The ninth-annual Iron Caterer Throwdown — a local, "Chopped"- style cooking competition presented by Social Latitude— is back on Thursday, Aug. 7, at Events at Judson Mill.

Using three secret ingredients, four local chefs face off and create three dishes. This year, the ingredient clues are "sour, Asian, and a great topping." They only have 20 minutes to concoct their culinary creations. Did we mention they're doing this live in front of you?

Each of the chefs have the chance to win one of these awards, chosen by you:

Best Presentation
Most Creative
Best Taste
Most Entertaining

Bonus: The judges give out special awards, too.

The chef with the highest overall score will be named the Iron Caterer 2025.

The competition was smoking. | Photo by FamZing Photography

Who's competing?

Chefs Bailey + Bryan of CHEF360 Catering
Chef Claudia Amézquita of Modelo Private Dining
Chef Adam Morris of Ink'd Chef
Chef Aquila Moné of The Tasti Plate

Who's judging?

Sam Slaughter — Author of "Are You Afraid of the Dark Rum?: and Other Cocktails for '90s Kids"
Jonathan Smiley — Chef at Embassy Suites (and last year's champ)
Vicki Zambrano — Owner of Curean
Chef T — "Hell's Kitchen" contestant on seasons 14 + 18

There's no party like an ICT party. | Photo by FamZing Photography

What comes with my ticket?

Tickets are on sale now and include tastings of all 12 dishes, complimentary spirit pairings, and voting rights.

Each year, organizers choose a local non-profit to give a portion of ticket sales + silent auction proceeds to, and this year, they've chosen Loaves and Fishes, which distributes food to those in need.