Foodie Throwdown returns Saturday

Published 10:11 am Thursday, March 20, 2014

Kristine Merten checks on her Kulua Pork Purses last year during the Foodie Throwdown at the Hormel Historic Home. Merten and Elizabeth Diser won last year’s Foodie Throwdown. Herald file photo

Kristine Merten checks on her Kulua Pork Purses last year during the Foodie Throwdown at the Hormel Historic Home. Merten and Elizabeth Diser won last year’s Foodie Throwdown. Herald file photo

Some of Austin’s top chefs are about to throw down.

Six sets of chefs will compete in the third annual Foodie Throwdown from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Hormel Historic Home. Organizers say the event could be bigger than ever.

“I think the buzz has certainly picked up,” said HHH Executive Director Holly Johnson. “We’ve had well over 100 people each year. The talk has really been great. The chefs are having no problem selling tickets.”

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Johnson is hoping to nearly double last year’s attendance.

“As it’s turning out, I think we’ll be pretty close to 150 people,” she said.

This year’s theme is spirits. Each chef will work spirits into their main dishes, and people will vote on both desserts and main dishes.

With six sets of chefs putting their skills to the test, this year’s competition could be tougher than ever.

Last year’s winning team of Kristine Merten and Elizabeth Diser will return, as will 2012 winner Jane Arhart, who will be helped by Diane Baker. Those teams will compete against Neal Hull and his daughter, Berghyn; Gareth Hataye and Alan Rasell; Wade Kolander; and Josh Diaz.

Tickets for the Foodie Throwdown are $30. As of Thursday morning there were only 14 tickets remaining. For more information call 507-433-4243 or visit www.hormelhistorichome.org.