Call for Chefs! Fire on the Rock heads to birthplace, winner to compete against Asheville champ

Blowing Rock chefs should begin sharpening their knives—and their culinary skills—as the “Got To Be N.C.” Competition Dining Series heads to its birthplace, Blowing Rock. The call for applications is now open for professional chefs who will battle one-on-one against each other and be pitted against the rival Asheville chefs in the Fire on the Rock series. Applications must be received via fax by February 22nd to be considered. Click here to download the Fire on the Rock Application.

Sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture, Southern Foods-Pate Dawson, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Swisher Hygiene and Certified Angus Beef, the “Got To Be N.C.” Competition Dining Series pits North Carolina’s top chefs in five regional Iron Chef-style competitions that culminate with the battle of the regional champions at the Final Fire event in November. In this unique experience, diners sample six gourmet dishes prepared by two competing chefs and vote after savoring each dish.

Fire on the Rock-Blowing Rock kicks off April 8 at the Meadowbrook Inn & Suites. Eight chefs from the area will battle during preliminary rounds April 8-11, followed by the semi-finals April 16-17, and the Fire on the Rock finalist determined on April 24. The Fire on the Rock-Asheville finalist, Adam Hayes from Red Stag Grill, will go head-to-head with the Fire on the Rock-Blowing Rock finalist in Blowing Rock on April 30. Chefs can enter the competition by visiting the website. Each regional winner receives the coveted “Red Chef Jacket,” and advances to the Final Fire series in November 2013 to vie for the 2013 championship title and a cash prize.

Throughout the 2013 season, an estimated 10,000 guests will be served gourmet meals prepared by 80 chefs at 79 different battles. Interested in attending? Consider buying tickets early—only available online at http://www.CompetitionDining.com—as nearly every battle in the 2012 season sold out.

For more information, visit the “Got To Be N.C.” Competition Dining Series Facebook page, YouTube channel or Twitter feed.