Food lovers in the Coastal Bend will have a chance to experience a live culinary competition this fall as the inaugural Texas Food Championship makes its debut in Corpus Christi.
The three-day event is scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at Waters Edge Park and will bring together some of Texas’ top chefs to compete for coveted “Golden Tickets” that qualify winners for the prestigious World Food Championships.
Matt Lawson, one of the organizers behind the event, said the championship is more than just another cook-off.
“We’re the largest qualifier in the world to be able to send chefs from all over Texas to the World Food Championships,” Lawson said. “We’re the exclusive qualifier to send about 150 chefs to Worlds.”
According to organizers, about 95% of the competing chefs have already been selected, with participants traveling from across Texas. Several Coastal Bend chefs are also expected to compete.
The event will feature competitions in categories including:
Professional chef competitions
Youth division for ages 12-17
Lawson said the youth competition is especially impressive.
“We currently have the No. 1 and No. 2 youth chefs in the world right here in the Coastal Bend competing in this event.”
One chef hoping to earn another trip to the World Food Championships is Chef Jared Campbell, who has competed on the world stage three times. Campbell said the competition often comes down to fractions of a point. “Last year I was 0.25 points away from advancing,” Campbell said.
This year, he’ll compete in both the seafood and professional chef categories while using local Coastal Bend ingredients.
“I’m scouting seafood markets to bring some nice local seafood to the competition,” Campbell said. Campbell said having a World Food Championship qualifier in Texas is a major opportunity for chefs.
“To compete before, I had to go to Phoenix and Colorado. To have something this close where I can meet other Texas chefs is really awesome.”
The championship isn’t just for competitors.
Community members can attend the event, sample food from vendors and food trucks, enjoy live music, fireworks and family activities, and even register to become food judges.
“Anybody can sign up to judge,” Lawson said. “We’ll also have food trucks, kids’ bounce houses, farmers market vendors and live music from open to close.” Children ages 17 and younger will receive free admission, according to organizers.
Visit Corpus Christi officials believe the event could help showcase the city’s growing culinary reputation while boosting tourism.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the Texas Food Championship,” said America Segura with Visit Corpus Christi. “Already there are hundreds of chefs coming into town, and we’re hoping it also brings hundreds of leisure visitors.”
Segura said Corpus Christi’s food scene has continued gaining statewide recognition.
“A couple of years ago, InsideHook named Corpus Christi the most underrated food destination in Texas. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase that.” Organizers hope the inaugural championship becomes an annual tradition for Corpus Christi.
Lawson said volunteers and sponsors are still needed ahead of the event.
More information, including volunteer opportunities, tickets and registration, is available here.