WORLEY, Idaho (October 22, 2026) – Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Executive Sous Chef Anthony Buttice may have captured top culinary competition honors at CDAide’s Chef Challenge Oct. 14 at the Hagadone Event Center in Coeur d’Alene, but he understands that the real winners are area hospitality workers.
“It’s an honor and very humbling to give back to local hospitality workers in need,” said Buttice. “We get to showcase our skill set while raising money for an amazing local charity.”
With dishes appraised by a panel of judges, this year’s Chef Challenge raised nearly $75,000 for CDAide’s Care program.
CDAide is a Coeur d’Alene nonprofit that supports hospitality and restaurant workers facing financial crisis. “These individuals are the backbone of our tourism economy, yet many live paycheck to paycheck,” said Jason Nye, CDAide, Executive Director. “The funds we raise ensure they receive urgent assistance—housing, medical care, transportation—as well as support for long-term stability and well-being.”
CDAide works exclusively through referrals from managers, owners, co-workers, and others. Individuals cannot self-refer for services. The organization’s target area is greater Coeur d’Alene, ID, including Hayden, Rathdrum, and Post Falls.
Buttice won the Best Appetizer competition with his sesame seared tuna, shallot ponzu reduction, with red ginger pearls. He was also selected as the winner in a three-challenge competition. The challenges and format were as follows:
1st Challenge
Best Scrambled Eggs
Using any ingredients in the pantry
10 Min Cook Time
2nd Challenge
20 Min Cook Time
“Home Cook Basket”
Chefs use the 3 items in the “Home Cook Basket” to show how to create something quickly with what guests may have on hand in their home. Chefs can use the full pantry for their dish.
(Ingredients: ground chicken, Cheeze-Its, and BBQ sauce)
Final Challenge
30 Min Cook Time
Protein: Halibut
Challenge: Chefs create an upscale entree plate using cod and mystery ingredient chosen by audience (strawberry jello mix).
“It was a privilege to be involved with CDAide, a wonderful organization operated by talented, caring people,” said Buttice. “Knowing our peers will benefit from our combined efforts was truly incredible to experience.”