Calling Local "Chefs" - Compete for So You Think You Can Cook 2!

CALLING ALL LOCAL CHEFS! CASTING CALL NOW OPEN FOR SEASON TWO OF WILDLY POPULAR ONLINE COOKING COMPETITION IN WINDSOR AND HARTFORD!

Last fall, nine local chefs squared off in a digital cooking competition that forced them to battle it out in the Vito's kitchens using mystery ingredients.

This year. . .the competition returns with new ingredients, wild twists and challenges -- and all in support of a great cause.

"Last year, more than 75,000 people watched the online competition," said chef/owner Rob Maffucci. "The feedback was incredible, and so we decided to grow the competition this year and use it to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation."

The call is now out for local chefs to compete. 

"Casting calls" will take place September 16 and September 23. Anyone interested in competing should email with a note about why they should be selected. At the casting calls, potential contestants will be asked -- on camera -- why they think they have what it takes to win.

"We're looking for everyone from people who like to cook for their families. . .to people who like to cook for a living. Last year, our strongest competitors -- and winners -- were a couple of locals who just loved to cook," said Maffucci.

Registration is $30 -- and 100% of the money is donated to the Connecticut Make a Wish Foundation.

Here's how the competition works:

Round one - Saturday, October 5: Contestants will have 30 minutes and four mystery ingredients to produce an entrée. The dish will be put before a group of judges who will narrow it down to six competitors. Videos of the six finalists will be put on our website and the Vito's Facebook pages. The competitor with the most "likes" gets to bring three ingredients of their choice to the next round. . .second most likes gets to bring two. . .and third gets to bring one.

Round two - Saturday, October 26: The final six battle it out with four mystery ingredients. They'll have 45 minutes to produce and appetizer and an entrée. The judges will narrow down the contestants to two finalists. The videos of the two finalists will again be posted online. The contestant with the most "likes" gets to bring a SOUS CHEF to the final competition.

Round three - Saturday, November 23: The final two competitors duke it out with a cook-off at Vito's by the Park in Hartford. 

Winner: The final competitor gets a privately catered, in-home dinner for a party of ten and an additional "surprise package".

Interested in competing?  Email vitosct@gmail.com.