There are still parts of the world where there is a desire to attack a Kentucky Fried Chicken because it is assumed Colonel Sanders is a high-ranking U.S. military official.
While that line of thinking is flawed, the chicken hot wings presented by six local cooks and chefs were not. Approximately 100 people donated $5 to partake in the March 11 Bridge Street Market hot wing challenge.
Each month, the Bridge Street Merchants Association sponsors a food challenge, with all proceeds going to area charities. Tasters donate $5 and sample all six plates. They are given a token to place with their favorite dish, and the cook or representative from a local restaurant with the most tokens is declared the winner.
Bridge Street Market manager Melissa Enders chose Mansota Buds to be this month’s recipient, which totaled $500 in donations.
“We are always happy for not just the financial support, but for the community support,” said Manasota Buds executive director Stacy Quaid. “We will use these funds to put in with other funding used for our annual October Buddy Walk, scholarships to camps, hippo therapy (horseback therapy), and several other programs for children and young adults with Down Syndrom.”
Quaid said her organization, now in its 10th year, also works with family members of people with Down Syndrome.
“It’s not just about the person with Down Syndrome,” she said. “It’s all about including the family, as well.”
Several families attended the March 11 market, “to show our support to the market in the same way they are showing support to us,” said Quaid.
Enders said local home cooks and restaurants have brought a lot of enthusiasm to the challenges, but the real thrill is being able to help out the selected charities. However, there are bragging rights on the line.
Winning the hot wing challenge was Island Time Bar and Grill. Taking second place honors was Banana Cabana and Enders captured third. Other participants included Lorraine Jordan, Bridge Street Bistro and the BeachHouse.
The Bridge Street Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The market includes live entertainment, and vendors showcasing produce, arts and crafts, artwork and more. Food is also available on site.
Stay tuned for details on April’s food challenge and selected charity.
For more information on Manasota Buds, visit www.manasotabuds.org.