Metropolitan Ministries’ 7th annual ‘Food Fight’ fundraiser and competition returns to Tampa this month

Each year, local nonprofit Metropolitan Ministries hosts its annual fundraiser, which has evolved into an intense, action-packed culinary competition where St. Pete and Tampa’s top chefs defend their city and battle for bragging rights.

All proceeds raised from Food Fight's ticket sales and sponsorships help the Tampa-based nonprofit continue its variety of educational programs, particularly culinary arts.

Tickets to attend 2024’s Food Fight—happening on Tuesday, Jan.30—are now available on Ticketmaster for $250 each. Besides watching the action-packed cooking competition, attendees can participate in a silent auction, enjoy an array of food and drinks or grab a photo with longtime Food Fight supporter Titus O'Neil.

The competition between the two teams will be divided into several rounds where the chefs will have to create various entrees using secret ingredients. St. Pete has taken home the trophy over last several years, so only time will tell if Tampa finally secures a dub in 2024.

Tampa’s team will represent restaurants like Union New American, Ybor City Sushi House, 7th + Grove, The Pearl, Ponte, Delaware North (representing The Lightning) and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, lead by team captain Taro Larrea, founder of catering service Tablas.

St. Pete's lineup will be lead by Kevin Riley of Levy’s Restaurant and consist of executive chefs from House of Vegano, The Hangar Restaurant & Fly Lounge, Tierra Verde’s Island Grill and Raw Bar, Brick & Mortar and The Birchwood.

While the main “Food Fight” happens on a large stage, a smaller dessert competition will be held on the floor, where guests can interact with the two pastry chefs representing their sides of the bay.

First hosted at the Coliseum in St. Pete in 2017 inside an actual boxing ring, Metropolitan Ministries’ annual competition and fundraiser has naturally grown over the years, now raising more funds than ever.

Leader of Metropolitan Ministries’ Culinary Arts Program Cliff Barsi tells Creative Loafing that it costs roughly $300,000 a year to operate the nonprofit’s variety of educational programs, which range from trade skills to medical certifications. The annual Food Fight event is a great way for Barsi’s culinary students to interact with Tampa Bay’s top chefs and make industry connections. The popular program consists of a 15-week course made up of 12 learning modules and a 3-week “externship” at a local restaurant.

"Our main mission at Metropolitan Ministries to help people conquer their past traumas and become self-sufficient," Barsi tells CL. "The first step is to get these folks and their children fed and in a safe environment; job training and trying to find them housing are the second steps."

Head to tampabayfoodfight.org or follow @tampabayfoodfight on Instagram for the latest news on this month’s action-packed fundraiser. Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

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