Meet the Chefs

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Sunday, April 12, 2026

NEW VENUE! Join us at the Alila Marea Beach Resort!

Please join us in celebrating our 29th Anniversary of Meet the Chefs! For over two decades, Casa de Amparo has hosted this annual event to support our programs and efforts to help provide a safe place for at-risk individuals to heal, grow, and thrive. This year we have a NEW VENUE! Join us at the Alila Marea Beach Resort (2100 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024).

Meet the Chefs is an exquisite culinary experience offering guests unlimited samples of signature tastings crafted by chefs from over a dozen premier and local restaurants. An extensive selection of complimentary wine, beer, and champagne will also be served.

For more information on the event, contact Erin McKown at emckown@casadeamparo.org.

Event Schedule

Chef's Tastings & Silent Auction

Begins at 1:00pm

Chef's food and wine tastings

NEW! Battle of the Chefs

2:30pm

Get ready for the most exciting addition yet to Casa de Amparo’s beloved Meet the Chefs event — Battle of the Chefs, a high-energy, live cook-off where culinary creativity takes center stage. Three of San Diego’s most talented chefs will go head-to-head in a friendly but fierce competition, crafting inspired dishes in real time as guests watch the action unfold. With passion, precision, and a dash of drama, each chef will race time to compete for the inaugural title of Casa de Amparo’s Battle Chef Champion.

Live Auction

Begins at 3:45pm

2026 Event Photos

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2026 Meet the Chefs event. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this event, and our work, possible. Your support directly strengthens Casa de Amparo’s programs and services.