Local culinarians are gearing up to compete for the coveted Copper Kettle Award at the ninth annual Wilmington Epicurean Evening on Sept. 3, at the Wilmington Convention Center.

The event is a benefit for the families and children served by the Raleigh-based Methodist Home for Children.

Last year’s Best in Show award, the Copper Kettle, went to chef Eric Walker of the Hilton Wilmington Riverside for his beef tournedos with lobster Americana sauce. Walker also took home the Best Appetizer award for his seared diver scallops with white chocolate mousse.

Participants in this year’s event are Eric Walker and Benjamin Callaway Ramsey of East Oceanfront Dining; Vincent Drayton and Brian Hemmer of Elijah’s; Mike Thompson and Shannon Warner of The Little Dipper; Tom Harvey of LongHorn Steakhouse; Scott Padrick of The Pilot House; Smokey Masters and Christi Ferretti of Pine Valley Market; Chris Jewel of Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Kevin Levine of Scatori’s; Pat Green of Soulful Twist; Andrew Stanley of Sweet n’ Savory Café; Denise Gordon of Theatre Now; Brent Poteat of 22 North; and Scott Frazzetta of the Wilmington Convention Center.

Participants will compete for Best Presentation, Best Decoration, Best Taste, Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert, Best Beverage, the Epicurean's Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. A panel of regional judges will decide all but the Epicurean’s Choice and the People’s Choice awards.

In addition to food and beverage tastings, the event includes live music, an auction and raffles. Tickets can be purchased at www.wilmingtonee.com.

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