Cast iron cookware travels down the production line at Lodge Manufacturing, sponsor of the Cast-Iron Cook-Off at Chattanooga Market.IF YOU GO• What: Cast Iron Cook-Off at Chattanooga Market• When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14• Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.• Admission: Free• Phone: 423-648-2496• Website: chattanoogamarket.com
If you want to see food geniuses at work, be at Chattanooga Market on Sunday, Sept. 14. The people to watch are chefs from five local restaurants who will take part in a contest that will have them purchasing ingredients, all fresh and local at the market, and combining them into tasty dishes right before your eyes.
It’s a popular event that has been taking place for more than 10 years at the market. And the Cast Iron Cook-Off highlights the benefits of Lodge Cast Iron cookware, made in South Pittsburg, Tenn.
Competing in this year’s event are Charlie Loomis from 1885 Grill; Anna Gipe of Council Fire Golf Club; Brian Hedeman from Elemental; Michael Lindley of Public House Chattanooga, and Nick Goeller from 212 Market Restaurant.
According to a news release, the chefs arrive in the morning armed with their cookware, cutlery, serving dishes and cooking utensils. The market provides each with a pantry of basic items (salt, sugar, vinegar, etc.), a mystery ingredient or two and a modest budget so they may shop the market for the remaining ingredients they need to prepare their meal. The “surprise” ingredient (the protein) will not be revealed to the chefs until their arrival the morning of the competition.