Top Chef: Downtown slated for March 28

The Downtown Iowa City Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) is holding the 2nd Annual Top Chef: Downtown on Wednesday March 28th at hotelVetro from 5:00 – 7:00p. Top Chef: Downtown showcases the culinary creativity and artistic cocktails of our downtown chefs and bartenders. Tickets for the event are $25 and are available by calling 354-0863 or emailing info@downtowniowacity.com.

Chefs will face off and compete to wow both judges and guests with one signature dish from their restaurant. Chefs prepare sample-size portions of their dish for all those in attendance as well as six presentation plates for the panel of judges tasked with crowning the 2012 Top Chef.

Bartenders from Downtown bars and restaurants will compete for the title of Top Bartender by serving their most creative cocktail. Bartenders will serve 2 oz. sample portions of their favorite high-class drink.

A People's Choice award, voted on by all guests in attendance, will be presented to one chef and one bartender. At the conclusion of the event there will be a brief presentation to award the winner. David Wiesenek, owner of The Motley Cow Café, won the 2011 Top Chef title with a house-cured, Grass Run Farm pastrami on pumpernickel pear mostardo.

Space for this event is limited! Representatives from downtown restaurants who would like to enter into the competition may contact Stephanie Nelson at Stephanie@downtowniowacity.com or at 847.894.8027.