Anthony Buttice Wins CDAide Chef Challenge
The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort chef took top honors in a culinary contest that raised nearly $75,000.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Food and Drink
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Executive Sous Chef Anthony Buttice secured victory in the annual CDAide Chef Challenge at the Hagadone Event Center. The event successfully raised nearly $75,000 to benefit hospitality workers in the greater Coeur d'Alene area.
Why it matters
The competition serves as a critical fundraiser for CDAide, an organization that provides financial assistance to restaurant staff facing crises. By supporting local service workers, the nonprofit helps sustain the regional hospitality industry.
The fundraising event brought in nearly $75,000 to support local restaurant workers. The competition featured three distinct rounds with cook times of 10, 20, and 30 minutes.
The players
Anthony Buttice
He serves as the Executive Sous Chef at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel.
CDAide
This nonprofit organization provides financial support to hospitality and restaurant workers in the Coeur d'Alene area through manager and co-worker referrals.
The details
Anthony Buttice, representing the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel, won the three-challenge competition and the Best Appetizer category. The event tested chefs with timed rounds including scrambled eggs, a home-cook basket challenge, and a halibut entree.
Timeline
The Chef Challenge competition was held on October 14, 2026, at the Hagadone Event Center.
Industry Dynamics
This event highlights the increasing reliance on grassroots community support to bridge gaps left by the Fair Labor Standards Act's tip credit provisions. It underscores how regional culinary networks act as essential safety nets for hospitality staff operating in volatile service environments.
Local restaurant workers in Hayden, Rathdrum, and Post Falls can access CDAide financial support through referrals from their managers or owners. These funds provide a vital resource for industry employees facing sudden financial hardship.
The takeaway
Supporting local culinary events can have a direct impact on the stability of the regional restaurant workforce. Residents are encouraged to monitor local hospitality initiatives to stay informed about future opportunities to contribute.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary scene in our Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Coeur d'Alene Press.
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