By Adrianne Murchison

For the AJC

They say real men cook. Well, it is certainly a plus. On Father’s Day culinary tastings of more than 100 Atlanta men will be served during the Real Men Cook charity event at the Georgia Railroad Depot.

“Real men do cook,” says singer Ruben Studdard, who will perform at the event. “My grandfather was an excellent cook. My uncle is one of the best cooks in the world. My dad could maybe make a good hot dog, but he worked a lot. My mom kind of taught me the basics when I was a teenager and once I got out on my own it was just something I wanted to do.”

Studdard, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, actress/author Victoria Rowell and other celebrity tasters will select best overall dishes at the event. Several Atlanta chefs such as Raul Thomas, who specializes in Puerto Rican cuisine and Rafih Benjelloun from Imperial Fez Moroccan restaurant will do cooking demonstrations.

Real Men Cook was started in Chicago on Father’s Day in 1989 by Yvette and Kofi Moyo to celebrate African American men, and now includes several cities. This year's event benefits Communities in Schools of Georgia and Atlanta, The Ruben Studdard Foundation, Choices for Kids and Real Men Charities, Inc.

Participants say it’s a chance to show African American men in a positive light.

“I like the idea that we are supporting charities and coming together to cook, and show everyone that we make a difference in our communities.” says Kevin Ashford. The ground products analyst for UPS will make a key lime cake, which will eventually be sold as a cake mix in grocery stores under the Real Men Cook brand.

Samplings to look for

-- Mango marinated shrimp with a spicy barbecue sauce, prepared by Desmond Fannin, executive chef for Sodexo which provides food service for Atlanta Public Schools.

-- Beef tenderloin medallions prepared by chef Thomas with chopped romaine tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, thyme and Tabasco sauce served on toasted bread. Separately, Thomas will make beef and shrimp empanadas on stage during his cooking demonstration.

Something to hope for

-- If his schedule allows Studdard may bring a treat. The singer has turned vegan since losing nearly 100 pounds, and added a specialty to his culinary repertoire -- vegan red velvet cake. Last week during a phone call with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he shared the ingredients: Organic unbleached flower, raw sugar, vanilla extract, red food coloring, apple sauce, soy yogurt, baking powder, salt, and soy milk.

INFO BOX

The Real Men Cook charity event  features food samplings by more than 100 men. The Father's Day celebration includes celebrity tasters, live entertainment by singer Ruben Studdard and Atlanta jazz trumpeter Melvin Miller, and a kids zone with face painting, jump rope and more. 3-6 p.m., Sunday [June 20]. $20 in advance, $25 at the door for adults; $10 in advance, $15 at the door for children. Georgia Railroad Depot, 65 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive next to Underground Atlanta. 404-344-8496, www.realmencook.com/atlanta .