They’re Coming Back! The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra’s popular 25 Men Who Can Cook event returns to Bridge View Center on Saturday, June 10 celebrating its 12th Anniversary. Billed as the “tastiest 2-hours” in Ottumwa, the event typically draws 400+ attendees who savor the culinary delights the chefs have prepared and are given the opportunity to vote in the People’s Choice award balloting. The culinary abilities demonstrated by these men is amazing!
Delicacies you can sink-your-teeth into include pre-dining offerings of Surf & Turf Fajitas, Meaty Mozzarella Arancini, Cuban Black Beans & Rice, Hobnob Kebobs, Bloody Mary Chile, and Shrimp Boulettes. Entrées offerings are Gua Boa & Sake Lychee Mocktails, Pork-splosion, Brisket Tacos w/corn salsa, Hawaiian Inspired Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls, East Asian Pork Tacos, Sausage Stuffer Jalapenos, and Mediterranean Stuffed Pork Loins, and dessert offerings of Chocolate Surprise Tarts, S’Mollies, and Black Forest Gateau.
Chefs competing in the Hobby Chef Division include:
✦Brandon Rafael Alvarado (IHCC Culinary Arts Club)
✦Wilbert Boudreaux (the Cajun Chef)
✦Nathan Chaney (John Deere Ottumwa Works)
✦Ellis Codjoe (Ottumwa Radio)
✦Terry Dejong (Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra)
✦Taylor Grimm (South Hy-Vee)
✦Derek Hedgecock (DRH Services)
✦Nathan Miller (Indian Hills Community College)
✦Alex Morley (Edward Jones)
✦Sheriff Don Phillips (Wapello County Sheriff’s Department)
✦Brian Quinn (Mercy Medical Clinic
✦John Richards (Retired Educator)
✦Mark Roe (Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress)
✦Corwin Williams
Professional Chefs include:
✦Chef Joey Sanders (Lucile’s Steaks & Spirits in Centerville)
✦Chef Jose Lopez (Cerro Grande Meat Market)
✦Chef Joe Benner (Godfrey’s Ale House)
✦Chef Daniel Wichhart (Bridge View Center)
Winning chefs in each division will be selected via People’s Choice and Judging. Judges for the 2023 event to date include Chris Hickey (multiple 25 Men winner), Mary Kivlahan (Indian Hills Culinary Arts, retired), Dar Fish (multiple25 Men winner), and Jeremy Weller (multiple 25 Men Winner). Event Sponsors are
