Seeking the Mango Master

It ain't Iron Chef. But with top toques Steve Schimoler (Crop) and Jonathan Bennett (Moxie) facing off, you can bet today's Mango Throwdown will be loaded with fun. The two culinary hotshots meet at Moxie today at 3:30 p.m. Their challenge: creating the ultimate mango dish reflecting the flavors of Cleveland. "I think mango is my favorite fruit," sighs Bennett, who will be showcasing the fruit via a mango-crab fritter served with green mango slaw and mango ketchup. "When it's ripe, it's silky, sweet, and downright sensual!" Judging the mango magic will be WKYC's Hollie Strano, food and brews blogger Brad Gillette, and yours truly. Besides watching the chefs at work and sampling their creations, attendees can count on receiving mango recipes, tips, and pairing suggestions from local event sponsor Giant Eagle. The throwdown is part of the Mango Hometown Tour hosted by the National Mango Board. Attendance is free, but seating is limited; reservations are required at mangocleveland.eventbrite.com. Moxie is at 3355 Richmond Rd. in Beachwood. For more info, call 216-831-5599 or visit moxietherestaurant.com.— Elaine T. Cicora