Chefs to showcase skills in new cooking challenge event

A new sort of cooking challenge is underway in Lorain County.

Chef Jeff “Jefe” Seats of Chef Jefe Catering LLC is holding the first Ultimate Cook Off on April 9 at 2428 Elyria Ave. in Lorain.

The preliminary cooking challenges will begin at noon and the main event will run from 3-7 p.m.

General admission tickets are $20; VIP tickets are $45.

Seats, 25, said he wanted to cultivate a sense of community between local cooks.

“There can sometimes be negativity and competition between the cooks in Lorain County, and I wanted to turn that negative energy into a positive experience,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to compete in a light spirited manner and keep it fun.”

The cooking challenge will feature up to 15 cooks, Seats said.

“Right now, we have 10 cooks signed up and I am accepting around five more people,” he said. “If we don’t reach that goal, it’s fine because any number will be a great competition.”

The judges for the cook off include an executive chef, a chef from Atlanta, Ga., and a special celebrity guest.

“None of the judges are locals because I wanted to make sure there was no bias,” Seats said.

The main event will include live entertainment, vendors and activities for children such as face painting.

“People aren’t buying tickets just to simply watch us cook,” Seats said. “There will be other things going on as well such as the artists who will perform and a live band.”

He said his goal is to bring the community together.

“I really want everyone to be excited and want to come out to the event,” Seats said. “It’s like a festival because we have something going on for everyone, including the youth.

“I’m all about the community, and I just want it to be memorable.”

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.

“I really want everyone to be excited and want to come out to the event. It’s like a festival because we have something going on for everyone, including the youth. I’m all about the community, and I just want it to be memorable.” — Chef Jeff “Jefe” Seats