The Westport Farmers’ Market is 12 years old — and wildly popular.
Every Thursday from May through November throngs fill the Imperial Avenue parking lot, on a hunt for fresh produce, meat and fish, baked goods, even pizza, tacos and dog food.
But the Market always looks to add spice to its spices, herbs and more.
So — even though the Westport Farmers’ Market is a community celebration, not a competition — they’re introducing a Chef of the Market contest.
The brainchild of board member — and no-slouch-himself chef Bill Taibe — works like this.
On the 3rd Thursday of each month, 3 chefs go head-to-head-to-head.
At 10 a.m., they get $20. They have 45 minutes to shop for ingredients, cook, and present their appetizer-size dish to the judges. PS: Electricity is not allowed.
In keeping with the fun theme, judges are randomly selected from any shopper who wants to participate.
In 2015, chefs prepared a recipe at the Westport Farmers’ Market. This year, they’ll compete against others. (Photo/Oliver Parini)
The first round runs through August. The winner of each group moves on to the semifinals, the 3rd Thursday in September.
Finals are set for “Fork it Over,” the Westport Farmers’ Market annual October fundraiser.
All chefs donate one $50 gift certificate from their restaurant. The winner gets every gift card — so he can enjoy his competitors’ meals yet not pay for them — along with other prizes.
The early chefs — particularly those tomorrow — have it tough. They can’t choose from flavorful snap peas, strawberries or squash. However, Taibe is sure they’ll do imaginative, tasty things with this month’s bounty, like radishes and kale.
Fresh produce is one of the Westport Farmer’s Market’s most popular attractions. Chefs competing in this year’s competition know exactly how to prepare it. But can they shop for it — and finish their dish — in just 45 minutes?
All 12 chefs gathered at the Market last week, to pick their dates out of a hat.
There was already smack talk — including between the chefs at Taibe’s own Whelk, Kawa Ni and Jesup Hall, all of whom are competing. Other Westport chefs represent The Cottage, OKO, Match Lobster Burger and Amis.
There’s chatter on social media too.
Starting Thursday, the rest of us can see where it all leads.
Let the Chef of the Market games begin!
Chef competitors include: May 24, Geoff Lazlo, Ben Freemole, Christian Wilki; (June 21) Matt Storch, Jeff Taibe, Adam Roytman; (July 19), Jonas/Brad, Anthony Kostelis, Anthony Rinaldi; (August 16) Nick Martschenko, Dan Sabia, Carlos Baez.