Things to do

March Madness for local chefs - eat, vote, repeat

By Abby Miressi

The Story

Foodies and critics rejoice! Last year’s “Fire in the City” is back, but this time, you can call it, “Got to Be NC Competition Dining Series”. A new round of chefs being pitted against each other starts on March 22nd with a dual bracket. Twenty-four chefs will be competing for cash prizes ranging from $500 to $4000, and of course, bragging rights. Restaurant goers (yes, that means you) and professional guest judges will eat, vote, and crown the series winner. That winner goes on to the next round and culminates in a “Final Fire” cook-off. The entire event focuses on NC grown food and is meant to showcase the amazing culinary talent in the state. I am getting hungry just writing this.

The Facts:

  • From March 22nd to May 19th, two chefs will compete against each other for a chance to ultimately win the Final Fire prize of $4,000.
  • All of the series will take place at Bonterra Dining & Wine Room (1829 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203).
  • Guests arrive at 6pm and dinner is served at 7pm.
  • Tickets prices for each round are below. Note that the price does not include beverages, tax or service charges:
    • Preliminary Round (March 22nd – April 7th) = $55
    • Quarter-Final Round (April 12th – April 28th) = $59
    • Semi-Finals (May 4th and May 12th) = $69
    • Final Round (May 18th & 19th) = $75
  • You may be seated with strangers so be nice.
  • Diners who attend get a full-service, six-course meal (3 dishes from both teams).
  • Chefs were assigned to brackets randomly.
  • Eight who competed last year received a bye and advance to the Quarter-Finals.
  • Rules include things like teams must only use ingredients provided (more ingredients will not be provided due to ruining original products and chefs are not allowed to cook signature dishes from their respective restaurants.
  • Mystery ingredients will be revealed on the day of each competition.
  • The rules are pretty comprehensive so you can check out the full list here.
  • The two Charlotte winners will advance to compete against the other two winners, from competitions in the Raleigh area and that of Winston-Salem (date TBA).
  • Charlotte’s 2014 winner was Jon Fortes of Mimosa Grill.

Quote

C5’s take:

Where do I even begin? What makes this event phenomenal beyond belief is that it combines competition with delicious food, strictly made with local ingredients. Eat, drink, make new friends, and then vote for your favorite. Dining space is limited and tickets go fast so sign up now! Seriously, right now.

Photo: T. Ortega Gaines / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 12:38 AM with the headline "March Madness for local chefs - eat, vote, repeat."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER