Jyll Everman to judge Taste of Arcadia Sept. 17

Celebrity chef and Food Network reality star Jyll Everman will lend her skills to the 2012 Taste of Arcadia as culinary judge.

The charismatic Everman will judge restaurant entries in the first-ever culinary contest at Arcadia’s annual signature event produced by the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce from 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday, September 17, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

A finalist in Food Network's Season 7 of “Next Food Network Star” in New York City last summer, Everman also has been a guest on Rachel Ray’s morning show and several national radio stations. She was a private chef for six years before opening Jyllicious Bites, a catering company devoted to gourmet finger foods. She currently teaches monthly cooking classes at Village Kitchen Shoppe and is a part-time culinary specialist at Williams-Sonoma.

The culinary contest, which will reward food and beverage vendors in multiple categories from the earliest minutes of the event through the final moments, is only one of several new features and activities planned for this year’s Taste of Arcadia. Among the other new features, a strolling magician and the eight-piece Lounge-O-Rama band, made up of local JPL and NASA employees. Lounge-O-Rama will play timeless Swing and Big Band numbers early in the evening, moving to classic pop/rock favorites after the sun sets and the dance party starts heating up. And helping with that will be the popular Brazilian Dancers.

Arcadia High School’s talented drum line will again greet guests as they enter the gate. Also returning this year is the Roost, a secluded area adjacent to the main venue that features fine wine tasting in a quieter atmosphere.

Taste of Arcadia showcases more than 40 of the best local restaurants, caterers and wine-and-beer vendors. One could not ask for a more idyllic venue than the Arboretum with its lush, green grass, cradled between beautiful water fountains against the picturesque backdrop of the regal San Gabriel Mountains. The community’s signature event draws about 1,000 guests who enjoy the many different foods and tastes of various drinks. Advance tickets are $50 and will be $60 at the gate. You can buy online at: http://arcadiacachamber.org/events/taste-of-arcadia/ or call the chamber office at 626-447-2159.

As always, a percentage of the evening’s proceeds is donated to local non-profit organizations. This year there will be more beneficiaries than ever, with the chamber donating $5 of every ticket sold by a pre-approved organization. Interested groups should call the chamber at 626-447-2159 to be approved.