Alexandria’s Carpenter’s Shelter Cook-off gets a Big Win with the Participating Restaurants, Bakeries, and Caterers
Carpenter’s Shelter benefits from a flavorful community fundraiser with local restaurants, sweet treats, auctions and family fun.
Alexandria VA – Alexandria’s love of food was on full display at the Carpenter’s Shelter Cook-Off, where area restaurants and bakeries competed for judges’ honors and popular votes—all for a cause that supports neighbors experiencing homelessness. The event featured dozens of live and silent auction items, giving attendees plenty to bid on while sampling offerings from restaurants, caterers and pop-ups. Judges included Jasmine Styles, WJLA 7 News anchor; Juan Ramirez, RAMMYS-winning general manager of Bastille Bar and Brasserie; and Kamay Lafalaise, a MasterChef finalist.
Restaurant and Bakery Winners
There were plenty of new winners at this year’s Carpenter’s Shelter cook-off. Sundara Indian Restaurant claimed first place in the Judges’ Choice savory category, followed by Rocklands Barbecue in second place and Little Birdie in third. Aldo’s Italian Kitchen, Carpenter’s Café and Mischa’s Coffee received honorable mentions. In the Judges’ Choice sweet category, Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill took first place, Sundara Indian Restaurant placed second, and True Food Kitchen earned third. Buzz Bakeshop and Common Hearth Bakery received honorable mentions.
The People’s Choice Savory first place award went to Sundara Indian Restaurant. The People’s Choice sweet category recognized Pop-Up Pastries with first place, Rustico with second, and True Food Kitchen with third. Children chose Buzz Bakeshop for the Kids’ Choice award.
A Sweet Taste of Giving Back
The biggest beneficiary was Carpenter’s Shelter, an Alexandria nonprofit that helps people experiencing or at risk of homelessness move toward stable, independent living. Its programs include emergency shelter, housing placement, case management, education and employment assistance. The organization also operates the Alexandria Community Shelter in partnership with the city.
All proceeds from the Cook-Off support Carpenter’s Shelter’s programs and services, making the competition about more than culinary bragging rights. The fundraiser brings local businesses and residents together to support people working toward secure housing and a fresh start.
Learn more about the organization at CarpentersShelter.org.
