N’Orleans Style Gumbo Cook-off

Get a headstart on the Mardi Gras celebrations by tasting up to 15 varieties of gumbo at this amateur cooking showdown. Hilary Baum (of not-for-profit organization Chefs for the Marcellus) hosts the benefit event to raise funds and awareness about fracking in the Marcellus Shale region, which includes southern New York. To enter your own culinary creation, e-mail foodkarma@gmail.com by Thu 16; contestants are encouraged to use local ingredients, and winners will receive gift certificates and a heritage baked ham. Twenty bucks gets you all the gumbo you want, but bring some spare cash for beer and wine ($6–$10).