COUNTRY® Chef Challenge

A new Master of the Market reigns following the COUNTRY Chef Challenge Thursday, August 6 at Daley Plaza. 

Food fight

Three female chefs created tasty dishes for a fierce competition.

Chicago-native Jennifer Gavin  of Hell’s Kitchen: Season 4 won the Master of the Market title after serving up a grilled veggie sandwich, corn salad, and lemon pound cake with fresh berry puree. 

The first runner-up was executive chef of Atwood Café, Heather Terhune . The judges were sweet on Heather after tasting her goat cheese-filled French toast with blueberry compote, and a side of fruit. 

Radhika “Rad” Desai  of Top Chef: Season 5 came in third with a refreshing yet hearty cucumber and shitake mushroom sandwich and a side of mixed greens. 

Tough choices

Our panel of celebrity judges may have had a tough time picking a winner, but tasting the savory dishes was no chore!  Jackie Tranchida of MetroMix (CLTV)  returned for a third year, but traded in her microphone for a fork and a spot at the judge's table.  There was no chance of rain with Steve Baskerville of CBS 2 Chicago  on the panel of judges.  Instead, his taste buds forecasted a new Master of the Market.  Rob Gardner of The Local Beet  added his expertise in local cuisine and healthy eating to the menu.

Our Master of Ceremonies, WXRT personality and lifelong Chicagoan, Marty Lennartz , kept things spicy with his entertaining commentary and audience trivia. 

More good eats

Starving to see the live action?  Tune in to CBS 2 Chicago to see Radhika before the cook-off begins  and an interview with our Master of the Market, Jen . 

Stay tuned for exciting event photos  and recipes  from this year’s competition.

Be sure to check out live coverage and photos of the 2008 COUNTRY Chef Challenge.

2009 Photos

Ready, Set, Shop!  Hell's Kitchen contestant, Jennifer Gavin, had 30 minutes to search the Daley Plaza Farmers Market for the perfect peach. 

Chef Radhika Desai from Top Chef: Season 5 slices focaccia bread for her hearty shitake mushroom and cucumber sandwich.

 

Our celebrity judges carefully score each dish on taste, theme, adaptability, presentation, and creativity.

Congratulations to Jennifer Gavin (center) for clinching the 2009 Master of the Market title!  Joining her are Heather Terhune (right) and Radhika Desai (left).