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Top Chef Tableside benefits Meals on Wheels

Top Chef Tableside winning chefs representing the Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar are (l-r) Doug Ruley, Maurice Catlett and Michael Klabe. Their winning entree was a barrel-cut beef tenderloin. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
October 4, 2025

The best chefs from the resort area teamed up for Top Chef Tableside of the Culinary Coast Sept. 23 at the Cambria Hotel near Rehoboth Beach.

This event brings together local chefs for a tableside dining experience to benefit the home-delivered meal program serving older adults in Sussex County. Guests enjoyed a four-course meal prepared directly at their tables.

“It was inspiring to watch our community come together in such a fun way to support Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth,” said Chris Strong, director of Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth. “The chefs, sponsors, volunteers and guests all played a part in raising enough funds to cover nearly 3,000 meals for our neighbors in need. Top Chef was not only a fun evening of culinary creativity, but also a reminder of the compassion and generosity that make Sussex County so special. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it such a success.”

Cafe Azafran won best dessert. Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar won overall Top Chef award and Fins won for Best Presentation. 

For more info about Meals on Wheels, go to mealsonwheels-lr.org.

 

Winning best dessert are the father-and-son team of Richard, left, and Ryan Steele from Cafe Azafran. They served a tasty buttermilk panna cotta.
Best overall presentation went to Nancy James and Jason Dietterick from Fins.
Latisha Dismuke of A Taste of Jazz prepares a dish.
Nancy James of Fins prepares the halibut chop.
Representing the Lewes Oyster House are (l-r) Craig Clifton, Jake Safarik and Sean Corea.
Peter Scioli of Touch of Italy serves a ciabatta hero sandwich for his second course.
Chris Strong, director of Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, welcomes attendees.
Clay Serman, president of Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, speaks of the great things the organization does for the local community.
Michelle Peters, left, and Cecilia Conway provide musical entertainment.
Herbert Arguez, left, and Rex Sauers prepare the chargrilled octopus for the first course for The Veranda.
Working on cumin-crusted baby carrots is Ryan Steele of Cafe Azafran.
Enjoying the evening are Meals on Wheels supporters in back (l-r) Rob DeAndrade, Gil Hofheimer and Mike Linthicum. In front are Mary DeAndrade and Kathy Linthicum.
Meals on Wheels workers enjoying the evening are (l-r) Murry and Yvonne Gatling, and Jeff and Ida Roe.
Expert judges for the event are (l-r) Peggy Raley-Ward, Scott Thomas and Pam George.
Paul Gallo of Abbott’s Grill prepares ravioli in the shape of a rose with parsnips and rabbit cacciatore.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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