Back by popular demand, the Chester County Culinary Cook-Off will take stage this Sunday, September 18 during the 32nd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival.
Held on the steps on the historic Chester County Courthouse (2 N. High St.), beginning at 2:30 pm, four notable county-based chefs will showcase with their signature talents in hopes to become crowned the Best Chef of Chester County! Last year’s champ, Chef Jon Amann of Amani’s BYOB (105 E Lancaster Ave., Downingtown), returns with his farm-forward focus hoping continue his reign over the coveted title.
Alongside of Amann, you will spot Avalon and Avalon Pasta Bistro’s Chef John Brandt-Lee, Straughen Catering’s Chef Scott Straughen, and Chef Olga Sorzano of LOST Gourmet. The three-round competition will jump-start at 2:30 and run until 5 pm, and will feature an appetizer, entree and dessert challenge.
The culinary competition also celebrates Buy Fresh, Buy Local ingredients and at the beginning of each round, a secret ingredient will be introduced to the cheftestants and if the special selection is incorporated into the dish of each particular round, bonus points will be awarded to the chef. Locally sourced products to be featured include Chile Spot’s hot sauce, Highland Farm Dairy’s sheep’s milk cheeses and raw honey.
A food writer, Chester County Hospital nutritionist and Chamber of Commerce member were selected beforehand to act as judges of the competition, allowing the most deserving chef to be awarded the winning title. Judges will consider firstly the taste of each dish, as well as the chef’s incorporation of the mandatory ingredients and presentation. The best possible score per round is 35 points.
The Town Dish’s Mary Bigham and JT Morgan will act as emcees over the food battle, regularly checking in on the competitors’ during each cooking round, and also on the judges while they sample the competing dishes.
Who do you think has what it takes to take home the county’s food title? Be sure to watch the food throwdown live and find out!
For even more information about the competition and this weekend’s Chester County Restaurant Festival, click here.
