Local Food Throwdown
October 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
2026 Local Food Throwdown
Date & Time: Monday, October 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Pearl Event Center, Downtown Fort Wayne
Tickets: $150 per person (Includes 1 drink ticket & free adjacent parking)
Purchase Tickets Here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/local-food-throwdown–2026
About the Event
Get ready for an unforgettable 3-course culinary competition celebrating the very best of Northeast Indiana’s local food system! The 2026 Local Food Throwdown brings together nine of the region’s finest chefs to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farms.
Guests will mingle with the chefs, sample all nine culinary creations, and cast their votes to crown the Local Food Champion for each round!
The Culinary Lineup & 3-Course Competition
Each guest will enjoy three appetizers, three entrées, and three desserts prepared by our competing chefs:
The Appetizer Round: Andrew Brazis (Basted), Kyle Barva (Rune Restaurant), and Kyle Mares (Amore Italian Steak Seafood)
The Entrée Round: Alex Romines-Ditton (Copper Spoon), Dawn Folsom (Hawt Mess Express), and Tony West (The Oyster Bar)
The Dessert Round: Jennifer Esterline (E-Brewing Company), Jim Huffman (Walnut Hill Catering & Events), and Mary Brames (Kanela)
Dietary Accommodations: Every course features dedicated plant-based and gluten-free options so every guest can enjoy the full tasting experience. Please indicate your dietary preferences when purchasing tickets!
Drinks & Refreshments
Enjoy access to a full-service bar featuring signature cocktails and mocktails made with local ingredients. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink, with additional drinks available for purchase.
Your Impact
All ticket sales directly support the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network’s mission—funding local food hub development, Farm to School initiatives, healthy food access programs, and vital capacity building needed to sustain our nonprofit’s work.
Questions or Sponsorship Inquiries? Contact Karen Petersen, Executive Director, at karen@neifood.org or (919) 291-1421.