In photos: Whacked! culinary competition creates amazing dishes out of secret ingredients

Three teams competed and chef Joe Mitchell of Chestnut restaurant led his team to victory in the April 22 Whacked! culinary competition during the Mountain Area Restaurant Show at FRS.

Mitchell led team Nut in raising money for Henderson County Schools. Chef Steven Goff, formerly of King James Public House, led the Cougars, who raised money for Asheville City Schools. And Chef Reza Satayesh of Rezas restaurant led team Wild. The Cougars picked up second place, while team Wild took third in the very close competition.

Team Nut preps before the appetizer round.

One of the secret ingredients, a lamb’s head, is put into the oven.

The Cougars survey the cooked lamb’s head.

Chef Joe Mitchell works to crack the lamb’s head as another chef looks on squeamishly.

The piece de restistance, the lamb’s head, gave pause for some.

Ingredients were found in a fridge against the wall by a pantry with dry goods.

Chef Caroline Williams from The Admiral restaurant served as a judge on the panel.

Chef Steven Goff takes a photo of the dessert creation.

Chef Reza Satayesh works a cooking station near the back.

The judge’s panel consisted of Dawn Creasman of 96.5 FM, Tony Kiss of the Asheville Citizen-Times, Bob Bowles from the Asheville Food and Wine Fest, Chef Caroline Williams of The Admiral restaurant, and Dex Mitchell of 96.5 FM.

The chef’s hurriedly moved around the kitchen, providing entertainment for the audience.

Chef Steven Goff puts the finishing touches on dessert.

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In photos: Whacked! culinary competition creates amazing dishes out of secret ingredients

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In photos: Whacked! culinary competition creates amazing dishes out of secret ingredients

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