Open Table Board Chair emerita Patty Chambers and Middlesex Bank honored at annual fundraising galaConcord and Maynard, MA (May 6, 2026) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced that Chef Erin Harleman owner of The Saucy Plate, a Wayland-based personal chef service in Metrowest Boston, was the winner of the cooking competition at its 2026 Chopped for Charity Gala, which took place on Friday, May 1, at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. More than 200 people took part in the event, which raised over $200,000 for Open Table and its programs.
You can find information on and photos from the 2026 Chopped for Charity Competition here:
https://www.opentable.org/chopped/Open Table Board Chair emerita Patty Chambers was honored at the event for her many years of dedication and commitment to Open Table’s mission. Open Table also recognized Middlesex Savings Bank as a valued partner in its mission.
Once again, television and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto served as the Master of Ceremonies. The judging panel included Judge Jason Jernigan, as well as Renee Magasanik of Sudbury and Tim Sutton of Boston, who bid for and won their positions at the start of the competition.
Chef Erin Harleman’s winning dish was a Shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern vegetarian entree that combined eggs, chickpeas, and vegetables in a cumin spiced sauce and also included the secret ingredients of chocolate and toasted pumpkin seed oil, which were provided by Debra’s Natural Gourmet. The dish was artfully plated with feta cheese and a slice of sourdough bread.
Chef Audley Mills served up a jerk-spiced salmon on cauliflower puree. The salmon was paired with a medley of flavorful, colorful vegetables that incorporated the secret ingredients, as well as orzo.
Chef Joubert Amazan created a salmon with a cream sauce entree. The fish was accompanied by a colorful assortment of vegetables. Seasoned white beans, that incorporated the secret ingredients, were plated alongside noodles to complete the offering.
This year’s Chopped for Charity featured online and silent auctions, as well as lively bidding for a variety of restaurant and in-home dinners prepared by both current and prior competition chefs. Guests enjoyed dinner and drinks from the Nashawtuc Country Club, and delicious desserts from Open Table's head chef.
“Open Table’s Chopped for Charity Gala is a testament to the kind and generous community that we are a part of,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “This event comes at a time when food insecurity is at record levels in Massachusetts, and the people we serve are more vulnerable than ever. I want to thank each and every person who contributes to our mission to end hunger in our local community.”
“The incredible turnout for this year’s Chopped for Charity is a powerful reminder of how deeply our community cares about ensuring everyone has access to food,” said Jonathan Magasanik, Open Table BOD member and Chopped for Charity Co-Chair. “Beyond being a fun and engaging evening, this event shines a spotlight on the volunteers, partners, and local businesses whose ongoing support makes our work possible every single day.”
