The Greater Akron Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAAND) is changing venues for their annual event held on Thursday March 12th, 2020, the Nutritious and Delicious Gala. GAAND is partnering with the NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to provide a unique experience for Gala attendees.
The Nutritious and Delicious Gala, in it’s 12th year, is open to the public and offers attendees a bevy of samples from local chefs and restaurants with an “Ingredient Showcase.” The Gala event committee decides on a food to have chefs focus on if they would like to compete for awards presented at the Gala including “Best Ingredient Showcase”, “People’s Choice” and “Best Overall Presentation.” Attendees get to vote for the People’s Choice award for the dish they most enjoyed. GAAND being a regional extension of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics likes to focus the gala on healthy food choices presented in surprising ways.
Tickets may be purchased on GAAND’s website at eatrightakron.org/ndgala.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the NEW Center as we have connections with their executive chef, Xavier Smith. Chef Xavier has attended this event in the past and has been a speaker at our member meetings for dietetic professionals,” replied Abbey Granger, Event Chair and GAAND Board Member, when asked about the event. “In addition to raising money for our student scholarship fund, we hope to highlight the chefs in our region for their amazing talents and love of food. This event is truly a foodie’s dream. And having the event at the NEW Center is just icing on the cake.”
Andy Malitz, The NEW Center Executive Director, adds “The NEW Center is very excited to be hosting this wonderful event which showcases the talents of over a dozen area chefs and highlights the great work that the Greater Akron Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAAND) does. The event fits perfectly into The NEW Center at NEOMED as we strive to educate the community on all things related to well-being, in this case the promotion of proper nutrition for everyone”.
The Nutritious and Delicious Gala 2020 will be at the NEW Center on Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 6-9 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30pm. Tickets cost $35 and include 2 drink tickets for a beverage of choice, all food samples and an event souvenir. Participating chefs and restaurants include NEOMED’s own Executive Chef Xavier Smith, Chef John Selick of Sodexo and University Hospitals, Core Life Eatery, Kent State’s Prentice Hall and more. Tickets can be purchased on GAAND’s website at eatrightakron.org/ndgala.
-Submitted by Andy Malitz