The culinary scene in Tampa Bay is booming, and local chefs are getting national recognition. So, why not put them head-to-head?
St. Petersburg Italian spot IL Ritorno is doing just that in its upcoming “Midnight Chef Fight” series.
Inspired by the hit Esquire Network show, Knife Fight, IL Ritorno will invite the public to watch the competitive series live and donate proceeds to local charities.
“This series has been a dream of ours for a while,” said IL Ritorno’s owner David Benstock in a recent statement. “We love any chance to collaborate and bring chefs in the area together to offer a new experience for our guests. But more than that, we wanted to give back to our community and do some good.”
Two battles will be held in which each competing chef must prepare two dishes in one hour and include at least one of two secret ingredients they select beforehand. The dishes will be judged by other local chefs on creativity, execution, and plating.
Local chefs who have been tapped to be judges for the fights are Chris Fernandez of Red Mesa Group, David Benstock, Jason Ruhe of Brick & Mortar, The Reading Room’s Lauren Macellaro, Michael Buttacavoli of Cena, Chad Johnson of Haven and Ferrell Alvarez of Rooster & The Till.
The first battle is on Saturday, May 4, at 11 p.m., and the battle between chefs will kick off at midnight. Tickets are $20 and include passed appetizers. A cash bar will also be available, because, what is a fight without booze?
Proceeds for the first battle will go to the St. Pete Free Clinic.
The first two competitors going head are Cena’s Executive Chef Michael Buttacavoli and the house team’s David Benstock.
The event will be emceed by Tampa chef and TV personality Jeff Philbin, who’s widely known for his time as a contestant on Fox Network’s MasterChef.
The second fight is slated for June 8, between Chris Fernandez and Haven’s Chef de Cuisine, Courtney Orwig.
Serious bragging rights are in store for the winner. Let’s watch Tampa Bay’s finest duke it out.
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