Chef Knockout Posts Winners

The 2nd Annual Chef Knockout took place Sunday, June 28 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, put on by local media star Albuquerque the Magazine. More than eight area restaurants competed for titles in four categories, with over 40 area restaurants participating in the event. Bout-goers were offered food tastings and the chance to vote for their favorites in each category.

Event categories included Top Caterer and Salsa Showdown. The Guac-a-Media bout featured local media celebrities like Shelly Ribando whipping up their favorite guacamole recipes. Proceeds for the Chef Knockout went to benefit The Storehouse, New Mexico’s largest food pantry.

And the winners are:
Bout One: Tucano’s Brazilian Grill won against The Grove.
Bout 2: McGrath’s Bar and Grill beat Bien Shur, and a surprise judge was Mayor Marty Chavez.
Bout 3: The Corn Maiden won against the Flying Star. The secret ingredient? Peanut butter.
Bout 4: Nob Hill Bar and Grill won against Savoy.
The Best Overall Dish went to Tucano’s Brazilian Grill. Winner of the Top Caterer Event was Dawn Sanchez Creations. And El Pinto won the Salsa Showdown. Q Bar won the People’s Choice Award. And longtime media favorite Mike Roberts won Guacamedia. I'd love to taste that recipe, Mike.

The event was a success in the Iron Chef tradition. Here's hoping the Knockout raised lots of money for the Storehouse. I propose a toast to Albuquerque the Magazine for putting it on. This event is a keeper!

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