The hottest dish of ACT in Faith of Greater West Chester’s fundraising night on March 31 was the Korean short rib slider cooked up by Side Bar & Restaurant, and the more-than-$25,000 in proceeds from the 5th Annual Chef’s Best contest will help keep West Chester’s needy out of the cold.

ACT in Faith will use the funds to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs,  support employment efforts, stock its community cupboard and offer frozen meals through its Neighbors Feeding Neighbors program.

Side Bar & Restaurant fired up its best recipe against worthy competition, including defending champion Spence 312 as well as Avalon and VuDu Lounge/High Street Caffé, and the crowd of more than 180 supporters rallied behind all four.

“It was a very tight competition with crowd feedback making it clear that all four dishes were fantastic — making it tough to pick a winner!” ACT in Faith staff wrote in announcing the contest results.

This year’s Chef’s Best tradition was sponsored by Gawthrop Greenwood and numerous other generous local businesses, individuals, faith communities and groups, many of which donated baskets for the silent auction.

“Some of the region’s premier businesses have rallied to sponsor the event in support of those in our community who need assistance,” Board President Denise Antonelli said in the VISTA Today event preview.

Read more about the annual ACT in Faith event on VISTA Today here.