Local chefs tackle Girl Scout cookie-inspired dishes at Fork It Over fundraiser.

Talented chefs will showcase signature Girl Scout cookie-inspired sweet and savory dishes at the Fork It Over fundraiser scheduled May 9 at Top of the Tower, 446 Main St., Worcester. The event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., supports Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts.

Tickets are $60 each. Visit gscwm.org, or call (508) 365-0015. Jen Carter, co-host of the XLO Morning Show, is emcee. Newport Ave. will present live music. About Top of the Tower: Synergy Investments in 2019 bought the 24-story glass tower, Worcester Plaza, transforming the two top floors to event space. Years ago, the top floor was home to the Plaza Club, a venue for private parties and business meetings. The room offers a spectacular view of the city, especially in the evening.

At Fork It Over, participating chefs will present their signature dishes to guests, who are encouraged to vote in the People’s Choice award. A panel of judges will determine winners in both Sweet and Savory categories before the event begins.

Worcester participants include: Bri’s Sweet Treats; The Burger Bah; Little Havana; Mozelle’s Sweet Shoppe; Pastry Chef (Idaliana) Medina; Unique Café. Also, Hilltop Restaurant at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton; Figsfood Portuguese Cuisine in Sterling; Simply Delicious Catering in Auburn.

I am on the judging panel with Attorney Rubby Wuabu, Policy and Cabinet Affairs Liaison for Gov. Maura Healey; Natalie Rodriguez, CEO To Life Enterprises and professional chef; Patrick Baliva, Executive Sales Director at Saint-Gobain; Dr. Marlina Duncan, Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at UMass Chan Medical School; Erin Saviano, Community Relations Manager at The Hanover Insurance Group.

A highlight of the fundraiser will be raffle that includes a Boston Bruins jersey, signed by all the team players. Theresa Lynn, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, said the signatures are written inside the “spoked-B” logo on the front of the jersey. The item is expected to drive up a lot of interest and excitement, she said.

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Other raffle items: Patriots pre-season game tickets and behind-the-plate Worcester Red Sox tickets; A one -night stay at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge that includes breakfast for two at Henrietta’s Table; A private wine class for 20, with Total Wine as host; A Central Massachusetts Restaurant Gift Card Bundle, plus more.

The chefs’ recipes definitely will put a new spin on different kinds of Girl Scout cookies, from Thin Mints, reportedly the best-selling Girl Scout cookie flavor in the United States, to the peanut-butter Do-si-dos. It’s a well-kept secret what cookies chefs will incorporate into their presentations.

“It was fun testing different recipes,” said Kevin Comellas, Managing Partner/Executive Chef of Little Havana at the Worcester Public Market. He’s new to the city and Fork It Over competition. “I look forward to meeting guests and other competitors,” said Comellas. “I’m happy to support Girl Scout programming.”

Unique Café’s owner Nadine James also is a first-time participant in the event. She opened her Jamaican eatery and catering business at 322 Cambridge St., Worcester, in 2023, offering mixed cuisine, “pairing her native Jamaican dishes with American staples.” She’s “extremely excited” as a competitor. “I enjoyed taste testing recipes and I think I may have a winner,” said James. “It promises to be a fun event. The venue is beautiful.”

There will be some familiar faces in the competition, with returning businesses, such as Bri’s Sweet Treats, Figsfood Portuguese Cuisine and Pastry Chef Medina, who took first place in both the Sweet and Savory categories, People’s Choice 2023. Culinary students from Bay Path won second place in Savory, People’s Choice 2023.

Marcie Wood, Chef/Instructor at Bay Path, said winning is secondary to the skills students learn while participating. “The chance to work together, collaborating on two distinct dishes with different student palates is its own sort of education,” said Wood. “We always have great discussion on other competitors’ dishes and always leave the event inspired for new dishes.”

Welcoming student participation at Fork It Over is consistent with the Girl Scout mission, said Lynn, who became GSCWM CEO in January, previously Senior Vice President of Advancement, United Way of Central Massachusetts. “Learning, creating, courageously throwing your student chef hat in the ring with professionals, what wonderful access for these young entrepreneurs,” she said.

All proceeds from Fork It Over will benefit Girl Scouts and continuing efforts to provide innovative programs and vital support to more than 5,000 girls in grades K-12 throughout central and western Massachusetts.

The 2024 Fork It Over is bigger than ever.

Mother's Day dining options

Mother’s Day, May 12, is around the corner, so don’t wait until the last minute to make restaurant reservations. Lock in your plans and ensure a wonderful dining experience. Note: Some restaurants limit your time at your table.

Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield will open its dining room from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day. The menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts also includes specials for children, aged 10 and under. Visit www.salemcrossinn.com.

If you’re looking for Mother’s Day brunch, check out the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, where you’ll find a variety of selections, including breakfast, salads and appetizers, seafood and stations offering omelets, waffles, roasted carved items (ham and roast beef), hot food, desserts and children’s favorites, such as chicken fingers, Mozzarella sticks, mac n’ cheese, french fries and specialty cookies.

Brunch reservations for parties of up to 20 are accepted. Visit www.beechwoodhotel.com.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Local chefs tackle Girl Scout cookies at Fork It Over