Local Chef Competing To Win Award, Feed Needy

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The community has turned out in force to try to help a local chef win a Facebook competition that will further his mission to help feed those in need.

According to Hampton Bays resident Marcia Wallace, Marco C. Barrila of Insatiable Eats Catering is aiming to win a "Favorite Chef" competition, which benefits Feeding America.

Barrila and his wife Sheila Minkel have been donating holiday meals to those in need through Citizens 4 Humanity, a grass-roots non-profit organization founded by Minkel's sister, April Minkel, meant to raise social consciousness and funds for charitable events.

Barrila and Minkel hope to use the prize money, if he wins, to help create their own kitchen for Citizens 4 Humanity, which provides meals to local families, with a focus on single moms and parents, and to seniors in need.

"One year I volunteered with many others to help assemble and deliver amazing holiday meals," Wallace said. "Led by Chef Marco and Sheila, the team of volunteers helped to prepare and then package and deliver to the doors of those in need. I was so impressed with what they were doing. And they do this many times every year. But they don't have their own kitchen so every time, they have to call around to organizations and churches to see if they can 'borrow' a commercial kitchen for the day. They really need their own big kitchen for their terrific charitable efforts."

There are two ways to vote, including a free daily vote and the "hero" vote, which supports Feeding America, Wallace said.

To vote, click here, hit "search" and enter Marco C. Barrila, Wallace said.

"If you have ever eaten any of Chef Marco's food, you already know he is a true master chef. If you haven't eaten any of his food, he can still be your favorite chef if you appreciate the wonderful charitable work that he and his wife do. Let's all support this great cause," she said.

Chef Marco has also promised to perform a private dinner for four for his biggest supporters, Wallace said.

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