Cast Iron Cook-Off at Chattanooga Market

If you love Food Network shows “Chopped” and “Food Network Star” — cooking challenges that rely on creativity, quick wits and skill — then you don’t want to miss Chattanooga Market on Sunday, Aug. 26, when the Lodge Cast Iron CookOff is held.

This annual chefs’ challenge is a favorite of Chattanooga Foodies. Market patrons get to watch five regional chefs display their culinary skills in a live cooking competition. That’s no small feat since they can’t plan or prepare ahead of time.

Chefs will arrive at the market in First Tennessee Pavilion armed only with their personal cooking equipment. They will be introduced at 11:30 a.m., then shop market vendors for their supplies.

In support of the Tennessee Aquarium’s Serve & Protect mission, chefs will be surprised with a sustainable seafood with which to prepare their dishes for judging. Marketgoers will be able to watch as they carefully pick the freshest fruits, vegetables, spices, cheeses and more to make their dish remarkable.

After the shopping portion is complete, the five will have one hour to cook using Lodge cast-iron skillets. Emcee Dyan Damron will update the audience with play-by-play descriptions of what the chefs are creating

At the end of the hour, judges will be presented one by one with the chefs’ dishes. Dishes will be scored on presentation, taste and creativity. The cook-off’s winner will receive a metal trophy designed and crafted by market artist Allen Hampton. Additionally, the winning chef will be awarded automatic entrance into the 2018

World Chef Challenge, which will be held in Orange Beach, Alabama.