Hundreds of epicurean Chicagoans gathered at Beauty Bar over the weekend for the second annual Vegan Chef Showdown, cosponsored by Mercy For Animals and Upton’s Naturals.
Eight chefs from Chicago battled it out for the coveted title “Best Vegan Chef” with dishes featuring Upton’s savory seitan. A panel of judges and hungry attendees ultimately awarded Andrea Cataldo of Andrea’s Alternative Cuisine – who made scrumptious Chinese dumplings in lemongrass broth with cabbage slaw and lotus root chips – the grand prize of a week-long vacation at White Pines Lodge in Hayward, Wisconsin.
In addition to tasty samples of contest entries, such as maple-marinated seitan, enchilada pizza, and baked mac and cheese, attendees were also treated to mouthwatering appetizers and desserts provided by Chicago Vegan Foods and Upton’s Naturals. Many people took home raffle prizes from The Chicago Diner, Vega, Herbivore, and Ethically Engineered.
The second annual Chicago Vegan Chef Showdown was a huge success, highlighting local chefs’ talents, promoting delectable vegan cuisine, and raising vital funds for MFA’s lifesaving efforts to expose and end cruelty to farmed animals.
Visit ChooseVeg.com for hundreds of delicious vegan recipes and tips on compassionate living.
