There’s been a battle of epic proportions simmering in San Diego! Over the last three weeks, we’ve heated up kitchens across San Diego as local foodies participated in our first ever Whole Foods Market Clash of the Cooks competition.
How did this cook-tastic challenge begin? From Nov. 12 – 25, 2012, local food enthusiasts were invited to their favorite Whole Foods Market San Diego store every week to grab a “secret” basket and get to work unleashing their inner top chef. Each week participants took photos of their creations, and then blogged, posted, tweeted or pinned their entry to the top.
On Monday the three top chefs were announced who will compete in a live showdown on Saturday, Dec. 8 from noon – 2 p.m. at Whole Foods Market’s Encinitas store (687 South Coast Highway 101). The following finalists will be getting their creative juices flowing this weekend:
Chrissy Morris of My Little Yellow Kitchen
Morris currently works at the UCSD School of Medicine and co-blogs with her best friend, Lauren, sharing their spin on cheap and healthy meals. Morris earned her spot in the competition with her tasty cauliflower, cranberry and smoked gouda gratin recipe.
Alexis Ward of Vivagood
Ward is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for food, art and design. Her harvest pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted poblanos and pancetta, wowed judges with a twist on a new holiday dish!
Harold Hamernik
A rising at home chef, Harold Hamernik – also known as Mr. Deals and Steals – was featured on San Diego Deals and Steals with his spicy gouda and cranberry-stuffed chicken over linguine recipe and plans on adding his dash of originality to the final cook-off!
The winners of this heated event will take home the following prizes up for grabs:
- First place will receive a Whole Foods Market Pantry Makeover, a Vitamix blender and dinner for two at Solace (prize valued at $700)
- Second place will win dinner for six catered by Whole Foods Market (prize valued at $200)
- Third place will receive a holiday meal for six (valued at $130)
We hope to see you this weekend for some heated competition!
Clash of the Cooks - Final Battle
Date: Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Location: Whole Foods Market’s Encinitas store - 687 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
This blog post was written by Maria Mugica, Whole Foods Market Marketing Field Associate, Orange County and San Diego
