Mercat a la Planxa 2nd Annual Paella Cook-Off, 6/22

When: Monday, June 22nd

Where: Mercat a la Planxa (638 S Michigan Ave)

On Monday, June 22, 2015, celebrity Chef Jose Garces invites local chefs and culinary crusaders to flex their competitive muscle at the second annual Paella Cook-Off at Mercat a la Planxa. Each hailing from a diverse culinary background, the contending chefs competing to create a champion pan of paella includes:

• Ashlee Aubin, Salero and Wood
• Abe Colon, Fat Rice
• Tim Graham, Travelle
• Rob Hafer, Slurping Turtle
• Perry Hendrix of avec and Blackbird
• John Manion, La Sirena Clandestina and El Che bar

The Most Valuable Paella (MVP) will be determined by an esteemed panel of judges including Chef Garces, Chandra Ram, editor of Plate Magazine, Catherine DeOrio, host of WTTW’s Check, Please!, Iron Chef judge Mario Rizzoti and, last year’s MVP winner, Jon Keeley from Gemini Bistro. In addition, attendees will case their vote for “The People’s Paella” winner. The victorious chefs will receive a personalized paella pan for the honor.

The Paella Cook-Off will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mercat a la Planxa, located at 638 South Michigan Avenue. Tickets include paella samplings from the featured chefs along with a sangria bar, Spanish-inspired cocktails and beers from Spain.

General admission tickets to the Paella Cook-Off costs $75 per person and go on sale TODAY. Tickets are available for purchase here.