Local chefs and community cooks will again team up to put their culinary skills to the test for the second annual Farm-to-Fork Chef Showdown as part of the Enterprise Farmers Market Peak Season Kickoff celebration Saturday, May 18, from 7 a.m. to noon.

Members of the community are encouraged to register via the website link provided below for a chance to participate in the free event. Those who are interested must be at least 18 years old, can commit to being at the Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and should be interested in learning how to utilize local farm fresh produce in cooking restaurant-worthy meals. Participant names will be selected and announced May 14.

The community cooks will be partnered with one of the following local chefs:

• C.J. Kay, The Barrell Room;
• Zaine Young, Corks and Cattle;
• Louis Cameron, The Olive Fruit; and
• Sofia Quinones, The Social on Main.

When the competition begins at 9 a.m., the teams will shop for fresh produce directly from the Enterprise Farmers Market.  The pairs must work together to create a restaurant-worthy dish within two hours.

The public is invited to watch as the teams go head-to-head in the live cooking competition on the grassy activity field adjacent to the Enterprise Farmers Market building.

In addition to a panel of professional judges, members of the community will have an opportunity to serve on the “People’s Choice” committee.  Those who are interested will need to register at the Enterprise Farmers Market before 10:45 a.m. the morning of the event.  Judging will begin around 11 a.m. with an awards ceremony around 11:30 a.m.

In addition to the Farm-to-Fork Chef Showdown, visitors to the market can enjoy the live music by Cam Stephens from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

The 2024 Farmers Market Peak Season Kickoff features approximately 30 vendors selling farm fresh fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, boiled peanuts, leather works, wood products, local honey, plants, jewelry and more! Door prizes from vendors will be announced throughout the event.

To learn more about the event, or to register for a chance to compete as a community cook, visit https://enterpriseal.gov/services/farmers_market/chef_showdown.php

Additional local chefs, experienced restaurant cooks or caterers who are interested in participating can call Kay Kirkland at (334) 406-1394 or (334) 348-2310 to find out if openings are still available.