Photo courtesy of Northside Common Ministries Community Food Pantry

By Alyse Horn

The third annual Food Pantry Brunch Challenge will take place at 11 a.m. on January 25 at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square E.

Northside Common Ministries Executive Director Jay Poliziani said tickets are $25 and still available.

For the challenge, chefs are given items that would normally be found in the NCM Food Pantry to test their skills against each other to see who can make the best breakfast appetizer.

New chefs will be joining the challenge this year such as Bar Marco, Steel Reel Catering and Eat n’ Park.

Bistro To Go, James Street Gastropub, Thai Me Up, Spring Board Kitchen and more will be returning this year to compete.

Poliziani said between 10 to 12 chefs will be taking part in the challenge, and some chefs had to be turned away because of the lack of space.

Besides brunch, attendees will also be able to participate in free belly dancing lessons and enjoy the music of Ishtar and Ortner Marcinizyn duo.

Prizes will be available to bid on as well, such as a dinner for two at The Fairmont, theater tickets, museum passes and more.

Last year the Brunch Challenge raised $2,700, which was enough to purchase 270 cases of canned vegetables. That is enough to last the pantry 27 weeks.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of Northside Common Ministries and help keep the shelves stocked at the NCM Food Pantry. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to help fill the pantry.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing [email protected] or by calling (412) 323-1163.