Tickets Also On Sale For Attendees—

Hotter Than Heck Fest Is Looking For

Creative Chefs To Kick It Up A Notch

MIDDLEBURY — Creative professional chefs are invited to showcase their talents at the upcoming Hotter Than Heck Fest, which will be on Friday, April 4, from 7 to 10:30 pm. The event is moving this year to the new Golden Age of Trucking Museum, on Southford Road/Route 188. The event, being produced for the second time this year to benefit Waterbury Youth Services, is a unique food expo featuring fiery hot and spicy foods.

The fest features mouth-scorching foods for sampling from over 25 Connecticut restaurants, caterers and chefs. Hops Restaurant, Bar & Brewery at Brass Mill Center in Waterbury is providing several different beers for tasting and Crystal Rock Beverage Company will have samples of their bottled water to chase the heat of the spicy foods.

Chefs that participate are challenged to be creative by preparing their best tear-inducing appetizers, entrees, desserts or beverages. The restaurants, caterers, and chefs that participate in the event donate all the featured food.

“We’re hoping for some real tear inducing culinary creations this year,” stated Sheree Marcucci, the organization’s communications and development director.

Organizers are hoping to host thirty chefs and restaurants this year. There is no charge to food businesses to participate, as long as they are offering samples of their food free at the event. All will be included in the promotional and marketing activities, if their participation is confirmed by March 1.

For businesses that want to sell related products at the event, the cost is $150 for a table. Many of the businesses from last year developed new business and business relationships as a result of the exposure they received by participating in the event.

 The event sold out last year, drawing over 200 people, and judging by the way tickets are going this year, with over half already gone, it will be a sell-out event again.

 Sponsors for the event include Yankeegas and the McKellan Group. Marketing for the event is being supported through a grant from the Waterbury Region Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, allowing the Hotter Than Heck Fest to be promoted statewide, as well as outside of Connecticut. Though the event was inspired to fuel the passion of hot food aficionados, or Chili Heads, there will also be food for the more faint of heart.

Anyone interested in being a sponsor of the Hotter Than Heck Fest, or participating by donating food or purchasing vendor space should Mrs Marcucci at Waterbury Youth Services, 203-573-0264.

Tickets for the Hotter Than Heck Fest are $35 per person and include all food and beverages.

Waterbury Youth Services is a non-profit social service organization that serves over 5,000 greater Waterbury children and their families annually.