By Raiza Giorgi

The annual Real Men Cook should be a delectable event once again, as more than 50 amateur chefs are cooking up some dishes that will be paired with premier local wines and beers, live music and a popular auction.

The event is hosted by Arts Outreach from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Monty and Pat Roberts’ Flag is Up Farm.

“New this year are carnival games so people can win prizes (and some wine), which will be so fun. This is Arts Outreach’s 40th year as we head into 2020 and we are hoping to have the best year yet,” said Executive Director Sandie Mullin.

Arts Outreach invited the chefs, who prepare 200 to 250 tablespoon-sized tastes (or teams who can prepare 350 to 400) of their creations in one of several categories including appetizers; chili or stew; entrees of fish, fowl, meat or vegetarian; side dishes; and desserts.

This number of bite-sized tastes equates to 18 to 22 normal servings. For example, a large lasagna pan yields about 100 tastes, and a cookie can be cut into quarters. Food is cooked off-site, not at the venue, and no microwave ovens are allowed, organizers said.

All of the chefs’ recipes will also be posted on the Arts Outreach website.

Arts Outreach is dedicated to “bringing art to life and life to art.” Activities include elementary school classroom workshops and continuing art curriculum led by artists-in-residence, summertime arts and drama programs, the After-school Arts program, semi-monthly Elder Arts entertainment, and the annual Applause Young Artists program.

Tickets are $65 in advance and $70 at the door. They can also be purchased online. Tickets include free tasting as well as free wine and beer from more than 20 local vintners and brewers. There will be live music by the Vineyard Byrds and a silent auction.

For more information visit www.artsoutreach.com.