For the 3rd year in a row nine of Dayton’s best upcoming Chefs competed in a chopped inspired cook-off as part of The Dayton Home and Outdoor Living Show a the Dayton Convention Center. In the Chef Showdown contestants were given a mystery bag with 4 ingredients, the use of the Whole Foods Pantry and 20 minutes to cook an appetizer to present to the judges panel. They were also given the option to bring a special ingredient of their own to add to the fun. Also on hand to assist with the event, two students from the Ponitz CareerTechnology Center Prostart Culinary Program, Chris and Jasmine, pictured here in the red shirts.

In the 11am round from left to right Chef Aaron Braun from Wheat Penny, first time competitor Chef Jansen Trotman of Lily’s Bistro and Chef Aimee Plesa from Bargo’s were faced with a mystery bag that included: Shell on White Shrimp, Cream of Mushroom, Canned Jack Fruit and Preserve Lemons.

Left to right dishes from:

Aimee Plesa
Secret Ingredient: Warped Wing Beer

Jansen Trotman- secret ingredient n/a

Aaron Braun
Secret Ingredient: Asian BBQ Sauce

Judging Round One- The Big Rabu, Steve Milano, Ann Roberts and Laura Rea who chose to advance to the finals from Round One- Aaron Braun!

In Round 2 Chef Mariah Gahagen from Wheat Penny, defending Champion Maria Walusis from Watermark and newcomer to the Showdown, Chef Timothy Skiber from the UD Marriott’s Dewberry 1850 had the challenge to create a dish with Andouille Sausage, Vanilla Wafers, Bitter melon and Maple syrup.

Pictured here left to right:

Tim Skiber’s dish using a special ingredient lent to him by Chef Maira -bourbon

Chef Maria’s taco’s
special ingredient: spicy pepper jelly

Chef Mariah’s deconstructed gumbo with her special ingredient

Judging this round, Chef Aaron Watson, the new executive chef at the convention Center and foodies Kevin Rankin and Ann Roberts. Moving forward to the finals from Round 2 – Chef Maria Walusis

In round three Chef Jon Mezera from Table 33, Chef Rae Rosbough from Trolley Stop and Chef Crystal Coppock from Wheat Penny opened their bags to find Pork Belly, Blue Berry Granola, Frozen Kale and Rose Water.

Pictured left to right:

Jon Mezera’s eggroll made with his special ingredient black garlic

Rae’s special ingredient were Indian spices

Crystal’s soup made with her special ingredient- Anchovy butter

Round 3 was judged by foodies Ann Roberts, Laura Rea and Kevin Rankin and all 3 judges felt this was the toughest round of the day, but after much deliberation they selected Chef Crystal Coppock to advance to Sunday’s finals.

Sunday’s 1pm final round includes the very same 3 chefs that competed in the finals last year, Braun, Coppock and Walusis. We can’t wait to see who will prevail and walk away with $500 cash and bragging rights for the next year. Tickets to attend the Home and Outdoor Living Show are $10, come on by and cheer on your favorite chef! The Chef Showdown is produced by Planned2Give.

Pictured below, the 2017 Chef Showdown Finals.