The Ultimate Chef Market Challenge promises to be a cooking competition like those seen nationally. Local personalities D’andrea Lawson and Dr. Vivian Ray will each lead a team of five chefs.

The competitors will come from all backgrounds, home cooks, line cooks and even chefs with their own catering companies.

Help from Eric Bowen, the farmers’ market manager, will give competitors a chance to show off their skills in using fresh local farm products.

After being selected during qualifying rounds held at the Salisbury Farmers’ Market, the competitors will face off in a filmed challenge in Livingstone College’s new teaching kitchen.

These knockout rounds will take place every so often over the course of the fall. As competitors are eliminated, prizes will also be on the line, including a job with Chef D’andrea Lawson’s company, Divine Appetit. Celebrity judges will help select winners from each round.

There are still open slots for the qualifying rounds of the competition this weekend at the market. Contact info@breadriot.org to get a spot at this weekend’s qualifying round.

Send an e-mail letting them know whether you’re available for rounds at 9, 10 or 11 a.m. There’s no charge to compete but you may want to bring some cash to supplement the items provided with other items from the farmers’ market.

• Presentation matters.

• Three items from the market must be highlighted. For example, if zucchini is a main ingredient, don’t use it as a garnish.

• Everything must be prepared at the contest. Nothing pre-made at home can be used.

• Any condiments must be brought unopened for food safety.

• Know and pratice safe food handling.

• For food safety, all food must be stored at the appropriate temperature.

• All dishes must be presented to the judges on time.

• Interaction with the public is encouraged.

Supplies provided include hot plates, skillets, microwave, serving platter, cutting board, cooking gloves, veggie washing station, salt, pepper, cooking oil, basic spices, paring knives, spoons and tongs.

You may bring: knives, spices, oil, unopened pantry items, pots and pans (must be brought to the Extension Office on Thursday or Friday to be washed and sanitized.)

You may bring up to two ingredients, such as soy sauce or a special spice, to the market, but they must be unopened, in original packaging.

Each winner must continue to the next round.

You need to supply your name, address, phone number, email and a brief bio.

Heats will be at the Salisbury-Rowan Farmers’ Market at 270 W. Fisher St.

For more information call Shawn at 704-640-6263 or Eric at 980-643-8863.

A complete application must be turned in by  5 p.m. Thursday. Email to info@breadriot.org with your preferred entry time.

http://www.salisburypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2016/08/Market-Chef-Application-Packet.pdf