Farmers' Market
Chef Showdown!
Coming October 2025 - Deadline to Apply September 20, 2025
CALLING ALL CHEFS
Are you hungry for something real?
It’s time to step out of the kitchen and into the community.
The Farmers’ Market Chef Showdown is on the hunt for a few good chefs—not ones with stars or egos, but ones with soul. We're looking for the kind of cooks who still feel it in their bones—the joy, the purpose, the need to feed people. All people. All dishes must be 100% plant-based (no meat, dairy, or animal products)- because everyone deserves a bite.
This Fall, you’ll compete live at the Kittery Community Market in front of a hungry, cheering crowd.
Your pantry? Whatever’s in season.
Your challenge? A surprise mystery box, a wildcard twist, and a sous chef you’ve never met—pulled from the market crowd.
2 Chefs, 1 burner and 1 hour to wow the crowd.
Think Iron Chef meets a farmers' market block party—but with more local produce and a lot more heart.
Why compete?
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Show off your creativity
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Celebrate seasonal ingredients
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Support food literacy and zero-waste cooking
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Raise funds for EcoHarvest Initiative, Gather, and our friends at the Portsmouth Fridge
We’re not looking for perfection—we’re looking for passion. If you cook with your whole heart and a little grit, we want to hear from you.
Submit your interest now and let’s see what you’ve got.
This isn’t just a cooking competition.
It’s a movement—with aprons on.