Angie Sharp is the Anchor of Good Morning Quad Cities on WQAD News 8, her home as a Journalist since 2009. For the last several years, she has also been a Volunteer for the Red Cross - helping on the Planning Committee for A Taste on the River."When we report the devastating news of a fire or a flood, there is always a sentence that says - 'The Red Cross is helping those affected' - and it reminds me that the Red Cross is always there for our community. I volunteer my time, treasure, and talent to show my appreciation and to raise awareness for this great organization and its important mission. A Taste on the River is the perfect event for you to do the same. Whether it's bidding on an auction item or donating directly, we all need to do our part - especially in these uncertain times - to support the Red Cross and ensure it remains strong."
Chef Gary Ames began his culinary career working as a dish washer in small restaurants in Maine throughout high school. It was during this time that he realized he wanted to become a professional Chef. He worked hard towards his dream and after high school, attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, located in Hyde Park, New York.
Upon graduation he moved down river to New York City, where he began working as a chef for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. After leaving New York, Chef Ames worked all over America for Hyatt Hotels in Florida, New Jersey, Colorado, and California.
After accepting his first Executive Chef position, he moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey where he worked for President Trump at the Trump Marina. He was the Executive Chef there for the next 15 years. Chef Ames then moved back home to Bangor Maine and began working for Penn National Gaming as the Executive Chef for 7 years.
When offered the chance to try something new, Chef Ames jumped at the opportunity and accepted the position as Executive Chef for Rhythm City Casino in Davenport, Iowa. He has worked at Rhythm City for the last 4 years and currently resides in Moline, Illinois.
Chef Matthew Meadows was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and spent his childhood in several European countries including Spain, Italy Sweden, Germany, France. At the age of 12, he moved to the United States and resided in Ocean Springs Mississippi where he graduated from high school. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Chef Meadows started his culinary degree at age 16 at Louis Restaurant learning casual Southern fare. While attending university, he spent several years managing kitchens and bars at the Bombay Bicycle club, Widow Watsons, Biloxi Belle Steamer. Chef Meadows became a certified through the American Culinary Federation as an Executive chef while working at Treasure Bay Casino in Biloxi Mississippi, where he developed the first casino seafood buffet in the area. He also designed and opened the first brew pub in Mississippi at Treasure Bay and redesigned the Captains Quarters from concept to menu.
Throughout his professional career, Chef Meadows worked at Caesars/Harrah’s in Biloxi Mississippi as Food and Beverage Director. He relocated to Iowa after Hurricane Katrina to head up Food and Beverage at the Isle of Capri. Chef Meadows recently returned to Riverside casino as Director of Food and Beverage /Executive Chef to head up the Isle’s culinary department in Bettendorf.
Have been very active with the American Culinary Federation serving as chapter president for numerous years and has been twice received the chef of the year award. Most recently, Chef Meadows organized Iowa’s largest culinary competition with over 40 chefs from around the state. He has also organized downtown Davenports’ Icetravaganza, an Ice Carving event which showcases 24 thousand pounds of artful ice sculpting.
Phyllis and One Shark, better known as Phyllis and Gary Wethington, are a duo from the Quad Cities. Both have been in the music business for 40 plus years. They also perform in the Quad City band Phyllis & the Sharks which plays a variety of blues, rock, disco and country. They can be seen at various locations on most weekends in the Quad Cities.
