Top Chefs Compete at Local Food Throwdown!
Join the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network for the
Local Food Throwdown
Monday, October 5, 2026
5:00-9:00pm
The Pearl Event Center
Great Food for the Greater Good
Don’t miss this fun & delicious fundraiser to strengthen local food in Northeast Indiana
The Local Food Throwdown celebrates the best and freshest ingredients from Northeast Indiana farms and the talented individuals who produce and serve them - all while raising critical funds for Northeast Indiana Local Food Network programs and initiatives.
Come enjoy locally-sourced Appetizers, Entrees & Desserts prepared by Nine of Northeast Indiana's finest chefs and vote on your favorites in this friendly competition.
Tickets are $150 per person. Gather eight friends and request to sit together to enjoy this fun & delicious event!
Can’t make it to the Local Food Throwdown? You can still make a difference. By making a donation to the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network, or bidding on items in our silent auction coming soon, you’ll support our programs like Local Food Week, Farm to School, and our online Local Food Guide.
Amazing Local Food
Winning Chefs at 2025 Local Food Throwdown
During the Local Food Throwdown, guests mingle with chefs to learn about their culinary creations each made with local ingredients, and about the local farms that produce them. Each guest will enjoy 3 appetizers, 3 entreés and 3 desserts prepared and served by the Nine Chefs competing in the Throwdown.
Our 2026 Local Food Throwdown Chefs
The Appetizer Round: Opening the evening with creative, flavor-packed starters:
The Entrée Round: Delivering bold, centerpiece dishes starring local proteins and harvest vegetables:
Alex Romines-Ditton | Copper Spoon
Dawn Folsom | Hawt Mess Express
Tony West | The Oyster Bar
The Dessert Round: Finishing the night on a sweet note with elevated local treats:
Jennifer Esterline | E-Brewing Company
Jim Huffman | Walnut Hill Catering
Mary Brames | Kanela
Local Food Throwdown tickets include one drink ticket for a full service bar featuring special cocktails, mocktails, wines, meads, ciders and beers made with local ingredients.
What Are They Cooking?
We are keeping their secret recipes and dish ideas under wraps for just a little longer! However, you can expect creative uses of local proteins, farm-fresh dairy, seasonal produce, native grains, and sweet local honeys.
Dietary Accommodations: Every course features delicious plant based and gluten free options so all guests can enjoy the full tasting experience. Simply indicate your preference when purchasing your tickets!
Best of all? You get to be the judge. Guests will sample all nine creations and cast their votes to crown each course's Local Food Champion!
Great Food for the Greater Good
The Local Food Throwdown raises crucial funds for the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network to help grow and connect our local food economy for farmers, families, food entrepreneurs, schools, and restaurants.
Your support helps us build a thriving Northeast Indiana food system where fresh, local food is at the heart of the community, readily obtainable by all, and where farmers are empowered by a strong regional food economy.
We believe that through innovation and collaboration, we can develop a resilient food system that regenerates the land, fosters connection, and ensures a healthier future for generations of Northeast Indiana families to come..
Our Local Food for All Fund was created to help make fresh, local food more obtainable for all. Donations to this fund directly support initiatives that reduce food insecurity and build a stronger regional food economy for farmers and families across Northeast Indiana. Click here to donate.
Please note: the donation section within Zeffy, our partner non-profit payment platform, is OPTIONAL and can be set to $0
Local Food Throwdown Sponsors
The Northeast Indiana Local Food Network is deeply grateful for the generous support of our Local Food Throwdown Sponsors: Galecki Financial Management and 3Rivers Federal Credit Union. Their sponsorship supports the beautiful venue and local ingredients that make this unique & delicious multi-chef event so special.
Interested in Sponsorship of the Local Food Throwdown? Contact Karen Petersen at Karen@neifood.org or call (919)291-1421 for details. We would love your support!
The Pearl Event Center
The Pearl Event Center is a beautiful new event venue located at 228 W, Main Street. Nestled in downtown Fort Wayne, The Pearl Event Center is a premier, modern venue conveniently surrounded by neighboring hotels and dining. Its central location, state-of-the-art facilities, and free adjacent parking make it the perfect setting for our unforgettable evening.
Local Food Throwdown Tentative Schedule
Monday, October 5, 5:00-9:00 pm
5:00 pm - Doors & Bar open featuring Locally-sourced cocktails & mocktails
5:30-6:30 pm - Locally-sourced Appetizers served by chefs Andrew Brazis, Kyle Barva and Kyle Mares.
6:30-7:30 pm - Locally-sourced Entrées by chefs Alex Romines-Ditton, Dawn Folsom and Tony West served to your table.
7:30-8:30 pm - Locally-sourced Desserts by chefs Jennifer Esterline, Jim Huffman and Mary Brames served to your table.
8:45-9:00 pm - Local Food Throwdown Silent Auction ends & Raffle winners announced
Volunteer at the Local Food Throwdown
The Local Food Throwdown Planning Committee is seeking volunteers to help the event flow smoothly, and assure that each guest enjoys a wonderful evening. We are seeking volunteers to assist the committee before, during and after the event. If you are interested in learning more, or signing up to volunteer, please contact Karen Petersen at Karen@neifood.org.