Competitions

It’s our own live version of the popular television culinary battles!

The Wisconsin Restaurant Expo offers a ringside seat at many exciting culinary competitions. Watch as the region’s top talent prepares award winning culinary creations in high-pressure, high-stakes battles that take place right before your eyes!

Interested in testing your skills in these competitions? Visit the Compete section for more information on all competitions or click on the icon at left to be directed to the specific competition page.

			Wisconsin's ACF Culinary Challenge - Contemporary Competition Monday, March 9 Chefs create signature dishes with their own ingredients. The catch? Each chef has one hour to complete their dish and no advanced prep or cooking is allowed! It’s a faced paced, unique competition that yields unique, extravagant dishes.
			Wisconsin's ACF Culinary Challenge - Cold Food Competition Tuesday, March 10 It’s all about appearances in this competition. See chefs prepare beautifully designed appetizers, entrees and desserts that are presented on platters and mirrors and coated in a preserving aspic glaze. These creations are judged solely on presentation, craftsmanship and artistry. It’s a feast for the eyes!
			Wisconsin's ACF Culinary Challenge - Mystery Basket Competition Tuesday, March 10 - Wednesday, March 11 Always a crowd favorite! The competition features teams of chefs racing the clock to prepare a four-course meal with ingredients that are kept secret until the competition begins. Experience the element of surprise!
			ProStart® Invitational - Culinary Competition Tuesday, March 10 With one hour to prepare a three course meal, teams of four are judged on knife skills, team work, sanitation, menu presentation, and taste. Watch as competitors exhibit their talent, creativity and ambition in an attempt to win scholarship dollars and a trip to the national competition.
			ProStart® Invitational - Management Competition Tuesday, March 10 Teams of competitors demonstrate their knowledge of foodservice management in three events: the Case Study event, the Quiz Bowl, and a fill-in the blank test. Watch as they battle for first place and a trip to the National ProStart® Competition!
			College Culinary Arts - Hot Food Contemporary Competition Wednesday, March 11 Teams of four will develop and prepare 2 four-course meals that incorporate veal and beef into the menu. The competition will test the competitor's skills in taste and presentation. It's show floor excitement you won't want to miss!
			College Culinary Arts - Cold Plate Competition Wednesday, March 11 Competitors show off their skills creating superbly plated meals and beautifully designed veal or beef entrees. The aspic-glazed plates are judged on appearance, presentation, and creativity.

Culinary Play-by-Play
The busy American Culinary Federation competition kitchens offer extra excitement all three days of the Expo. These professional competitions include a Culinary Play-by-Play that provides a front row seat to the action. Watch the pros work up-close on big screen TV's and listen to the entertaining expert commentary. You’ll take home new prep styles, menu ideas and techniques from the best and brightest chefs.