Food and fun are guaranteed at the fourth annual Cooks for Books Battle of the Chefs, set for next Thursday, Jan. 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in Garner.

Chefs from three Garner restaurants — Logan’s Roadhouse, MoonRunners Saloon and Tripps — will be paired with representatives from local media outlets in this best-of competition, which serves as an annual fundraiser for the Garner Educational Foundation.

The chefs will create entrées in three live kitchens at Garner TV & Appliance. Attendees will then have the chance to sample and vote on the entrées, and on an array of other complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. 

Each popular vote costs $1, and attendees may vote as many times as they’d like. Awards will be given for the popular vote and an official judge’s vote.

This year’s judges are the retuning Chef Elise Johnson, spokesperson for BJ’s Warehouse and author of You Never Cook Alone, Jeff Hatley of the Culinary School at Wake Technical Community College, and Chef Paul Sottile from the N.C. Chef’s Academy.  

Emcee is Mark Roberts.

“Come fill your stomachs with some delicious food, and then fill your favorite Garner restaurant’s bucket with your votes,” said event chair Amy White. “Your votes determine who will be the ‘Best of the Best’ in Garner this year!”

Proceeds of the event will support GEF’s literacy enrichment programming for students in the Garner area, including the SCOR (Schools and Communities Organized to Read) volunteer reading program and the Garner Storytelling Festival, set for this spring.

Tickets to Cook for Books are $25 each or $40 per couple, and are available at Garner TV and Appliance; Alossi Renewal Spa; Bingham Law Office; or from any GEF board member.

VIP passes are available for $40 per person, and include a one-hour exclusive meet and greet with the chefs and TV personalities, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 30.

Garner TV and Appliance is located at 875 U.S. 70 West in Garner.

For more information, contact Amy White at (919) 201-1211 or visit garnernc.gov/GEF.