Six sets of chefs are in the right spirits to throw down for the prizes of Austin’s top meal and dessert.

Buzz is building for the third annual Foodie Throwdown, from 6 to 9 p.m. March 22 at the Hormel Historic Home. Organizers say the event could be bigger than ever.

This year’s theme is spirits. Each chef will work spirits into their dishes. This year, 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, especially with the inclusion of two past winners.

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.

“I think the buzz has certainly picked up,” said Hormel Historic Home Executive Director Holly Johnson. Once again the HHH will be host of the Foodie Throwdown. “We’ve had well over 100 people each year. The talk has really been great. The chefs are having no problem selling tickets.”

In previous years, the event has competed with the Austin Packers boys basketball team and the Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament. Thanks to a decision to move this year’s contest back and the tournament itself moving weekends, things have opened up for the event.

Johnson is hoping to nearly double the previous year’s attendance.

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

Revolving around food, it’s hard not to draw people’s interests, but the idea of interesting foods and watching how dishes are made is part of a national trend, boosted by things like the Food Network.

“I think people are looking to try new things,” Johnson said. “I think [people] see cooking as a hobby.”

The chefs themselves are taking the Foodie Throwdown and running.

“They are being creative,” Johnson said. “The things they are telling me about are just so creative.”

There will also be live music from JT Thompson from Rochester. Money raised go to support the HHH.

Tickets for the event are $30 and can be purchased from the chefs and from the HHH. For more information call 507-433-4243 or visit www.hormelhistorichome.org.