One of the Chattanooga Market’s most popular events is back again: the annual FiveStar Food Fight. Less a fight and more a friendly competition, this event pits five local chefs against each other in a unique cook-off. This year’s edition takes place Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Chattanooga Market.
What separates this cook-off from any other are the secret ingredients. None of the cooks can prepare, because they won’t know what they can use until 11:30 a.m. when the event begins in earnest. At that time, the ingredients are revealed and the chefs have one hour and $40 to find their preferred ingredients right there at the market. Once they have gathered their tasty materials, they will display their culinary skills from 1 - 2 p.m., while emcee Kelley McCoy of KZ106 gives the play-by-play of what they’re preparing. When time is up, a panel of judges will taste their creations, and one champion will be crowned.
Many fantastic local chefs have stepped up to the plate in years past. This year’s line-up will be Nathan Flynt of Famous Nater’s food truck, Brad Grafton of Enzo’s Market, William Oglesby of Back Inn, Blacky Smith of Blacksmith’s Bistro, and Charlie Loomis of Elemental. All chefs will be working with FiveStar cooking ranges—hence the name. It’s basically a mini Chattanooga version of “Top Chef, “but friendlier, more fun, and you can watch it all happen right in front of your eyes.
Chattanooga Market. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com