Seven chefs will compete in a cook-off using McDonald’s ingredients at an upcoming fundraiser to benefit SHARP Literacy.
The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Thursday, May 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at South Second, 838 S. 2nd St., in Walker’s Point. All proceeds will support the delivery of SHARP’s foundational literacy programming to more than 8,000 elementary school students in 38 of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties’ most at-risk schools.
Participating chefs will include:
- Juneil Cabreza of Movida
- Matt Kerley of Hotel Madrid
- Craig Larson of The SafeHouse
- Andrew Muraski of Bartolotta Catering at The Grain Exchange
- Rachel Searl of SURG Restaurant Group
- Brian Taborski of Saz’s Catering
- Jarvis Williams of Carnevor
As an added bonus, Marquette University Golden Eagles basketball coach Steve "Wojo" Wojciechowski will play the role of celebrity sous chef at the event.
To prepare, chefs are provided with a full list of ingredients, all of which are donated by McDonald’s suppliers. They are encouraged to think "outside the box" to prepare entrees, appetizers, salads and desserts using both the provided ingredients along with oils, spices and other elements of their choosing to create unique dishes that are inspired by SHARP’s multicultural programming and multi-ethnic students.
Chef Matt Kerley of Hotel Madrid says he’s relying on a McDonald’s staple for the foundation of his dish. "I’ll be using the iconic Filet-O- Fish as my main ingredient," he says, "and pairing it with mushrooms, diced apples and hash browns for a totally new taste profile."
Kerley’s creation will be just one of the dishes available for tasting by all guests who attend the event, which will also include silent and live auctions with a variety of themed prizes.
"We could not be more appreciative of these busy chefs who are giving their time to support urban kids in their quest to gain literacy skills," said Lynda Kohler, president and CEO of SHARP Literacy. "Our SHARP students in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties are beautiful in their diversity, and we are thrilled that they’ve inspired the chefs to approach this culinary challenge with creativity, just like our students do every day in the classroom."
During the event, SHARP will also recognize Tyson Foods with a "Partner of the Year" award. Tyson was the first company to embrace the concept of the event and helped establish the sponsor network for in-kind donations.
Tickets for McDonald’s Unwrapped are available for $75 each and can be purchased online.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
