Chef David Lescher, foreground, prepares his entree for judging during a previous FiveStar Food Fight competition at Chattanooga Market.IF YOU GOWhat: FiveStar Food Fight at Chattanooga Market.When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.Admission: Free.Phone: 648-2496.Website: ChattanoogaMarket.com.
Chattanooga Market patrons may know how it works — five chefs shop, cook and serve up an entree for judging within about three hours — but the FiveStar Food Night always holds a few surprises.
The contest even starts with the telling of a secret. It’s not until the competition begins that the protein they will be using in their dish is revealed to the chefs. They’ll find that out at 11:30 a.m. Sunday when it’s time to shop for all the other ingredients they’ll need to prepare a main dish worthy of wooing the judges — all on $30 spending money.
With the main ingredient (beef, pork, fish, chicken) unknown until the clock starts, it’s hard for these chefs to plan ahead. But such is the nature of the annual Food Fight, where these kitchen wizards must not only showcase their cooking prowess but their culinary creativity and ability to think on their feet.
This year’s competitors are Aaron Long of Market Street Tavern, Nathan Flint of Famous Nater’s, Matt Marcus of Hennen’s, Andrew Millsaps of Broad Street Grille and Nick Goeller of 212 Market.
Marketgoers will be able to watch the chefs pick out fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, cheeses and other ingredients to make their dish remarkable. Once the chefs assemble everything they need, they’ll demonstrate their cooking skills using FiveStar ranges, compliments of the longtime Chattanooga Market sponsor.
“While there will be a winner announced by our panel of judges, it’s really just a friendly foodie fight,” said market spokeswoman Melissa Siragusa.
SCHEDULE
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Chefs shop for fresh ingredients with $30 spending money.
• 12:45-1:45 p.m. Live cooking demonstrations begin.
• 1:45-2:45 p.m. Judges are served a main-dish portion prepared by each chef.
• 3 p.m. Winning chef is announced.
CHEFS COMPETING
• Nathan Flynt (Famous Nater’s)
• Nick Goeller (212 Market)
• Aaron Long (Market Street Tavern)
• Matt Marcus (Hennen’s)
• Andrew Millsaps (Broad Street Grille)