Awards and prizes await winning Florida Keys culinary artists at the annual Master Chefs Classic, but the real winners are the event attendees who sample and savor the dishes presented for judges’ consideration.

A Key West tradition for food fanciers, the 2018 cuisine competition is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, on the harborside pier at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St.

The elegant feast for the senses typically draws chefs from leading Florida Keys restaurants, who vie for first-, second- and third-place honors awarded by judges in the appetizer, entree and dessert categories.

As well as enjoying tapas-sized offerings of the entries in all three categories, attendees also can vote for their favorites on “people’s choice” ballots.

The extravaganza does more than satisfy attendees’ appetites for innovative cuisine with a Key West flair. Its primary purpose is to raise funds for the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, also called MARC, a nonprofit agency that provides life services for developmentally and intellectually disabled adults in the island chain.

Only 450 tickets are available for the culinary tasting and competition. Ticket prices begin at $75 per person, and groups of attendees can reserve tables with unlimited premium wine. Tickets can be purchased at keystix.com.

Event information: masterchefsclassic.com or 305-294-9526, ext. 25