For the first time in years, one of the metro’s most flavorful events is back on the menu. Diamond Chef Arkansas will return on Thursday, April 3, hosted by UA Pulaski Technical College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute.
The popular fundraiser is known for bringing local chefs together to battle it out for top honors, and while this year follows suit, it brings a new twist. Culinary teams will again compete live while attendees look on, with each group led by a current UA-PTC student and a returning pro champion. This includes chefs Dan Capello, Jordan Davis, Donnie Ferneau, Marc Guizol, Jason Knapp, Andre Poirot and MaryBeth Ringgold.
“We are excited to be bringing this competition back in such a unique way this year, and to have our students working shoulder to shoulder with past Diamond Chefs is even more amazing,” says Melissa Hendricks, vice chancellor for advancement at UA-PTC. “We are excited to invite community members back to celebrate the culinary landscape in central Arkansas and to show their support for UA-PTC and our students.”
Aside from the kitchen competition, guests can taste selections from various local restaurants including Brood & Barley, Cache, Ciao Baci, Heritage Catering, Mugs, Scoops Ice Cream, SO Restaurant & Bar and Table 28, as well as from UA-PTC baking and pastry students.
Launched in 2008, Diamond Chef Arkansas was last held in person in 2019, followed by a virtual adaptation in 2021 and then a three-year hiatus. The 2025 event will be chaired by chef Payne and Leah Harding with guest judges chef Ken Dempsey, “Master Chef” finalist and UA-PTC graduate Jennifer Maune and “The Mighty Rib” food blogger Kevin Shalin.
Tickets are available now and include a VIP option with exclusive menu items and live music from Bijoux. Click here to secure your spot and learn more about the competition.
For more information on the UA-PTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute, click here, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.
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