It would appear that we in America have an obsession with food. We have cable channels devoted to food and cooking, food blogs everywhere, and restaurants on practically every corner. Dining out is the most common date, and meals represent a large part of social and family time. And of course, at parties, where does everyone gather? In the kitchen.

If food is a passion, or even a casual interest, check out the Minnesota Monthly Local Chef Challenge. This weekend is the final round at Mall of America’s Best Buy Rotunda. The event is 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. This is the third annual Chef Challenge and features 8 of the top Twin Cities chefs.

Stop by and see Vincent Francoual (Vincent), Judi Barsness (Chez Jude Restaurant & Wine Café), Erik Anderson (Sea Change), Michael DeCamp (La Belle Vie), J.D. Fratzke (The Strip Club), Kevin Kathman (Barbette), Scott Graden (New Scenic Café) and Jack Riebel (Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant) compete against one another.

Elimination heats happen on Saturday, then semi-finalists advance and will be pared down until only two remain to battle it out at The Rotunda on Sunday. The winner takes home $10,000. Judges inlcude Jason DeRusha (WCCO-TV), Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl (Minnesota Monthly) and Jason Ross (LeCordon Bleu).

For more, check out Minnesota Monthly’s Chef Challenge page.

Mall of America
60 E. Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-883-8800