Attendees at the March of Dimes’ Gourmet Gala Wednesday should expect to see some new faces peeking back at them from behind the congressionally run tasting booths scheduled to dot the floor of the National Building Museum.  

The annual fundraiser is typically one of the better-attended events of the season, garnering bipartisan support from newcomers and cook-off vets alike.  

When the curtain rises at 6:30 p.m. for this year’s dine-around, a number of novice contenders are expected to spoon-feed the philanthropic community their best awards bait.  

Per an event aide, the roster of first-time “chefs” includes: Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., Chris Coons, D-Del., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, David Perdue, R-Ga., and Mark Warner, D-Va., as well as Reps. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., and Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga. In addition to the would-be toques, our tipster said members expected to make an inaugural appearance — but not bring any food — includes: Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., as well as Reps. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., John Culberson, R-Texas, Randy Hultgren, R-Ill., Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., John L. Mica, R-Fla., and Bruce Westerman, R-Ark.  

Those choosing to vie for recognition of their cooking prowess — we’re told Perdue, Warner, Reps. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, and Billy Long, R-Mo., intend to do just that by serving ahi tuna tartare, stuffed eggs, coconut shrimp with orange marmalade and cornbread with mustard-bacon glaze, respectively — could conceivably earn bragging rights in one of six categories: Best Presentation, Health and Happiness, American Regional Cuisine, Easiest Preparation, Best in Show and the People’s Choice Award.  

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