Iron Bridge Team Aims for Redemption in Chef Tournament Finals

The team from Iron Bridge Wine Company is looking for redemption this year in the Mason Dixon Chef Tournament. Last year the three-man crew led by Executive Chef Christopher Lewis finished second in the Maryland culinary competition to a team from Roy's in Baltimore.


But this is a new year. On Tuesday, Lewis, along with sous chefs Lee Marziale Jr. and Tyler Skinner will compete in the finals of the 16-team tournament, which is in its third year.

"We lost by less than a point last year," said Marziale. "So we're definitely hoping for redemption."

The chefs have already beaten counterparts from The Point in Fells and Regi's American Bistro, but face a final challenge in Neill Howell, the executive chef of Bond Street Social in Baltimore for 

Each team has an hour and a half to prepare and cook three courses. The competition itself takes place at Mari Luna Bistro in Baltimore in a setting that resembles Food Network's "Iron Chef America." 

Marziale said they don't have their recipes finalized yet, but the team will prepare on Tuesday morning with a practice run to plan everything out. Required ingredients for the final compeititon include items like Wagu beef, gorgonzola cheese and horseradish.

"When we get there it's just execution and technique," said Marziale, who added that the event helps expand their culinary creativity as they cook with a variety of ingredients and "think outside the box."

"It's always a continuing challenge. It pushes us every year," said Marziale. "It's also great for the restaurant, it gets our name out there."

The competition is judged by restaurant professionals who award points for presentation, creativity and taste. Audience members can also get it on the act as guest judges, which account for 25 percent of the final scores.

The finals begin at 5:30 p.m. with a happy hour, then the competition itself starts at 7 p.m., with judging at 8 p.m. at Mari Luna Bistro, 1225 Cathedral Street in Baltimore. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $55 for the judging experience, if purchased before the event.

Related Article

Iron Bridge and Clark's Take Farm to Table Across the Street