Chef’s Night out 2026 raises funds for 300,000 meals
By Amanda Fallon
This year’s 34th Annual Chef’s Night Out, held April 6, raised enough money to provide 300,000 meals for hungry residents across Lane County. Since being founded in 1991 by Mike West, the event has raised more than $3 million for Food For Lane County.
This year’s event sold out faster than ever before. More than 50 vendors participated, including caterers, breweries, restaurants, Lane Community College’s Baking and Culinary programs, and the culinary program from Network Charter School.
“I know that this is a really important training ground for the pressures of a special event,” said Larissa Ennis, senior manager of development and communications for Food For Lane County, when asked about the schools’ participation.
This year’s event was dedicated to West, who passed away in 2011. Family members and friends attended in his honor.
“We come together to make sure that every one of our neighbors has access to food,” said Carolyn Stein, executive director of Food For Lane County, before the awards ceremony began.
Each vendor was asked to create and showcase a signature “special bite,” resulting in an evening full of creative displays and memorable flavors.
Fisherman’s Market served a tender roast hog with crispy skin and flavorful meat that melted in your mouth without overwhelming the palate.
The Corn Dog Company offered mini corn dogs coated in golden honey batter and drizzled with mustard and honey, creating a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The batter was crisp and fully cooked, while the hot dog itself had the perfect amount of salt.
For dessert, Sweet Life Patisserie featured a light and creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon and coconut flakes. The dessert was flavorful without feeling overly heavy.
Claim 52 Brewing showcased its “Thicc Beer,” a drink with the appearance and texture of a milkshake. Though unusual in presentation, attendees described it as smooth and surprisingly easy to drink.
Local breweries and wineries were popular attractions throughout the evening, but there were also plenty of nonalcoholic options available.
Pepsi showcased its new probiotic soda line, including a cherry flavor that tasted remarkably similar to traditional Pepsi without an unusual aftertaste.
One attendee passing by summed up the evening perfectly, joking, “I think I need to start drinking water,” while laughing and carrying another glass of wine.
General admission tickets started at $95, but the event offered far more than just food. Guests could walk through beautifully arranged displays, speak with vendors, and experience the tremendous amount of preparation that goes into the evening.
From carefully selected fruit and flowers to detailed place settings and flavor combinations, every display reflected hours of planning and creativity. Chef’s Night Out continues to serve not only as a showcase for local culinary talent, but also as one of Lane County’s most important annual efforts to fight food insecurity.
Chef’s Night Out is an annual event — find out more at FoodforLaneCounty.org.
