Cookin’ Up A Powderhorn Storm

For the first year ever, the Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show will feature cooks of all skill levels on Oct. 19.

Whether you own your own restaurant, you’re a novice in your kitchen at home, or the closest thing to “culinary” you know is takeout, the Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show will be your opportunity to show off and sharpen your skills in the kitchen.

“The Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show is the first annual, fun, and fresh culinary competition for experienced and junior chefs with varying degrees of culinary genius,” says Tabitha Montgomery, Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association executive director.

Just over two-dozen culinary finalists will compete Saturday, Oct. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. in Powderhorn Park in South Minneapolis. Each finalists will compose and sell one food or beverage item to the public and be juried by a renowned lineup of jurors, including Kim Bartmann, Chef John Kraus, Marla Jadoonanan, Chef Nathan Sartain, and Sue Zelickson.

“The cool thing about this event is that there’s only one competition for everybody. All finalists are encouraged to let their backgrounds, experience, culinary style, age, and food influences drive what they put on the plate. Four award winners will be decided by jurors; Best of Show, Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention,” Montgomery says.

Powderhorn Park is a sweet spot in South Minneapolis. Known for its eclectic residents and various home, garden, and art shows throughout each year, the Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show is already fitting right in.

“As the neighborhood association for the most vibrant, eclectic, warm, and diverse neighborhood in Minneapolis, PPNA has a long and storied history of using arts to build connections and showcase the community,” says Montgomery.

Not going to be competing? No problem! The Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show truly has something for everyone’s palate. With live music, a beer garden hosted by Finnegan’s Brew Co., several pop-up shop experiences scattered around the park, a pumpkin patch pop-up—just in time for Halloween—and a holiday bazaar with local gifts and goodies, the Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show showcases more than just the masters of the kitchen.

Not only do attendees have tasty food, drinks, and endless fun to look forward to, but they also get to leave the event knowing that they are making a difference in an iconic Minneapolis neighborhood. “Proceeds from the event will help PPNA amplify our advocacy work calling for advancements in livability and safety resources, equitable development, and housing equity,” Montgomery says.

If you applied to compete in this year’s Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show but didn’t make it to the finals, Montgomery says not to worry. Before the inaugural cook-off has even taken place, PPNA is already planning for next year’s event, she explains.

“Finalists have been selected for this year’s event… but culinary geniuses reading this should plan to apply next year. The Best of Show culinary artist will receive an estimated $5,000 in promotional exposure, fee waivers for next year’s competition, and a full twelve months of bragging rights!”

The application fee is $35 for professional culinary artists and $10 for junior culinary artists, and the booth fee is $350 for professional culinary artists and $100 for junior culinary artists. Minneapolis licensing fees can vary.

For more information about the Powderhorn Culinary Arts Show, visit www.ppna.org/pcasjury.