Iron Chef Goes Coastal 2025

UNITED WAY OF CLATSOP COUNTY PRESENTS THE 16TH ANNUAL

2025 IRON CHEF GOES COASTAL

FEATURE SPONSORS

to Iron Chef Goes Coastal 2025 Welcome

We are delighted to gather once again as neighbors, friends, and partners united in support of community. Through this event and the generosity of donors like you, United Way of Clatsop County allocated more than $120,000 to local social service non-profits in 2024. These investments strengthened programs that nurture our children, support families, guide individuals through life’s transitions, and care for our seniors—right here at home.

Your presence tonight reflects the spirit of Clatsop County. Together with the incredible support of our local restaurants and hospitality partners, we are proving once again that when our Oregon coast community unites, we can achieve lasting change.

This evening, enjoy the creativity and passion of our chefs as they showcase their talents in the spirit of friendly competition. Take notes as you sample their dishes and be sure to cast your votes in both People’s Choice categories: Savory and Dessert before 7:45 to 8:00p.m.

At 8 p.m., our Silent Auction will close, so don’t miss your chance to win unique treasures while directly supporting your Clatsop County neighbors.

Along the way, take part in games and activities, and stop by the Swag Shop to pick up keepsakes that will remind you of the power of our coastal community long after tonight.

No matter which chefs or bidders take home prizes tonight, the true victory belongs to Clatsop County, Oregon. This evening demonstrates what is possible when we come together—neighbors supporting neighbors, lifting one another up, and working side by side to build a healthier, more connected, and more hopeful future for us all.

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Committee

Tonight’s Itinerary

5:00 p.m.

Reserved Admission early access

5:30 p.m.

General Admission access

6:15 p.m.

Welcome – United Way President

Event Introduction

• Chefs draw knives

• Chefs open ingredients boxes

• Gong Sounds and 20 minute timer starts

6:30 p.m.

“You be the Judge” auction

• Judging of Appetizer

• Drawing of 1st plate winner

7:00 p.m.

Announcing chefs moving on to round 2

Entrée round starts

• Gong sounds and 40 minute timer starts

8:00 p.m.

Silent Auction Closes

2nd plate and raffle plate winners announced

Voting for savory/dessert closes

Winners Announced

• Best Table Presentation

• Best Dessert in Clatsop County Golden Whisk

• Next year’s competitors, People’s Choice

Savory winners

• 2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Champion

The Emcees

Tonight’s Iron Chef Goes Coastal Masters of Ceremonies

Chef Bob Neroni

Bob received his formal education at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. He has been influenced by his JewishItalian family growing up in Cleveland with both parents that loved cooking. Bob’s extensive career has propelled him to work on both coasts, fostering relationships with farmers, ranchers and fishers along the way. Both he and his wife Lenore continue to encourage guests to cook with whole foods, supporting the local economies in which they live. Their combined commitment to foster a “village” concept drives them to help communities with food inequity and sustainability as a whole.

Josh is the Tillamook County Creamery Association Executive Chef of Culinary Development. He graduated with honors at Oregon Culinary Institute, and worked his way through kitchens on the Oregon Coast, defining and developing his own food thesis and learning the craft of hospitality before joining Tillamook in early 2020. As the first chef on staff at Tillamook, Josh was able to help define our food offerings at the Creamery. Now, he prides himself as a brand advocate to consumers nationwide, empowering both retail consumers and restaurant operators on best usages, exciting trends, new ideas and best practices of the beloved Tillamook line of products.

The Rules

Iron Chef Goes Coastal 2025

This year’s Black Box Edition will be a two-part competition featuring an appetizer elimination round and entrée round to determine the Champion. Knives will be drawn to determine the order of contestant’s appetizers presented to the judges. Each of the three chefs may have one sous chef of their choice help them produce their plates. Appropriate Chef attire required of the participants.

Round 1:

At the start of the competition, the gong sounds, chefs will open the first black box of ingredients. All ingredients must be incorporated from the black box to create a completed appetizer.

Contestants will have access throughout the competition to an extended mise en place. Chefs and assistants may review available pantry items before beginning. Chefs and sous are only allowed to bring their personal knives. NO other ingredients, equipment or tools may be brought in by contestants and use of such materials will disqualify their entry.

Each chef will have 20 minutes to create a total of six identical appetizers to present to the judges. Judges will have the opportunity to taste and score. Judging will be based on the use of required ingredients and their culinary skills. Plate scores will be penalized for neglecting black box ingredients. Scores will be tallied and announced. The chef with the lowest score will be eliminated at this time. The chef with the highest score will have first pick of protein for the Entrée round and will present their entrée to judges first.

The Award

Round 2:

The remaining 2 chefs continue to the entrée portion of the competition. Round two black boxes will be opened and as in the previous round, all contents of the box MUST be used during preparation of six identical plates.

Finished entree categories must include:

a. A COP: 5-8 oz

b. A Starch: 4 oz

c. A Vegetable: 4 oz

*The COP portion of the plate may be either animal or vegetarian protein.

Entrée must include a sauce and be garnished appropriately. Remember, presentation counts! All entrées must be completed within 40 minutes and secured at the sound of the final gong. No further detailing of the plates will be allowed after this time. There will be a warming box on stage.

Scorecards will be picked up by the United Way of Clatsop County representative, tallied and the Iron Chef Goes Coastal Champion will be announced!

Forged in the spirit of excellence, the Fiskars Titanium Cook’s Knife is a symbol of timeless craftsmanship and modern innovation. Fiskars’ story began in 1649 in the village of Fiskars, Finland, where a small blacksmith’s workshop laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most respected makers of precision tools. Today, nearly four centuries later, Fiskars knives continue to be crafted in Helsinki, Finland, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.

The 20 cm Titanium Pure Precision blade offers extreme lightness, performance, and control, while the revolutionary LZR-EDGE™ technology ensures sharpness that lasts four times longer than standard blades. Its black hammered-finish handle provides both elegance and comfort—an exquisite combination of form and function worthy of a culinary champion.

The Judges

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Competition

Christopher Pauls

Maximilian Metzger has been cooking for the past 11 years. His first time in a professional kitchen, with no knowledge of the culinary world, was handed a menu by the sous chef and promptly told, “your coworkers have set up your station for you, don’t expect them to ever do that for you again. Good luck.” As he walked away the door opened for service and the chaos of a busy dinner service ensued. That dinner service alone changed the course of his life as it ignited a spark of passion for food. After graduating college Max moved to Portland. He got my first real opportunity to prove himself as the sous chef of Rosswood. A place where we strived to focus on farm to table cooking and a drive to expand our own culinary knowledge. In 2022, Max accepted the executive chef position at Hawk Creek Cafe in Neskowin.

Christopher Pauls discovered his love for food early in life, inspired by the rich agricultural landscape of his home state, Wisconsin. After graduating from culinary school, he began his career in several four-star restaurants, honing his craft in fine dining. Christopher has worked under James Beard Award-winning chef Traci Des Jardins at the renowned Jardinière Restaurant and acclaimed chef Julian Serrano at Picasso, the Michelin two-star restaurant located in the Bellagio. Seeking to broaden his culinary repertoire, Christopher moved to the East Coast, taking on the role of Executive Chef at Mare in Boston’s iconic North End. Christopher returned to Las Vegas to help open the Five-Star, FiveDiamond Encore Resort and Casino at Wynn Las Vegas. His next chapter led him to Ridgefield, Washington, where he was recruited to open the Ilani Casino as Executive Chef.

Henry Balensifer

Judge Henry Balensifer (Balance-ee-fir) is the Mayor of Warrenton, President of the Oregon Mayors Association, and in his day job is the Senior Sales Manager for General Aviation & Military at OshkoshAeroTech, primarily focused on the world renown LEKTRO product line. A native Oregonian, Henry is a passionate advocate for Warrenton and coastal communities. He has an uncanny passion for good food. A world traveler, Henry remembers them through their food and has been known to drive up to fourteen hours roundtrip in a single day to eat at favorite “nearby” cafes. In his free time he enjoys travelling with his wife Kelsey, volunteering in Warrenton, woodworking, and beekeeping.

Jake Mickelson

Jake Mickelson is a west coast based Chef and restaurant Director. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate, he has worked in kitchens in Portland, Eugene and Orcas Island as a Pastry Chef, Executive Chef and Restaurant Director. He is currently the Director of Operation at Bridgewater Bistro in Astoria, Oregon.

The Competitors

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Competition

2024 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Returning Champion

Stephanie Inn

Chef Johana Tovar

Chef Johana Tovar began her culinary journey in the vibrant kitchens of Acapulco, honing her craft with a flair for bold flavors. In 2012, she brought her talent to Cannon Beach’s Wayfarer, where she made her mark. Joining the Stephanie Inn team in 2023, she continues to elevate coastal dining with her creative, coastal-inspired dishes.

2024 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Peoples Choice Winner

White Cap Catering

Chef Eric Kliewer

I trained under Chef John Newman at Newman’s at 988, worked my way up to leadership roles, and later cooked at Maggie’s on the Prom in Seaside before continuing with White Cap Catering.

Competing at Iron Chef Goes Coastal has been such a big part of my journey. Last year, after five tries with my longtime sous chef and friend, Dru Shaffer, we finally brought home the People’s Choice Award. This year, with another baby on the way and plenty of inspiration in my corner, I’m excited (and a little nervous) to step back on stage and give it my all.

2024 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Peoples Choice Winner

Christian Culinary Hajun Hwang and Gabriel Wright

Hajun Hwang and Gabriel Wright are graduates of the Christian Culinary Academy’s Certificate in Culinary Arts and Certificate in Culinary Management programs. Their two years of education at Christian Culinary Academy have proved to be a successful learning experience for them. With training in culinary fundamentals, kitchen and business management, work ethic, and having a genuine care for their guests and coworkers, they are sure to have successful careers.

Iron Chef Floor Plan

People’s Choice: Savory

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Competition

Each restaurant serving a savory appetizer wants to win your vote!

Should they win the People’s Choice vote, they qualify to compete for next year’s Iron Chef Goes Coastal title! Keep your program handy, at the bottom of each restaurant listing is a space to make notes about the appetizer served and your thoughts.

Cast your vote for only one (1) restaurant on your Savory Ballot before 8 p.m.

After all votes are tallied, the top Savory winners are announced.

Columbia Memorial Hospital

Chef Clarence Arnold

2111 Exchange St. Astoria columbiamemorial.org

Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) has been serving families living and visiting the North Coast and Lower Columbia region since 1880. CMH is the fastest growing rural hospital in the state of Oregon. We are a full-service, not-for-profit, Level III Trauma and Critical Access Hospital, and we are one of only five remaining independent hospitals in the state.

The main hospital in Astoria includes private, inpatient suites for patients needing medical and surgical care, critical care, and labor and delivery. Our emergency department is centrally located to all needed services and is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians. We have a stateof-the-art surgical program, full-service lab, advanced radiology technology, integrated behavioral health services and more.

We offer many specialty services right here in our rural area. We are able to provide this advanced care through our unique academic/rural partnership with Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. CMH also continues to expand its reach and services through satellite clinics in Warrenton and Seaside, Oregon.

With a team of more than 900 caregivers, we are deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of our community. We are always seeking new ways to innovate and advance our level of care and service so that members of our community, like you, have the resources right here in our town to meet your health care needs.

Our Nutrition Services team is pleased to serve more than 17,000 patient meals each year, in addition to operating a bustling cafeteria and coffee shop open to the public. Our model of person-centered care means we work to provide each patient with meals that meet their dietary needs, in addition to their preferences. We’re thrilled to be a People’s Choice competitor with Iron Chef Goes Coastal to showcase our high-quality food offerings that receive rave reviews from patients and caregivers.

Notes

Surf 2 Soul

Chef Jordan Wilson

940 SW Cedar Dr. Warrenton facebook.com/Surf2Souloregon

Jordan is trained in classic French cuisine. He spent 15 years as a chef in Portland before opening Surf 2 Soul in 2019. When not at his cart at 395 11th street in Astoria, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. Surf 2 Soul serves southern classics with an Oregon Coast flair.

Open Tuesday- Saturday from 11am- 5pm.

Notes

Portway Tavern

Chef Sarah Miller

422 W Marine Dr Astoria facebook.com/PortwayTavern

Portway Tavern is a tangible example of the building activities of Astoria’s large Finnish immigrant community, which was especially concentrated in the Uniontown neighborhood. The Jarvinen Family resided in and operated various businesses out of the building from its initial breaking ground in 1923 until 1984, marking over sixty years of a single family’s contribution to the city’s history.

First operating as a cafe and boarding house from its erection in 1923, it then was operated as a tavern from at least 1933 (prohibitions ratification) to the present; a century of consecutive business use.

Portway Tavern today, offers an opportunity to connect with the history of Uniontown, the larger Finnish community, all through a building and business built by an important and lesser-known Finnish immigrant family.

Notes

Finn’s Fish House

Chef Sean Whittaker

227 Broadway St, Seaside finnsfishhouse.kinsta.cloud

Coastal cuisine served just steps from the ocean in the heart of Seaside.

Discover the essence of coastal comfort at Finn’s Fish House, we blend the casual charm of a seaside eatery with the sophistication of upscale dining. Nestled in the heart of Seaside, Oregon, our restaurant is a haven for seafood lovers seeking both quality and comfort. Our mission is to serve the freshest catch from the Pacific, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish is a testament to our coastal roots and culinary passion.

Notes

People’s Choice: Savory

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Competition

Sea Breeze Roadhouse

Chef Andrew Farlow

84774 Highway 101 • Seaside seabreezeroadhouse.com

At Sea Breeze Roadhouse, we believe that food is not just about sustenance; it’s about connection, comfort, and community. We aim to honor the 75 years of history that Sea Breeze has been home away from home, for so many people. A gathering place, a story-telling place, and most of all; a comfortable place. Led by Andrew Farlow, our team believes in good eats, good people, and too many dad jokes.

We are beyond excited to participate in Iron Chef Goes Coastal 2025 and look forward to the adult chef’s version of a science fair!

Notes

Silver Salmon Grille

Chef Taysen Hernandez

1105 Commercial St Astoria silversalmongrille.com

Meet Our Culinary Team

Executive Chef – Taysen Hernandez

Chef Taysen Hernandez began his culinary journey at just six years old, cooking alongside his father while growing up in Hawaii. His early exposure to the kitchen sparked a lifelong passion for food and creativity.

Determined to turn his love for cooking into a career, at the age of 18 he joined the team at Silver Salmon Grille, where he has now worked for over ten years.

Starting as a dishwasher, Taysen steadily worked his way up to line cook, learning every facet of the kitchen along the way. Under the mentorship of Chef John Sowa, he spent five years as sous chef, honing his leadership and culinary skills. When Chef Sowa retired in December, Taysen proudly stepped into the role of Executive Chef, continuing the restaurant’s legacy while adding his own creative flair to the menu.

Line Cook – Dakota Tennis

Dakota’s love for food began at the age of eight, when he was often found in the kitchen experimenting with new flavors and textures. His first taste of professional cooking came in middle school, serving lunch to fellow students at Fleming Middle School in Merlin, Oregon.

At seventeen, Dakota entered the restaurant industry as a dishwasher at The Sand trap in Gearhart. By nineteen, he had moved up to the line, cooking at The Cattlemen’s in Yelm, Washington. In 2019, Dakota joined the team at Silver Salmon Grille, where he continues to bring energy, creativity, and dedication to every dish he prepares.

Notes

Carruthers

Chef Sarah Miller

1198 Commercial St Astoria OR facebook.com/CarruthersRestaurant

From the bustling kitchen of his mother’s diner to the helm of his own restaurant, Carruthers, Chef James Slentz has built a career on the flavors of family tradition. His cooking seamlessly blends cherished, home-cooked techniques with contemporary culinary artistry, proving that the most memorable dishes are those with a story. Along with Joesph Meneguzzi who was born out of the bay area of California and then moved to Oregon to pursue a career in culinary arts. He has worked many fast paced diners and fine dining restaurants and is always looking to expand his cuisine knowledge.

Notes

Fort George Brewery

Chef Mitchell Anderson

1483 Duane Street, Astoria fortgeorgebrewery.com

Fort George Brewery has grown from a single brewpub to a city block filled with restaurants, tasting rooms, breweries, community spaces, & music venues.

Notes

Christian Culinary

100 E 3rd St, Cannon Beach christianchefs.org

The Christian Culinary Academy (CCA) will not be a competing restaurant and unable to be voted for.

The Christian Culinary Academy (CCA) is a private culinary trade school licensed by the Oregon Department of Education’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. CCA offers an intensive 1-year Certificate in Culinary Arts, Fall through Spring. Students receive, extensive hands-on experience while learning the theory and practice of cooking. One of our many goals is to provide communities with skilled cooks who have a strong work ethic, Christ-like love and compassion for people, and who are determined to make a positive difference in the industry. In addition to the first year program, we offer continuing education in our Certificate in Culinary Management program to advance their leadership skills and abilities to run a successful kitchen and business.

People’s Choice: Savory

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Competition

Battery 245

Chef Jonathan Johnston

69 NE Heron Ave, Warrenton www.battery245.com

The vision for Battery 245 Brewing Co. was brought to life by three handson partners with strong roots in the North Coast and a shared dream of bringing Warrenton its first craft brewery. Jonathan Elliott, a Warrenton High School graduate and longtime local, has been brewing beer both at home and as a collaborative brewer for over 15 years. He also brings decades of experience managing and bartending at several popular local spots. Michael Ljungberg brings over 30 years of knowledge running businesses and years of professional brewing experience from his time at Seaside Brewing. Jeff Kilday adds deep industry knowledge from his years of experience running large restaurants and 26 years as the owner of the Wine & Beer Haus.

Notes

ManJa Creations

Artisan Food Company

Chef Amy Cords

3990 Abbey Lane Astoria manjacreationsartisanfoodco.com

We are a family and Women-owned small business based in Astoria, OR. Our premier product is our original family recipe homestyle marinara sauce, ‘Mama’s Marinara’TM Sauce. Paired with fresh chévre goat cheese it makes our next most popular... and slightly addictive G.O.A.T Dip’TM. We started our company as my Mom’s retirement/hobby business starting with her handmade, original recipe Pastas and then adding Mama’s Marinara’TM Sauce. This is the sauce I grew up on. She’d start it on a Saturday morning and finish off Sunday night. It was a hearty healthy staple for quick, week night dinners for a single, working parent. She is still very much a part of the day to day operations and an integral part of our production.

We have developed our company and products with specialty diets and allergies in mind such as Gluten-free, Vegan, Soy Free, Keto and Dairy Free. We also strive to source as many locally grown and organic/organic practice ingredients to ensure the most authentic products come straight to you.

We source local and organic ingredients from our friends and neighbors in Clatsop, Columbia and Pacific County.

Notes

Card Draw

Delilah is a small, upscale bar in beautiful downtown Astoria. We focus on craft cocktails made with fresh squeezed, organic citrus, house made tonics and syrups, and infusions made from fruits and herbs from local farmers. We also source all of our produce and meats from local farms to create new menu items every week. All breads are made on site with Bob’s Redmill Organic flour and local dairy products and local eggs. We strive to create unique items that are hyper-seasonal and representative of what our local farms are working so hard to provide to the community. Delilah is owned and

Silent Auction

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Silent Auction Highlights

We are thrilled to feature over 60 fabulous items and experiences in this year’s silent auction!

Here are just a few highlights:

• Exclusive wine experiences from Willamette Valley Vineyards, Stoller Winery, and Domaine Serene Vineyards (Portland area)

• Cozy night stays at beautiful Airbnbs in Astoria, Sunriver, and Washington

• Bruce’s Candy Kitchen Ultimate Experience go behind the scenes and make your own taffy!

• Original artwork from Emerging Phoenix Studio

• Spa & relaxation basket featuring luxurious hand crafted beach soaps and candles

• Stunning rose quartz pendant and bracelet set

• Stay at the Bowline Hotel with additional experience contributions from our incredible Astoria and Seaside communities

• Rounds of golf at Astoria Golf & Country Club

And so much more! With over 60 baskets, overnight getaways, and experiences, this is your chance to bid, give back, and take home something truly special — all while supporting local nonprofits through United Way of Clatsop County.

100% OF YOUR SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO UNITED WAY OF CLATSOP COUNTY AGENCIES

Win an Iron Chef plate for your table Buy a ticket, get a Blinky Pin Buy ten tickets, get ten Blinky Pins

1:100 odds. Win an Iron Chef plate for your table. Savor the same bite the judges will taste and score. Raffle winners announced when food is plated.

You Can Win

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal

Gift Card Toss

Try your luck at our gift card toss!

Toss a pingpong ball into a fishbowl and win the giftcard in that bowl

Wine Pull

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal

Take a chance with our wine pull! Select a cork, and win the matching bottle from one of our local vendors

Select a cork, and win the matching bottle from one of our local vendors

People’s Choice: Dessert

2025 Iron Chef Goes Coastal Competition

Frite and Scoop

Chef Tom Strecker

175 14th Street Suite 150 Astoria friteandscoop.com

Established in 2014, Frite & Scoop is a family-run business featuring craft French custard ice creams and a full menu of tasty, made-to-order fries. We make everything by hand in our shop on Astoria’s Riverwalk. For those looking for dairy-free options, we offer two flavors of sorbet and also vegan soft serve, and there are many gluten-free options as well. Frite & Scoop is open year round - come in and say hi!

Notes

The Nest Bakery

Chefs Alexandrea Hoffman & Jonathan Hoffman

33223 Sunset Beach Road, Warrenton nestbakery.net

The Nest Bakery was established in August of 2020 by Alex and Jonathan Hoffman. Stop on in and enjoy delicious espresso, fresh (in house) made pastries, breads, soups and sandwiches. We also have a nice selection of NA drinks, beer, wine and cider to take home.

HOURS Thur - Sat 7am - 3pm SUN 8am - 2pm CLOSED Mon - Wed

Notes

Sea Star Gelato

Chef Tanya Lintow

8 North Columbia Street Seaside www.seastargelato.com

Once upon a time, in the picturesque coastal town of Seaside, Oregon, there lived a dynamic duo with a shared love for all things sweet and salty. Captain Gelatino and his wife, First Mate Gelatina, had long dreamed of bringing a taste of the ocean breeze to their beloved community. So, they set out on a whimsical adventure and opened up Sea Star Gelato, a charming shop nestled along the boardwalk. Their gelato journey began with a stroke of brilliance: Cherry Stracciatella. Combining Captain Gelatino’s salty tales of the sea with First Mate Gelatina’s knack for creating delectable treats, they whipped up a flavor that captured the essence of Seaside itself.

Legend has it that the inspiration struck during one of their moonlit strolls along the sandy shores, where they stumbled upon a grove of wild cherries nestled between the dunes. With excitement bubbling in their hearts and creativity sparking in their minds, they gathered the plump cherries and hurried back to their gelato haven.

Together, they churned and swirled, infusing the cherries into a creamy gelato base and drizzling ribbons of velvety chocolate throughout, creating a masterpiece that tasted like a stroll along the beach at sunset.

As they served the very first scoop of Cherry Stracciatella, their faces lit up with joy, knowing they had captured the essence of Seaside in every spoonful. Word of their delectable creation spread like wildfire, drawing locals and tourists alike to Sea Star Gelato to experience the magic for themselves.

And so, with Cherry Stracciatella leading the way, Sea Star Gelato became a beloved fixture in the heart of Seaside, Oregon, where locals and tourists alike gathered to indulge in a taste of the sea served with a

Notes

Winner of Best Dessert in Clatsop County will get the Golden Whisk Trophy to display for the year before handing it off to the 2026 winner of Best Dessert in Clatsop county.

Goes Coastal

Join the Judges’ Panel for the Ultimate Culinary Adventure Bid for your chance to join the judges Live Auction will be held at 6:30 p.m. You be a Judge

Thank you

On hehalf of the entire board of United of Clatsop County and all of the agencies it serves. We savor with gratitude you participation in Iron Chef Goes Coastal 2025.

WE ARE THANKFUL for the unwavering, outstanding devotion demonstrated by volunteers, individuals, business owners and organizations, together with their employees and committees, who have contributed with a pure spirit of giving to the success of Iron Chef Goes Coastal and its silent auction. The business logos scattered throughout this program are “THANK YOU” cards for the above and beyond generous donations contributing to the success of tonight’s event. This year, we have listed below individuals who truly LIVE UNITED by reaching out a hand to one and influence the condition of all right here in Clatsop County:

Thank you to all of our volunteers and those who donated. The chefs and restauranteurs are quintessential ingredients here to Iron Chef Goes Coastal.

It is what they bring to the table...their sharing of food, the fruition of their teamwork and their selfless giving that truly represent what this event is about. Their complete donation of time and food is a remarkably generous contribution to United Way of Clatsop County, its agencies and our communities.

United Way of Clatsop County

United Way of Clatsop County proudly supports a network of local nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving lives and strengthening our community. Together, these agencies address critical needs across the county — from food security and housing to youth development, literacy, and recovery support.

United Way of Clatsop County Partner Agencies

Scouting America — A family-based youth program that fosters character, citizenship, and fitness through leadership development and outdoor experiences.

Camp Kiwanilong — A rustic, inclusive summer camp offering youth from all backgrounds opportunities for outdoor learning, connection, and personal growth.

Clatsop Community Action (CCA) — Provides essential services including food and energy assistance, housing support, and connections to community resources.

The Harbor — Offers advocacy, shelter, and prevention programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The Healing Circle – Victory Over Child Abuse (VOCA) — Hosts a safe, trauma-informed annual camp and ongoing mentorship for children who have experienced sexual abuse.

Libraries ROCC (Reading Outreach to Clatsop Children) — Promotes literacy by ensuring children have access to library resources and reading opportunities in rural areas.

Helping Hands — Provides trauma-informed recovery and reentry support for individuals transitioning from incarceration or homelessness toward stability.

SMART Reading — Connects children, volunteers, and books through early literacy programs that inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) — Enriches children’s academic and social development through hands-on visual arts education and creative expression.

North Coast Food Web (NCFW) — Strengthens the local food system by supporting producers and expanding access to healthy, local food across Clatsop County.

Copeland Commons / Innovative Housing, Inc. — Creates safe, affordable housing to meet workforce and community needs while revitalizing local neighborhoods.

First Steps Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities — Provides resources, support groups, advocacy services, community events and educational workshops that help to improve the lives of families in Clatsop County that are affected by Autism and other Developmental Disabilities. 503-791-4088

Together, these partner agencies reflect the spirit of collaboration and community that drives United Way of Clatsop County. Through their work—and your support— we’re building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Clatsop County.

The Coast Chowder Crawl is Back!

Get ready to taste your way through up to 20 incredible chowders from local restaurants all month long this January 2026! Your Chowder Crawl passport supports United Way of Clatsop County and local nonprofits — plus, it’s your ticket to discovering new favorite spots and crowning the next Chowder Champion.

Tickets make perfect stocking stuffers for the chowder lovers in your life! Passports will be mailed by December 15th — just in time for the holidays!

Scan the QR code to grab yours before they’re gone!

IT TAKES MORE THAN GREAT FOOD TO RUN A KITCHEN THESE DAYS. THAT’S WHY US FOODS® GIVES YOU MORE. MORE QUALITY. MORE TOOLS. MORE DELIVERIES. LET’S DO MORE TOGETHER.