Join Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center for the 16th Annual MEN WHO COOK, presented by CITGO, on Saturday, October 17, from 6–9 PM at the Joliet Junior College Event Center, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL. It’s one deliciously fun night where talented men from our community—amateur and professional cooks alike—serve up samples of their favorite APPETIZERS, ENTREES & DESSERTS…and YOU get to decide which dishes deserve bragging rights!
Joliet Junior College Main Campus - Event Center
(Located on the southwest side of Main Campus adjacent to the athletic fields.)
1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL
🍴 TASTE. JUDGE. HAVE FUN!
From savory to sweet, our cooks will pull out all the stops to win your vote. Bring your appetite and enjoy an evening packed with:
● Delicious Food
● Cash Bar by Roc City Bar & Grill
● Kids’ Activities
● Raffles
Great food, great fun & a great cause. And the best part? You get to be the judge!
HAVE FUN. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Your ticket supports the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, providing HOPE, HEALING & JUSTICE to children who have endured severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence.
100% of proceeds stay local, supporting the CAC’s evidence-based, trauma-informed services for children and their families.
Founded in 1995 by Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center brings together law enforcement, prosecutors, DCFS, medical professionals, forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists under one roof to help abused children begin their journey toward healing and justice.
GRAB YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY. COME HUNGRY!
You won't leave that way!
A Look Back at 2025 Men Who Cook Sponsors, Winners & Photos
2025 VIP Sponsors
2025 MEN WHO COOK Winners
ENTRÉE CATEGORY
- Guinness Tenderloin with Bacon Jam – Mokena Police Dept. - Jason Louthan & Sarah McCarthy
- Quesabirria – Distinct Visual Solutions – Bernie Avila & Alex Garcia
- Poor Man’s Burnt Ends - Jungles for Sheriff – Dan Jungles & RJ Austin
Best Entrée Display: Mokena Police Dept. - Jason Louthan & Sarah McCarthy
PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL CATEGORY
- Legendary Beef Roll – Roc City Bar & Grill – Tommy “Z” Zoretic & Kevin Batus
- Maryland Crab Cake w/ Lobster Sauce & Butterflied Shrimp Garnish – Silver Cross Hospital – Mike Stephans & Beth Pickering
- Blackened Steak Tenderloin Bites – The Grill – Miguel Villarreal
Best Professional/Commercial Display: Silver Cross Hospital - Mike Stephans & Beth Pickering
SIDE DISH CATEGORY
- Monster Mashed Potatoes – First Secure Community Bank - Mike Rittof & Jay Bergman
- Loaded Mac N Cheese – Mokena Miracles – Jeff Kowalczyk
- King's Kabooms - Lockport Police Dept – Jake King & Jason Miller
Best Side Dish Display: Elwood Police Department – Ken Jaburek & Kendy Elberson
APPETIZER CATEGORY
- Zesty Meatballs – Plainfield Police Dept. – Ron Mikos & Cody Columbus
- Smoked Pulled Pork Queso – Mokena Police Dept. – Tony Mavrogiannis & Nick Podgorny
- PJ’s Pulled Pork - Will County Sheriff’s Office – Patrick Jones & Maurice Horn
Best Appetizer Display: [TIE]
- Mokena Police Dept – Tony Mavrogiannis & Nick Podgorny
- Will County Regional Office of Education – Paul Preuss
DESSERT CATEGORY
- Caramel Shortbread Bites – CITGO Lemont Refinery - Raymond Boutte’ & Dwayne Boutte’
- Tiramisu - Manhattan Police Dept. - Ryan Gulli & Joe Cas
- Strawberry Shortcake – Anderson Tucker
Best Dessert Category Display: Channahon Police Dept. - Adam Bogart & Matt Brooks
Event Sponsors
2024 MEN WHO COOK Sponsors, Winners & Photos
VIP ANONYMOUS SPONSOR - $10,000
VIP PRESENTING SPONSOR
2024 MEN WHO COOK WINNERS
ENTREE' Category
- Pulled Pork Sliders w/ Burnt Ends - Bolingbrook Police Dept. - Jason Mitchem & Nick Higens
- Smoked Baby Back Ribs - Will County Sheriff's Office - Dan Jungles & RJ Austin
- Smoked Turkey w/ Wild Boar Stuffing & Cajun Gravy - Mokena Police Dept. - Jason Louthan & Sarah McCarthy
APPETIZER Category
- Neyhart Nuggies - Lockport Police Dept. - John Arizzi & Chris Neyhart
- Smoked Queso w/ Homemade Tortilla Chip - Plainfield Police Dept. - Chris Allen & Cody Columbus
- Carnitas Nachos - Distinct Visual Solutions - Bernie Avila, Cesar Cardenas & Paul Reyes
SIDE DISH Category
- Monster Mash Potatoes - First Secure Community Bank - Mike Rittof & Jay Bergman
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup - The Dowding Family
- Bahn Mi Mites - ACB Mortgage Group - Kris Cheranichit & Bryn
DESSERT Category
- Assorted Themed Truffles - Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant - Facilities Dept. - Garrett Latham & Shields
- S'More of What - Channahon Police Dept. - John Blough & Ethan Anderson
- Cherry Cheese Poppies - Crest Hill Police Dept. - Joel Steen & David Reavis
PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL CATEGORY
- Creamy Shrimp & Lobster Newburg in a Pastry Cup - Silver Cross Hospital - Michael Stephans & Peter Martin
- Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites - Joliet Central H.S. Culinary Program - Tom Langley & Amanda Ashmus
- Pierogi - Judge Art Smigielski & Delight Wish European Restaurant - Paul Adamczyk & Judge Art Smigielski
DISPLAY/PRESENTATION
- "Sandlot" - Channahon Police Dept.
- "Grandma's Recipe" - Crest Hill Police Dept.
- "Fall Theme" - Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant - Facilities Dept.
2023 MEN WHO COOK- Oct. 21, 2023
2023 WINNERS
APPETIZER
- MEXICAN CORN IN A CUP ON A CHIP: Distinct Visual Solutions - Bernie Avila, Cesar Cardenas & Paul Reyes-
- MINI GYRO: Shorewood Police Dept.
- ITALIAN MEATBALLS: Will County Board Member Mark Revis - Dist. 8 Plainfield
- MONSTER MASH POTATOES: First Secure Bank - Mike Rittof & Jay Bergman
- SOUTHERN STYLE GRAPE SALAD: Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold
- SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE: Mokena Police Dept. - Owen Price
- WESTERN BITES II: Will County Sheriff's Dept.
- SMOKED PULLED PORK SANDWICH: Bolingbrook Police Dept. - Jason Mitchem & Pete Moranda
- SHORT RIB GNOCCHI: Mokena Police Dept. - Jason Louthan
- MINI PUMPKIN TREAT: Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant - FACILITIES DEPT.
- DEMS BUNS DOUGH CINNAMON ROLLS: Andrew Dowding Family
- CASHEW CARAMEL SHORTBREAD BARS: Ray Boutte' CITGO Lemont Refinery
- MARINATED GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN w/ TROPICAL SLAW - Michael Stephans, Silver Cross Hospital
- LOBSTER BITES w/ TRUFFLE MASHED POTATOES - Rick Jerding, West End Tool & Die, All American Recycling
- Shorewood Police Dept w/ Chief Arnold
- Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant - FACILITIES DEPT.
- Lockport Police Dept. - Chris Neyhart
VIP PRESENTING SPONSOR
VIP SUPERHERO SPONSOR
VIP SUPERHERO SPONSOR
VIP KIDS CORNER SPONSOR
VIP KIDS CORNER SPONSOR
VIP KIDS CORNER SPONSOR
VIP KIDS CORNER SPONSOR
VIP PARTNER SPONSOR
VIP PARTNER SPONSOR
VIP PARTNER SPONSOR
MEN WHO COOK 2022
- Paul Retzke & Kevin Frazier Shorewood Police Department (Shorewood Smoked Shotgun Shell)
- John Arizzi & Chris Neyhart Lockport Police Department (Neyhart Nibblers)
- David Reavis Jr. & Jason Opiola Crest Hill Police Department (BLT Dip)
2022 DESSERT WINNERS:- Bob Fox & Daisy Fox Omega Plumbing (Bread Pudding w/ Bourbon Cream Sauce)
- Andrew Dowding & Aidan Krier (Grandma D’s Cookie Bars)
- Scott Gryder & Marty Shanahan (Homemade Ice Cream)
2022 SIDE DISH WINNERS:- Mike Rittof & Jay Bergman First Secure Community Bank/First Secure Bank - Joliet (Monster Mashed Potatoes)
- Mike Ryan & Dominic Thielmann Romeoville Police Department (Elotes-Mexican Corn)
- Bruce Grahm & Mary Grahm Will County Sheriff FOP Lodge #94 (Buffalo Mac ‘ N Cheese)
2022 PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL CHEFS:
- Michael Stephans & Peter Martin Silver Cross Hospital (Shrimp Etouffee)
- Rick Jerding & Matt Eilers - West End Tool and Die/All American Recycling (Duck Carnitas)
- Eduardo Nepomuceno & Carlo Villagracia Edrolls Filipino Fusion (Eggrolls)
2022 ENTREE WINNERS:- Shaun Moran & Vinnie DiSalvo - Will County Sheriff's Office (Investigators Surprise)
- Louis Manzella & Andy Hensel (Mississippi Poh Boy Sliders)
- Charles Pelkie Lauren Staley Ferry Will County Clerk (Chinese Triple Pepper Beef)
2022 DISPLAY WINNER:
Daniel Crane - "Stranger Things" Theme
MEN WHO COOK 2019 VIDEO
- Red Carpet Interviews by WJOL's Lynne, Mary & Natalie
- Cook Interviews by Joliet City Councilwoman Jan Quillman and WJOL's Kevin Kollins
- Special THANK YOU to JCTV's Dick & Millie Schuster for filming and editing!
Past Photos/Videos
MEN WHO COOK 2019 WINNERS
APPETIZER
- Meatball Stuffed Arancini - Jonathan Zambrano, Renova Bodyworks
- Specialty Seasoned Pretzels & Cheese Dip – Crest Hill Police Dept. with Joel Steen
- Smoked Salmon – Dan Pohrte
SIDE DISH
- Chipotle Bacon Mac & Cheese – Bob Fox of OMEGA Plumbing
- Pork Bao – Kris Cheranichit and Steve Golub
- QuesaGRUNDYllas– Jeff Brown of Will County State’s Attorney’s Office
ENTRÉE
- Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf (w/ Mashed Potatoes & Gravy) – Shorewood Police Dept. with Paul Hulbert & Jason Barten
- “Da-Sausage” – Channahon Police Department, and Mahoney, Silverman & Cross Law Firm
- Caribbean Pork Tenderloin w/ Peach Chutney – Joe Garbin of Garbin Insurance
DESSERT
- Butterscotch Butterfinger Delight – Joliet Fire Department with Nate Kren, Chris Kinsella & Eric Mattson
- Assorted Cupcakes - Patrick Marcum & Brett Marcum – Glen Marcum Foundation
- Nutella Marshmallow Sandwich - Daniel Crane – Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside
PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL
- Lobster Roll– Peter Martin of Silver Cross Hospital
- Chipolte Mashed Potato w/ Shredded Beef, Tequila Horseradish & Corona Shrimp on a Plantain Chip w/ Avocado Sauce & Mango Salsa– Thomas Moreno of The Blue Taco/United Way of Will County
- Mini Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Marzell Richardson of Richardson’s Catering
MEN WHO COOK 2019 VIDEO
- Red Carpet Interviews by WJOL's Lynne, Mary & Natalie
- Cook Interviews by Joliet City Councilwoman Jan Quillman and WJOL's Kevin Kollins
- Special THANK YOU to JCTV's Dick & Millie Schuster for filming and editing!
MEN WHO COOK 2019 WINNERS
APPETIZER
- Meatball Stuffed Arancini - Jonathan Zambrano, Renova Bodyworks
- Specialty Seasoned Pretzels & Cheese Dip – Crest Hill Police Dept. with Joel Steen
- Smoked Salmon – Dan Pohrte
SIDE DISH
- Chipotle Bacon Mac & Cheese – Bob Fox of OMEGA Plumbing
- Pork Bao – Kris Cheranichit and Steve Golub
- QuesaGRUNDYllas– Jeff Brown of Will County State’s Attorney’s Office
ENTRÉE
- Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf (w/ Mashed Potatoes & Gravy) – Shorewood Police Dept. with Paul Hulbert & Jason Barten
- “Da-Sausage” – Channahon Police Department, and Mahoney, Silverman & Cross Law Firm
- Caribbean Pork Tenderloin w/ Peach Chutney – Joe Garbin of Garbin Insurance
DESSERT
- Butterscotch Butterfinger Delight – Joliet Fire Department with Nate Kren, Chris Kinsella & Eric Mattson
- Assorted Cupcakes - Patrick Marcum & Brett Marcum – Glen Marcum Foundation
- Nutella Marshmallow Sandwich - Daniel Crane – Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside
PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL
- Lobster Roll– Peter Martin of Silver Cross Hospital
- Chipolte Mashed Potato w/ Shredded Beef, Tequila Horseradish & Corona Shrimp on a Plantain Chip w/ Avocado Sauce & Mango Salsa– Thomas Moreno of The Blue Taco/United Way of Will County
- Mini Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Marzell Richardson of Richardson’s Catering