Philadelphia Magazine Sets New Tradition for Region's Restaurants With Second Annual Philly Cooks! A Benefit for MANNA Celebrating the Region's Best `Dishes Of 2002'.

PHILADELPHIA -- One year ago, Philadelphia Magazine not only launched a brand new annual tradition for the region's calendar of "must attend" events, with the first Philly Cooks! -- it also set a new standard for creativity and competition within the ever-growing restaurant community. Now, that tradition will not only be fully established, but the bar will be raised.

Building upon the success of last year's premiere event, Philadelphia Magazine, in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10 and the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia, will once again put the culinary creations of 34 of the region's top restaurants in the spotlight at the Second Annual Philadelphia Magazine's Philly Cooks!, slated for Wednesday, January 16, (snow date January 17) from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd.

In a competition for both artistry and taste, Philly Cooks! will highlight the skill and talent of the area's best restaurants as they unveil their "Dish for 2002." Hosted by NBC10's Sharon Reed and Kathy Orr, Philly Cooks! participants will provide displays and tastings of their epicurean delights, and a panel of celebrity judges, this year including Chef Georges Perrier, Chef Jim Coleman, Esquire Magazine's John Mariani, Food Network's Bill Boggs, Cuizine Magazine's Leigh Donadieu, Author Ethel Hofman, and Author & WHYY columnist Judith Benn Hurley will choose the winners for Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert and Philly Cooks! "Dish of the Year," as well as an award for Best Display, based on booth decor, the night of the event.

A fund-raising event for MANNA, the region's volunteer-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS by providing three meals a day free of charge Mondays - Saturdays, Philly Cooks! will include live music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets to the event are $65 in advance (which includes parking), $70 at the door, and can be purchased either by calling 215.564.7700, or visiting the Philadelphia Magazine website, http://www.phillymag.com/ or http://www.nbc10.com/ and clicking on the Philly Cooks! button on the homepage.

In conjunction with the upcoming Philly Cooks!, NBC10's morning anchor and gastronomic guru Steve Levy will, ...