In the sweltering embrace of a summer day, an unexpected breakdown left my husband and me stranded five miles from home. Having just attended the thrilling Culinary Fight Fest downtown, our wallets were considerably lighter after the car tow, leaving us with a long walk ahead under an unforgiving sun. Yet, as we walked, talking and laughing, a profound realization emerged: a journey, no matter how arduous, becomes infinitely more manageable when shared with companions. This reflection perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event we had just left, highlighting the incredible camaraderie and shared purpose among the organizers of Culinary Fight Club. Their collective joy, born from a meaningful project pursued as a family of friends, truly re-energized me. My draining trek home, alongside my best friend, suddenly felt purposeful and light.
The second edition of the highly anticipated Culinary Fight Fest Chicago recently illuminated the iconic Hard Rock Cafe. This prestigious event wasn’t just another cooking competition; it was a grand convergence of culinary talent, bringing together chefs who had previously triumphed in various themed competitions across the country. Winners of either the judges’ vote or the public’s vote from prior Culinary Fight Club events were invited to battle it out, creating a true “Clash of Culinary Titans.” Beyond the fierce competition, Culinary Fight Fest served a noble cause, raising crucial funds for Fight2Feed, a non-profit organization dedicated to feeding the hungry throughout Chicagoland. It was an inspiring display where competitive spirit seamlessly blended with profound camaraderie, a sentiment best captured by one contestant who declared it “the best time of my life.”
Unveiling Culinary Excellence: The First Round Showdown
The competition kicked off with a vibrant energy, featuring 14 exceptional chefs, each brimming with passion and unique culinary visions. The first round was a testament to their creativity and skill, as they presented their signature dishes to both the public and a discerning panel of judges. Only four of these culinary maestros, voted in by the enthusiastic public, would advance to a second, high-stakes 30-minute battle for the ultimate crown. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of delicious aromas, buzzing conversation, and the focused intensity of chefs pushing their creative boundaries. Guests moved from station to station, sampling an array of innovative bites, each a potential contender for glory.
As the tasting commenced, certain dishes quickly emerged as clear favorites, captivating the palates of many, including my own. Chef Gary Davis from Cincinnati particularly impressed with his masterful creation: crispy smoked short rib, expertly stuffed with jalapeño mac & cheese, served alongside a rich BBQ sauce and a refreshing collard green slaw. This dish was a symphony of textures and flavors, showcasing a perfect balance of smoky richness, creamy spice, and a tangy counterpoint. It was a bold and inventive plate that truly resonated with the spirit of the competition, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to sample it.
Another dish that garnered significant attention for its impeccable presentation and inspired flavors was Chef Mark Gaylord’s shrimp & grits. His rendition was not just a meal; it was a work of art, meticulously arranged and bursting with a vibrant freshness that hinted at the quality of ingredients and the chef’s skilled hand. The dish demonstrated a sophisticated approach to a beloved classic, elevating it with thoughtful execution and a visually appealing design that was as delightful to the eyes as it was to the palate.
Chef Bridget Mooney, a notable runner-up at the previous year’s Culinary Fight Fest, once again proved her prowess with an incredibly inventive bite. Her cornbread cupcake, filled with savory bacon jam and crowned with a roasted red pepper cream cheese and a delectable bacon steak, was a small but mighty contender. This seemingly simple creation was packed with complex flavors and textures, showcasing her ability to transform familiar ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It was a testament to her creativity and a strong indicator of her consistent pursuit of culinary stardom.
The collaborative brilliance of Chefs Turon Cummings and Kristopher Schoenberger also captivated many attendees. Their joint effort produced exquisite smoked Wagyu brisket sliders, generously topped with a distinctive chipotle whiskey BBQ sauce and served alongside a unique Asian bacon slaw. This dish was a harmonious blend of rich, smoky flavors, a touch of spicy sweetness, and a refreshing crunch, making it one of my personal favorites. It exemplified how teamwork and complementary culinary styles can result in a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.
I have harbored a deep admiration for Chef Joelle Brown ever since witnessing her exceptional talent at the Culinary Fight Club Steak Challenge (a detailed review of which can be found here). Naturally, I was rooting for her to secure a spot in the finals, as I thoroughly enjoyed her innovative take on grits, generously accompanied by oodles of spicy beef and sweet corn. Her dish was a vibrant explosion of flavor, demonstrating her distinctive approach to comfort food. Regrettably, despite her undeniable skill and the deliciousness of her offering, Chef Brown was not among the chosen finalists and departed after the initial round. Here is a glimpse of her captivating dish:
The Final Battle: Sitka Salmon Challenge
After two hours of intense culinary action and enthusiastic public sampling, the votes were meticulously tallied, leading to the highly anticipated announcement of the finalists. The energy in the Hard Rock Cafe was palpable as the names were called, signaling the beginning of the next crucial stage of the competition.
The Chicago Culinary Fight Fest finalists. From left to right: Chefs Mark Gaylord, Kristopher Schoenberger, Turon Cummings, Gary Davis and Bridget Mooney
In a thrilling second round, the selected finalists faced a formidable challenge: to craft a single, exceptional dish within a tight 30-minute timeframe, utilizing a premium secret ingredient – exquisite Sitka salmon. This task demanded not only speed and precision but also a deep understanding of how to highlight the delicate flavors of such high-quality seafood. The pressure was immense, as chefs had to quickly conceptualize, prepare, and plate a dish that would impress an esteemed panel of judges, all while the clock relentlessly ticked away. The air filled with the sizzle of salmon, the chop of vegetables, and the focused determination of culinary masters.
Once the frantic cooking frenzy concluded, it was time for the finalists to present their creations to the formidable judging panel. This elite trio consisted of culinary legends: the renowned “Breakfast Queen” Ina Pinkney, the acclaimed Chef Massimo Gaffo, and the esteemed BBQ expert Gary Wiviott. Their collective expertise and discerning palates promised a rigorous evaluation. Adding a touch of unexpected glamour to the judging process, the judges were treated to a delightful surprise visit from none other than Mrs. United States 2017, Lauren Ziegler, adding an extra layer of excitement to the high-stakes culinary showdown.
Chef Mooney was the first to face the judges, presenting her artfully prepared salmon dish. It featured perfectly sautéed carrots and leeks, brought together with a sophisticated wine balsamic vinegar reduction, and brightened by a vibrant mango & jalapeño relish. Her dish demonstrated a keen understanding of flavor balance and presentation.
Chef Mooney’s exceptional performance earned her first place in the public’s vote for the second round and an impressive third place in the judges’ final assessment. Her consistent ability to delight both popular taste and critical judgment solidifies her position as a true culinary talent.
Meanwhile, Chef Davis presented an elegantly composed salmon dish that masterfully incorporated two artisanal ingredients of exceptional quality: tender pickled butter beans and a unique bourbon barrel-aged soy sauce. This creative combination showcased his innovative approach to flavor pairings, resulting in a dish that was both refined and deeply satisfying. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to integrate sophisticated elements into his cooking truly stood out.
Chef Davis’s exquisite creation earned him a well-deserved second place in the fiercely contested final round, a testament to his culinary skill and ability to elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
The ultimate winning dish, however, came from Chef Gaylord. His triumphant entry featured perfectly cooked salmon served with delicately hashed potatoes, tender leeks, and corn prepared in three distinct ways. This inventive combination of textures and flavors created a truly harmonious and unforgettable plate, proving to be the winning combination that clinched the championship title.
A Celebration of Passion and Community
Finally, the moment everyone had been eagerly anticipating arrived: the announcement of the Culinary Fight Fest champion. Under the blistering summer sun, a pure expression of raw, human emotion erupted as the winner was declared. It was a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication that fuels these culinary artists.
My departure from Culinary Fight Fest left an indelible impression, not just from the exceptional dishes, but from the overwhelming sense of joy and camaraderie that permeated every aspect of the event. The competitors, the esteemed judges, and the dedicated Culinary Fight Club organizers all demonstrated an extraordinary spirit of cooperation, even amidst fierce competition. It was a remarkable testament to how competitive drive and genuine collaboration can not only coexist but thrive at the highest echelons of the culinary world. As I approached my husband’s car, the iconic melody of The Proclaimers’ famous song echoed in my mind, a perfect soundtrack to the day’s events. Every journey in life presents its difficulties, but with loved ones by my side, I would willingly walk 500 miles, just as the song suggests. The Culinary Fight Fest Chicago, through its celebration of food, friendship, and philanthropy, truly embodies this spirit of shared endeavor. How many miles would you walk with your friends, especially when the journey leads to such inspiring moments?