Men in the Kitchen 2025 Recap
We’re excited to share that the Second Annual Men in the Kitchen fundraiser was a deliciously memorable night—and a major win for our mission! Thanks to our incredible guests, chefs, sponsors, and community partners, we raised over $5,000 to support the Junior League of Greater Orlando’s charitable mission and community impact.
Hosted in the beautiful Aggressive Appliances showroom, the evening welcomed 130+ attendees for an elevated culinary experience featuring:
- 14 amateur “chefs” serving up mouthwatering dishes like spicy cheesy grits, braised beef, and even Michelin-star-inspired creations
- Live music & a vibrant happy hour that kept spirits high
- A crowd-favorite Wine Wall with 70 bottles of artisanal wine
- A raffle packed with amazing prizes from local salons, shops, and spas
And the break-out star of the night? A luxury Miele coffee machine that had guests buzzing – literally and figuratively!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable evening. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit continue to fuel our impact throughout Greater Orlando.
Want to relive the magic?
Check out photos from the night at @jlgorlando or at PixieSet!
Thank you for helping us turn up the heat for a great cause. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Men in the Kitchen?
Men In The Kitchen (MITK) is Junior League of Greater Orlando’s modern twist on a gala where teams of male amateur chefs compete for the coveted Tasty Trophy and the title of Fan Favorite. Guests enjoy great food, fun, and friendly competition all while supporting JLGO’s mission.
Do I have to buy a ticket, and how much is it?
Tickets are now available! Early bird tickets are $60 and regular tickets are $75. PURCHASE TICKETS
What is included in the ticket price?
Entry to the event, tastings from participating chefs, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and support for JLGO’s charitable mission.
Where are the donations going?
Funds raised helps support our mission to advance women’s leadership, training, and community impact through the following programs:
- Healthy Informed and Playful Kids (H.I.P. Kids) hosts annual events serving at risk youth living in a food desert. Events include a holiday party, a health fair and a field day all centered on encouraging healthy choices for body and mind.
- Mentoring Adolescent Girls to Inspire Change (M.A.G.I.C.) hosts monthly mentoring sessions for young women in foster care, providing both education and encouragement for the next generation of women in Orlando.
- Helps provide trained volunteers to support Greater Orlando nonprofits that align with our mission.
- Long-term partners include Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Harbor House of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank, Girl Scouts of America, Ronald McDonald House …and many, many more!
What is the recommended attire?
Dress up for the evening in cocktail attire.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes! Anyone who wants to support the Junior League of Greater Orlando! Bring your friends, husbands, boyfriends, partners, your neighbors, mom, cousin, etc. Tickets are limited and will sell out! All guests must be 21+ years old.
Are you looking for teams of amateur male chefs?
Yes! Please fill out the form below to enter your team of 2-3 men into our friendly cooking competition. We kindly ask each team to make enough lite bites/appetizer portions for 100-150 guests. Winners will receive bragging rights for the year and chance to win awards for Chefs’ choice or Crowd’s choice, with honorable mentions for theme & presentation. Submission deadline on March 6th or when spots are full. Competition is limited to 10 teams. Each team will receive a $200 gift card to help cover costs. Sign‑up details are here: https://forms.gle/
What are the chefs responsible for?
We are looking for 100 portions/servings of an appetizer that can be the team’s choice. Think a scoop of chili with some tortilla chips, mini tacos, sliders, etc. It will need to be plated and teams can ‘theme’ their dishes & attire to win honorable mentions for best theme. They will need to provide the food and the plates/utensils needed for the dish so teams can determine what best fits their dish.
The cooking should be done at home, but we will have outlets for teams who want to plug in crock pots, warming trays, air fryers, etc.