There’s more to western New York’s food culture and culinary contributions than the likes of buffalo wings and the garbage plate. And A Dash of Soul—a cooking competition spanning influences from ten countries set on spreading the gospel of regional gastronomy and social entrepreneurship—is out to prove it. The brainchild of Rochester entrepreneurs Tracy Williams and Jamarr Myers, A Dash of Soul is partly inspired by the cooking competitions, as seen on the Food Network and “Top Chef,” but with a unique local twist. The show, sponsored in part by Wegmans, will pit chefs, aspiring restaurateurs and home cooks from Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse against each other, using a fusion of Southern comfort food and international cuisine, with judges weighing in and scoring on flavor, creativity and presentation. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 to use toward opening or expanding their food business. April 29 (Vietnam), May 7 (France), May 31 (Italy), June 15 (Greek Islands), June 26 (Japan), July 10 (India), July 22 (Cuba), August 2 (Mexico), August 13 (Eritrea), August 23 (Trinidad and Tobago). At Amore Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Wegmans on East Avenue in Rochester. Tickets, $20 (general admission) and $75 (VIP); adashofsoulsrb.com.
Tunya Griffin will be attending each event in the series to provide video coverage, so stay tuned!