We’re not quite sure what to make of this e-mail, which arrived in our inbox moments ago from Matilda restaurant in the East Village. Have the owners been watching too much Bravo? The memo invites "fearless chefs" for a monthly Tuscan-Mexican "cooking slam." The winner gets to have his/her winning dishes showcased on the menu (and a job? This does seem like a genius way for the restaurant to audition prospective staffers). Spectators can mill about and munch hors d’oeuvres while the competitors sauté their hearts out. Whether Matilda’s doing it for publicity (of course), for fun (likely) or both, let’s just hope they don’t do it on Wednesdays—we’ll be watching Top Chef. "Fierce" cooks, see the entire e-mail after the jump:

MATILDA
Creative Fusion of
Tuscan and Mexican Cuisine in the East Village
647 East 11th Street @ Avenue C 

INTRODUCES:
 
“COOKING SLAM!”
 
We need fearless chefs! Matilda Restaurant is offering each of you the opportunity to test your cooking skills.
 
Every month a contestant will prepare for our guests a TUSC-MEX meal with a minimum of 3 courses, using ingredients previously chosen by us.
 
The chef will have 20 minutes to decide the menu and 2 hours to prepare it with our assistance.
 
Each Chef will be judged on presentation, creativity and overall taste by our patrons.
 
At the end of the challenge cycle, the 2 chefs with the highest scores will compete again, and the winner’s dishes will be featured on our menu.
 
Live entertainment and hors d’oevres will be offered to the guests during preparation time.
 
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, JUST BE FIERCE!
 
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?
 
For more informations
e-mail us at eat@matildarestaurant.com
or call 212-777-3355 and ask for
Maristella Innocenti