $150,000 in college scholarships and provided field trips to the United Nations. The Sorority also conducts leadership- and college readiness programs for middle and high school students, and promotes awareness of mental illness, Alzheimer’s Disease and strokes.  Additionally, members target critical issues facing many families, including lack of food, shelter and financial needs.

Since its beginnings, chapter membership has grown from 22 to 75.

Tickets for the Morris Men Cook X are $60 and may be purchased at the door. Skylands is at 792 Route 10 West.

Morris Men Cook flyer

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