Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published December 11, 2008 Competition And Grazing Raise Money For Children's Hospital Chef Versus Chef, Galatoire's and La Petite Grocery; Other Chefs Cook For Real How will the outcome of a cooking competition between Brian Landry and Justin Devillier affect your dining decisions? They are respectively chefs of Galatoire's and La Petite Grocery. They will have dueling skillets this Sunday afternoon on Dumaine Street in front of Wolfe's. By sunset, the challenge will be decided. The answer to the question is, of course, "Not one tiny bit." Iron Chef-style competitions are just a vogue, one whose passing can't come soon enough. But while they're with us, they're doing some good. Chef Tom Wolfe, who owns the eponymous restaurant formerly known as Peristyle, organized this show to raise money for Children's Hospital. He says that he's paying the essential Uptown medical institution back for a personal debt: he himself was a patient when he was a boy. Wolfe's Restaurant Row Block Party is the official name of the event, the first of what Tom Wolfe hopes will be an annual deal. The 1000 block of Dumaine (river side of Rampart) will be blocked off for the party to spread out. It's free to watch the competitions. The best part of it will be the presence of numerous chefs from major local restaurants, each serving a dish or two or three to you for modest prices. That's how the funds for Children's Hospital are raised. As usual, the chefs generosity in giving their time and food is the engine of the whole thing. The competition is just the yoo-hoo aspect. There will, in fact, be two competitions. The first will pit two amateur chefs against one another. (No, neither of them work in restaurants. Stop it.) That happens at two. The main event is at four. It will be judged by Chef Matt Murphy of the Ritz-Carlton and Chef Bob Iacovone of Cuvee. Wolfe's is auctioning off two judgeships (this is New Orleans, after all); you can place a bid by calling the restaurant at  504-593-9535. In both competitions, secret ingredients selected and provided by New Orleans Fish House and Tabasco will be sprung on the cooks for them to use as they improvise four dishes. I'm waiting for the list of the chefs who will be serving, and will post it here as soon as I get it. See you there! Wolfe's Restaurant Row Block Party. 1000 Block of Dumaine, at Rampart. Sunday, December 14, Noon-6 p.m. © 2008 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com