2019 Vero’s Top Chef Challenge Preliminary Competition

Eight top local chefs came together on Monday, March 4th at Bent Pine Golf Club to compete in the Hope for Families Center 2019 Vero’s Top Chef preliminary competition. The event was attended by over 170 guests eager to taste and vote for their favorite dishes. Three “official” judges were sequestered in a back room and had to taste and critique all the dishes presented. They voted on the overall presentation, taste, and chef skill level of the chef. The three judges were “The Food Guy” of Vero Beach Foodie, Stacy Cook of Vero Vine, and Chef Jeff Mathers.

The Top Four Chefs from the competition that are moving on to the finale are Chef Eddie Hunter of Cuisine Machine, Chef Alfredo Arce from The Wave Kitchen & Bar @ Costa d’Este from Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Chef Travis Beckett from Wild Thyme Catering, and Chef Chuck Arnold from Fire and Wine! A truly star-studded finale that you do not want to miss! To purchase tickets to the finale, please visit https://www.hopeforfamiliescenter.org/events/


Slow Braised Brisket with Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potato, Guava Demi-Glaze, Radish Micro Greens by Chef Eddie Hunter


Old Florida Style Ceviche – Bay Scallops, Black Gulf Grouper, Local citrus, Garden Vegetables
Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club

Slow Roasted Southern BBQ, Duck Hominy Grits, Cracklin Corn Bread, Pickled Green Tomato by Chef Leanne Kelleher of The Tides of Vero

Sliced Waygu Sirloin, Roasted Red Pepper Hash, Bernaise by Chef Jason Alfonso of 121 Tapas on the Water

Pan Seared Scallop, Bacon & Tomato Jam, Pork Belly, Sweet Potato Puree, Micro Arugula by Chef Alfredo Arce of The Wave Kitchen & Bar @ Costa d’Este

Chicken Oscar, House MacBooha Sauce, Pepper Jam by Chef Mike Wood of Wood N Spoon 

Herb Marinated Lamb Chop with Blackberry Coulis by Chef Travis Beckett of Wild Thyme Catering

Crispy Waffle, House Smoked Steelhead Trout, Collard Green Butter, and Siracha Syrup by ChefChuck Arnold of Fire and Wine
Nikki Kalin
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