The Avenue Viera will host the 5th annual top chef cook-off: Gastropalooza V on February 21.
This event showcases the art of gastronomy — selecting, preparing, serving, and enjoying fine food — set against the backdrop of a music festival, featuring the Cocoa Beach band Hot Pink. The evening will kick off at 5:30 p.m. in the central park area of The Avenue Viera, located at 2261 Town Center Avenue, Melbourne.
Two chefs will prepare three dishes for judgement—an appetizer, entrée, and dessert —much like an episode of a Food Network show. A panel of judges, including FLORIDA TODAY’s Food & Dining Reporter Amber Olesen, will evaluate the dishes and determine the winner of each round.
This year’s culinary showdown will feature defending champion Chef Adam Walkover from Gordon Food Service, facing off against challenger Chef Mike Price from 28 North.
More: New Italian restaurant coming soon to Satellite Beach
5th Gastropalooza: Chef showdown coming to Viera in February
Admission tickets are available for $100, providing exclusive access to the experience, unlimited food and beverage samples. Guests will witness the contest unfold live and on large screens, while Hot Pink performs between the cooking rounds. In previous years, spectators not holding tickets could watch, however this event is for ticketholders only.
More about the chefs
Defending champ Walkover is a graduate of the Florida Culinary Institute and has appeared on several television shows, showcasing his live cooking demonstrations. He currently helps restaurateurs create new dishes and keep up with global food trends, and when off the clock, spends time with his wife and three children.
Price, hoping to earn the title, said, “Time to bring the southern heat, Chef Adam!”
Price attended Keiser University for culinary arts and has worked in scratch kitchens and fine dining establishments, before joining 28 North. Price enjoys spending time with family, the great outdoors and fishing and cooking with game meats.
More: Explore these places to eat in Brevard
Proceeds from the event
Hosted by Chris Conneen, founder and owner of Viera’s 28 North Gastropub and Pizza Gallery and Grill, the event aims to raise more than $10,000 in support of three non-profit organizations.
The recipients are Hospitality Life and Giving Kitchen, providing assistance to service industry professionals through community resources and financial support, as well as The Children’s Hunger Project, which provides weekend meals and fights childhood hunger.
For tickets and more information, visit 28northgastropub.com.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 3 courses, 2 chefs, 1 winner. 5th annual Gastropalooza coming to Viera
