Do you know an amazing chef who doesn't get the attention they deserve? Or are you a chef who's looking for an outlet to exercise your culinary creativity?
You should apply to participate in this year's Battle of the Chefs MKE!
Founded by Samantha Starr Events in 2016, Battle of the Chefs MKE is a friendly competition that engages local chefs in creating over-the-top, delicious dishes that showcase their creativity while supporting a great cause.
This year’s Battle of the Chefs MKE is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, and will take place at the Milwaukee Athletic Club, 758 N. Broadway, from 3 to 7 p.m.
The theme of the competition is “Fast Food Reimagined,” and it offers local culinary professionals the opportunity to think outside the box and create delicious dishes inspired by indulgent, nostalgic fast food favorites. You’ll have the opportunity to take your favorite “guilty” pleasures, flip them, dip them and level them ALL the way up.
The Battle will feature 12 total contestants across four categories (Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert, Mixology) with a mix of established, new, and underground talent. Everyone is judged the same, no matter their experience level!
But, the Battle of the Chefs is more than a competition. It’s an exclusive platform that puts you at the forefront of a curated audience of media, corporate partners and food lovers. It allows you to network with other creative culinary professionals (from established chefs to rising stars), show off your talents to an entirely new audience and contribute to an event that directly supports the dreams of aspiring culinary students.
Interested in participating? Additional information and the application form are available online.
The application deadline for chefs is Wednesday, June 25 (or as soon as all spots are filled).
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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