Event

Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City

The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) is hosting the 4th Annual Top Chef:Downtown presented by Hills Bank and Trust Company and US Foods. Top Chef:Downtown will return Monday, March 31st at hotelVetro from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m. This highly anticipated event showcases the culinary creativity and artistic cocktails of our Downtown District restaurants. Attendance is limited!

Participating Chefs will face off and compete to wow both judges and guests with one signature dish from their restaurant in the entree and dessert categories. Bartenders from Downtown District bars and restaurants will compete for the title of Top Mixologist by serving their most creative cocktail. Showcasing their local Iowa brews will be a number of breweries, wineries and distillery.

Fifteen downtown restaurants will showcase their dishes and desserts, while guests and judges will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorites.

Participants will be put through their paces in impromptu interviews with the judging panel and assessed not only on their dish recipe, but also on their presentation and technique. The 2014 judges panel includes celebrated chefs: Chad Cushman of Davenport, Iowa largely known for his artisan creperie, Chef Andy Schumacher of Cobble Hill restaurant in Cedar Rapids, IA and Chef David Baruthio of Baru 66 restaurant in Des Moines, IA.

Top Chef:Downtown isn't just for food lovers. Seven of the best mixologists from around the downtown will create specialty cocktails from their restaurant menus using liquors found at John's Grocery. Mixologists will compete for the title of People's Choice for Top Mixologist.

Awards will be presented to the winners at the completion of the event in the following categories:
Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City
Top Dessert Chef: Downtown Iowa City
Top Chef: People's Choice
Top Dessert Chef: People's Choice
Top Mixologist: People's Choice