The Chicago Vegan Chef Showdown

Top vegan chefs from around the city will compete in the first ever Chicago Vegan Chef Showdown to win the coveted title of "Best Vegan Chef", while raising charitable funds for farmed animal protection.

The contest will be held Saturday July 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Funky Buddha Lounge at 728 West Grand Ave. The all ages event is open to the public. There is no admission fee, but there is a $1 suggested donation for each sample. Funds raised will go to benefit Mercy for Animals, a Chicago based animal advocacy organization.

The event is being organized by Upton's Naturals, a locally based producer of all natural foods specializing in vegan/vegetarian meat alternatives. Twenty individual chefs, or teams of chefs (three people maximum per team) will face off for the Best Vegan Chef title.

Each chef, or team, will be expected to create a dish using Upton’s Naturals seitan. The winner will be determined by the people's choice: whichever chef or team sells the most samples, wins. The top three chefs will also win products from Chicago’s favorite vegan-friendly restaurants and businesses.

There is a $25 entry fee per chef or team of chefs, and entry to the competition closes July 7. Each chef or team will be provided with complimentary Upton's Naturals seitan, but must provide the other ingredients and methods to keep their food warm or cold.  For more information or to enter to compete, email nicole@UptonsNaturals.com.

-photo credit: Upton's Naturals