Reno Bites Chef Showdown At Czyz’s Appliance

This was my first time at the Reno Bites chef showdown, and I have to say it was very exciting. I’ve always enjoyed those competitive cooking shows on TV (Iron Chef, Top Chef, Chopped, etc), so I was really looking forward to seeing how our talented Reno chefs would do in this competition. First of all, it was all very friendly and fun. No one was taking it so seriously, which is great, because it made the atmosphere more festive and celebratory. This after all, was the culmination of another amazing RenoBites week, and it’s only fitting the we celebrate the talents of these local chefs. Another great thing about the competition is that the chefs were assisted by students from the Carson City High School culinary class. What an incredible way to develop future chefs. Some of the students in the past have actually been hired on by the chefs they worked with. That’s a win-​win in my book.
The venue could not have been more perfect. Czyz was able to showcase their merchandise on an actual, real-​time manner, and the chefs had the space and equipment they need to create their dish.
This year’s secret ingredient was the branzino. As soon as the secret ingredient was revealed, the chefs had 15 minutes to shop at the provided pantry. After they’ve gathered their ingredients, they were given 1 hour to create their dish. There were 8 participating chefs from the local favorite restaurants in town (Sup, Zozo’s, Homage, Campo, Blend Catering, SoDo, Men Wielding Fire, and Bistro 7). During the hour when the chefs were cooking, the audience had the chance to interact with the chefs and ask them questions about their dish, techniques, etc.
Meanwhile, Campo cooked up some delicious bison burgers and brats from Sierra Nevada Meats. There were also some complimentary wine and music provided by a local radio station. Unilocal was also there to give out some swag and some raffle prizes.
What a wonderful way to end Reno Bites Week. I am sad it’s over, but I’m looking forward to next year’s. Thank you to everyone who worked and participated on all the events during the week. Reno is so lucky to have a vibrant, exciting and dynamic culinary community. Congratulations all around.

I am going to apologize in advance for a really crappy review. You know, those reviews that just don’t tell you anything useful? Or those that are so self involved that they don’t really do much to tell you about the business? Yep this is gonna be one of them.
It was great catching up with a bunch of people within the Reno food service world. Nice talking to all the Chefs that weren’t participating this year but were coming out to see what their friends and peers were doing. It was great having a beer with friends I hadn’t seen in a year since the last Chef Showdown.
It was great turning green with envy looking at the different kitchen set ups they have at Czyz’s. I sure could use a cool island like that at home. If it would fit. I know… I know… it wont fit.
It was great joking around with some «up and coming» guy who was grilling the sausages and bison sliders out front of the store to keep the masses fed on Sierra Meats grub.
I loved connecting with a local farmer that is bringing small farming education to the school systems. She has what it takes to make a real change, not just in our schools but in the lives of our children and their children. Let’s get with the program.
And who doesn’t like watching a good competition between super talented people?
Anyway…if you come out next year… I’m guessing you will have a cool time too. You never know… you might even make it into my completely pointless a meandering review.

This is the fourth annual chef showdown. I have been to them all and I must say Reno Bites has got this event down. They have improved each year. Czyz’s is the absolutely perfect location for this competition.
Once the secret ingredient is revealed the chefs get cooking. It’s nice to be able to walk around watch them all and chat with them while they work.
I also love that each chef gets a Carson High School culinary student to compete with them. What a great experience for them.
So 364 days till next years showdown!!!

Where else in Reno can you watch 8 of Reno ‘s notable chefs go head to head cooking a secret ingredient.
Thanks to Czyz’s and the creators of RBW for putting together and hosting this fabulous event. Czyz’s has eight different full kitchen set ups. Eight great local chefs are asked to come and battle it out for our enjoyment. Carson City high school culinary class also sends 8 students to be the sous chefs.
Chefs draw for their kitchens, students are assigned and secret ingredient is announced. Now the clock starts and so does the cooking. Now you can walk around to any and all of the kitchens and watch all the chopping, stirring and cooking going on. Have questions? Ask away. All the chefs are great about telling you what and why they are doing something. It’s so exciting to watch it all so close up. After the hour The judging and awards are done.
Reno Bites Week and Unilocal both offered some fabulous raffle prizes. A great event to wrap up the week long celebration of enjoying local restaurants. Kudos to Clint and Natasha– looking forward to next year !!

What a perfect location to let 8 spectacular chefs shine along with the support of their volunteer sous chefs from Carson High!
The excitement was everywhere with the audience and live broadcast from Alice…
Watching the skills and creativeness along with the the gathering in the pantry as well as the mystery protein made everyone wonder until the dishes were presented can as to what flavors were being developed.
Having all the drawings and door prices happening as the crowd was waiting the results kept everyone occupied.
Congrats to everyone that competed!’