Foodies, I’ve got some good news for you, and I’ve got some bad news. The bad news is that, in one day, COOLinary will come to an end. The good news is that, Restaurant Week New Orleans will soon be in full effect (deets to come). But before that, there’s one special foodie event you don’t wanna miss.
On Friday, September 7, the fourth annual Chefs Taste Challenge will return to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event is a fun, fresh take on a food competition aimed at broadening awareness for the use of healthy, sustainable ingredients in preparing food. And the food is always good, y’all; Just check out my recaps on past challenges.
Source: Instagram @chefstastechallenge
Every year, I gush about how excited I am for the challenge. But, seriously, this year, I’m über excited. Usually, ten chefs from around the country vie for the Gold, Silver, and Fan Favorite awards. This time around, the Chefs Taste Challenge is super special and unique because FOUR New Orleans chefs will go head-to-head with four chefs repping the Gulf Coast. Yaaas, it’s Team New Orleans vs Team Gulf Coast! Here are the competing chefs:
TEAM NOLA
Roseann Rostoker, Red Gravy
Matthew Guillory, New Orleans School of Cooking
Justin Ross, Peche Seafood Grill
Byron Bradley, Consultant, Dooky Chase
TEAM GULF COAST
Chris Motto, Mansurs on the Boulevard, Denham Springs, LA
Melissa Donahue-Talmage, Sweet Melissa’s Cafe, Sanibel, FL
James Versfelt, Shelborne Hotel, Miami, FL
Brandon Burleson, Plow & Anchor, Georgina, AL
Before the big day, there’s an Ingredient Draft, where each chef is assigned main ingredients to use in their dishes. These are the results.
Source: Facebook/Chefs Taste Challenge
As the press release states, “chefs will compete to create the best dish that utilizes farm-fresh items from a pantry of pre-selected ingredients that are in-season throughout the country at the time of the competition.”
The live competition will be judged by industry experts who will present awards for Best Dish, Best Team with an overall score, and the People’s Choice winner (attendees get to vote for their fave dish). Also, there will be a wine reception sponsored by one of my fave brands, Bonterra, at 6 p.m. Doors for the competition open at 6:45 p.m.
Source: Instagram @chefstastechallenge
The Chefs Taste Challenge is a part of Farm & Table New Orleans, the annual gathering that features an educational conference, the competition, and a family-oriented festival open to the public and more from September 7 & 8, 2018. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit the official website.
Friday, September 7, 2018
6:45 – 10P
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center