Celebrity culinary event benefits The Salvation Army

Legendary Minnesota Vikings linebacker Matt Blair threw a fund-raiser for the Twin Cities Salvation Army Feb. 20 that featured auctions, fellow celebrities and some of the best food in the Twin Cities.

It was the fourth time since 2003 that Blair has thrown Taste of the Town, a $110-per-plate benefit boasting the best local chefs cooking their best fare alongside big-time local celebrities. The event was sponsored by Blair’s company, Matt Blair’s Celebrity Promotions Inc., and held in Minneapolis at Kitchen Window, a cooking school and retail outlet. About $10,000 was raised.

Minnesota Timberwolves franchise center/forward Al Jefferson cooked salmon delicatessens with Rick Kimmes, executive chef of The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Minneapolis. A kitchen full of nearly 80 guests marveled at their culinary talent.  

“This is scrumptious,” said Major Dan Sjögren, Northern Division Commander, as he savored the salmon snacks made by Jefferson and Kimmes. Major Sjögren was joined by his wife, Major Rebecca Sjögren, and Twin Cities Commander Major Paul Fleeman. 

Other celebrities included: Paul Douglas, WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist; Terri Gruca, WCCO-TV Anchor; Chris Wright, Timberwolves President; Shjon Podein, former Colorado Avalanche hockey player; and Carl Eller, former Minnesota Vikings defensive end and six-time Pro Bowl selection.

Blair, a six-time Pro Bowler himself, praised his guests for contributing to such a worthy cause.   

“You are truly helping to make a difference, helping to provide the things we take for granted to people who are less fortunate across the city, state, country and world,” noted Blair, whose Taste of the Town event has raised about $50,000 since 2003.

Additional chefs included: JD Fratzke, executive chef/owner, The Strip Club; Christian Ticarro, corporate executive chef, Canyon Grille; and Josh Thoma, managing partner, Solera & La Belle Vie.

Photo (from left): Major Rebecca Sjögren, Carl Eller, Major Dan Sjögren, Matt Blair.