Farm To Food Truck Challenge 3

On Saturday, June 9th, SoCo Certified Farmers’ Market will host its Farm to Food Truck Challenge III, a farmers’ market inspired cooking competition. Top gourmet food truck chefs will compete in an epic Clash of the Titans, as our winners of the Farm to Food Truck I come back to defend their title against the challengers of our Farm to Food Truck II. The “Top Chop Truck” title will be given to the Chef who can create the best dish using locally grown farm fresh ingredients. More than 15 gourmet food trucks will be present at the weekly farmers’ market from 9 am – 2 pm with 6 select trucks competing.

The Food Network TV Show “Chopped”-style competition requires food truck chefs to shop the farmers’ market for pre-determined seasonal ingredients and whip up a culinary masterpiece in just 60 minutes. The panel of top local foodie judges will include Mona Shah Anderson, O.C restaurant publicist, Chef Andrew Gruel, Winner of Farm2GFTII, and Owner of SlapFish, Chef Santanna Salas from Haven Gastropub, Kim Glen, representing the City of Costa Mesa, and Priscilla Willis, She’s Cookin’, Food blogger Bobby Navarro will act as MC. The panel will judge the dishes on creativity, taste and presentation and decide who will be crowned the ‘Top Chop’ Truck! The Challenge kicks off at 12 pm, judging begins at 1pm and the winner will be announced at 1:30 pm.

The festivities will also feature live music, kid-friendly activities and plenty of free parking. Admission is also free. A food drive benefiting Costa Mesa locals will also take place and attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods or make a small donation. Any donation will be used to purchase food directly from the farmers. The event will be held in conjunction with the SoCo Certified Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday at South Coast Collection (“SoCo”) at the 3315 Hyland Ave in Costa Mesa from 9 am – 2pm.

The first Farm to Food Truck Challenge in July saw Bacon Mania being crowned with the second in November crowning SlapFish as ‘Top Chop’ Truck. The first event had over 2,300 people in attendance, the second 1,700 with each event bringing more than 40 bloggers and social media foodies, 20 farmers’ and vendors, 15 food trucks, 6 judges, 3 photographers and volunteers reporting on the action.

About SoCo Certified Farmers’ Market

SoCo Certified Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday at South Coast Collection (3315 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa) from 9 am – 2 pm and features the best fruits and vegetables that California farmers’ have to offer along with a rotation of top gourmet food trucks and other traditional farmers’ market fare. The market is non-profit sponsored with a mission to educate children and adults about healthy eating habits. It is a managed by a former small California farmer. For more information, please visit: www.socoFM.com

About South Coast Collection (SoCo)

South Coast Collection is a one of a kind destination featuring more than 300,000 square feet of design showrooms and creative studios. South Coast Collection is a Burnham- Ward Property located North of South Coast Plaza (the 3300 block of Hyland Ave) in Costa Mesa. It is home to TPT Home, Fixtures Living, The OC Mart Mix and much more. For more information about South Coast Collection visit www.SouthCoastCollection.com.

Event Schedule:

Catch The Bikini Chef^® on Bikini Lifestyles “Wine Dine and Workout” on AM 790 KABC radio in Los Angeles Saturday nights, 7pm PT or stream LIVE online at http://www.kabc.com Visit: http://www.bikinilifestyles.com Check your local TV listings for Bikini Lifestyles “Wine Dine and Workout” airings in your town!

The Complete Idiot’s Guide Quinoa Cookbook available for pre-order on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Quinoa-Cookbook/dp/1615641939/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337916843&sr=8-1
In stores: July 3rd, 2012