With one round of competition already complete, Battle at the Beach creator chef Jeffrey Porter of Port City Pop-Ups is charging ahead to round two. 

Porter said the idea for the Battle at the Beach Competition came from his years as a host and competitor in various culinary competitions. 

“I felt Wilmington needed a fresh outlet and new platform for chefs to come together to collaborate and showcase their individual talents, outside of their comfort zone, “ Porter said. 

The bracket-style culinary completion features The Fall/Winter Battles consist of two Battles at the Beach, plus a final to beheld a Shell Island Resort in January, followed by two Battles at the Port (downtown,) plus a final. The last battle will be between the Beach finalist and the Port finalist at a downtown location that is still to be determined. 

Chef Josh Petty of Cast Iron Kitchen came out on top in last week’s first round of competition, defeating chef Bobby Watkins of Ceviche’s in a battle where the mystery ingredients consisted of saffron, black drum and prickly pear. 

“I wanted present the chefs with fresh, local, international components that would challenge to think outside of the predictable and showcase their creativity in the kitchen,” Porter said. “The chefs received their mystery ingredients six-hours before dinner service.” 

Each chef prepared three courses for a packed dining room at Wrightsville Beach’s 22 North, as well as a panel of judges. Both diners and judges had the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite dishes. 

The next round of competition will take place Tuesday, Nov. 19 featuring local chefs Shaun Fenix and William F. Roberts. The dinner will again take place at 22 North, and tickets, which are $120 per couple, are available online.

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email [email protected].