Teams, judges and supporters celebrate the culinary competition at Via Brasil Steakhouse
LVMPD vs. Clark County Fire Department Cook in Culinary Battle
By Debbie Hall
At Via Brasil Steakhouse, the heat in the kitchen rivaled the desert temperatures outside as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Clark County Fire Department traded badges and fire gear for aprons and chef’s knives during a culinary showdown benefiting local community organizations. What began as a spirited cooking competition quickly transformed into an afternoon filled with generosity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to serving Southern Nevada both on and off duty.
Clark County Fire Department team member, Ray LeClair, chairman of the Proud to Rescue Benevolent Fund and Fire Capt. Joey Virtuoso
Supporters filled the dining area to cheer on their favorite firefighters, police officers and paramedics while enjoying a complimentary meal and lively atmosphere. The event aimed to foster community spirit and raise funds for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation and Proud to Rescue. On Friday, May 22, Via Brasil Steakhouse will donate 20% of its checks to the winning team’s chosen charity.
Team members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department work together to create culinary delights
Both teams consisted of four participants who prepared creative salads, entrees and desserts while judges and spectators watched. The fire department created ribeye tacos, and the police department served octopus salad and peppered salmon.
It was a party environment at the culinary competition at Via Brasil Steakhouse
The vibe throughout Via Brasil Steakhouse was nothing short of amazing, as guests were constantly laughing or applauding the food they were being served and how great it smelled. The main theme was community spirit, cooperation and honoring those who help ensure safety in Las Vegas and beyond.
Ruben Garcia Jauregui, chef and assistant culinary director and lead recipe developer at Nacho Daddy; Anna Gomes, owner of Via Brasil Steakhouse; Jessica Buffington, executive chef of AYCE Buffet at Palms Casino Resort; Robert Camacho, executive chef; and John Trachok, general manager, both of Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace
“We wanted to win to make a charitable donation to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation. The area command is excited to represent the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in a charity cook-off. We’re very excited and thankful for the restaurant, a great community supporter for us and for the police department,” said Capt. Ransom Beza of Summerlin Area Command, emphasizing pride in service and community support.
Team members of the Clark County Fire Department work together to create culinary delights
“We’re going to stuff our faces and yell in excitement for their success,” added Frank Consiglio, Clark County paramedic, Station 28.
Judges included Ruben Garcia Jauregui, chef and assistant culinary director and lead recipe developer at Nacho Daddy; Robert Camacho, executive chef, and John Trachok, general manager, both of Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace; Jessica Buffington, executive chef of AYCE Buffet at Palms Casino Resort; and Anna Gomes, owner of Via Brasil Steakhouse.
From left, Anna Gomes, Jessica Buffington, John Trachok, Robert Camacho and Ruben Garcia Jauregui judge a dish presented to them
The Clark County Fire Department team won the competition, with donations benefiting Proud to Rescue.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who participated, supported, judged, cooked and attended this special event. This community connection exemplifies our shared commitment to supporting local heroes and charities in Las Vegas, and we look forward to more events like this that bring us together for a good cause,” Gomes said.
Via Brasil Steakhouse is located at 1225 S. Fort Apache Road. For more information, visit viabrasilsteakhouse.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
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