~Chef Rj Cooper vs. Fairfax County Firemen~

(FAIRFAX, VA) March 2015 – In anticipation of the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games, ~Gypsy Soul~ (8296 Glass Alley; Fairfax, VA, 22031; 703.992.0933; www.gypsysoul-va.com) is hosting firemen of various Fairfax County firehouses to go up against James Beard award-winning Chef RJ Cooper in a chili cook-off battle event.  Each Monday beginning March 2^nd, and ending March 30^th, firehouses have a chance to raise money benefitting this biennial athletic event, open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world.

Located in the Mosaic District in the Merrifield neighborhood of Fairfax, Virginia, ~Gypsy Soul~ is centrally located for the Games’ approximate 12,000 entrants (slightly more than the Summer Olympic Games) and 5,000 volunteers and is also a supporter of Fairfax 2015. 

“I have profound respect for first responders.  The bravery they perform daily is priceless. As a cook, I have heard about these amazing firehouse cooks, and well, let’s just say challenge on!  Chili is like pizza – it’s all deeply personal and let’s see who comes out of the fire!” says Chef Cooper in response to the weekly battle throwdown.

The launch date of this battle royal is March 2^nd.  Each team, Chef RJ Cooper vs. a Fairfax County Fireman, will prepare 50 portions to serve at both lunch and dinner service at ~Gypsy Soul~.  Guests receive two bowls of chili along with a ballot for $10.  The votes are tallied at the end of the day and the winner is announced the following morning via social media.  Customers must buy the chili in order to vote.  First come, first served and firemen will be on hand to discuss the Games and chili cook-off throughout the weeks.  If the firehouse wins, the Games receive 100% of the chili revenue from that day.  If Chef wins, they receive 50% - the stakes are high!  The Firehouse to receive the most votes receives a pig roast by Chef Cooper.

“This partnership is an example of the type of excitement the 2015 World Police & Fire Games are bringing to this community,” states Bill Knight, President and CEO of Fairfax 2015, Inc., the organizing committee for the Games.  “We are excited to work with Chef RJ Cooper and his team to promote the Games and provide a platform for Fairfax County Firefighters to showcase their culinary skills!”

To further the stakes, each Monday is a different chili style.
March 2^nd:  Red Chili
March 9^th:  Chili Verde
March 16^th: Vegetarian Chili
March 23^rd:  Venison Chili
March 30^th:  Turkey Chili

About Award-Winning Chef RJ Cooper

Chef RJ Cooper is a Detroit native who’s resume spans over 20 years in some of the top kitchens in the U.S.  A graduate of The Culinary School at Kendall College in Chicago, he has worked with esteemed colleagues including Jean Joho, Tony Mantuano, Daniel Schaffhauser, Guenter Seeger, Eric Ripert, and Jeff Buben.  Chef was honored in 2007 by the James Beard Foundation with the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic award for his work at Vidalia in Washington, DC.  The host of the online television series “Chefs of Anarchy” and Iron Chef America battle chef, Cooper owns Rogue 24 in Washington, D.C., a restaurant where his passion and love for the culinary craft, paired with old and new world technique, and laced with a bit of rock and roll form this three-star adventure in dining.  ~Gypsy Soul~ in Fairfax, Virginia, is his second restaurant and features his devotion to the American farmer through life at the table.  He is an active member in many local and national non-profits focusing on hunger, children and local community.  Cooper resides in McLean, Virginia, with his wife, Judy, and twin daughters, Bridgette and Ava, and is often seen on his Harley-Davidson with hair blowin’ in the wind seeking out the next great ingredient to his cooking.

Media Relations:
Bronwyn Jimenez
Gypsy Soul
PR@gypsysoul-va.com
Tel. 202.288.4049