Ommegang Competition Highlights Beer, Food & Rising Star Chefs

Hop Chef contestants with the Ommegang head brewer; Photo by Mat Falco

By Danya Henninger

In contrast with the courteous environment most dining rooms strive for, what goes on in the back of the house is usually anything but refined. Kitchens are known for an atmosphere of takedowns and harsh wit, and though usually hidden from patrons, an upcoming cooking competition has put the riffing and ribbing on Twitter for all to see. On July 10, six of Philly’s rising star chefs will go head-to-head at World Cafe Live for “Hop Chef,” a face-off for the lone spot representing Philadelphia at Brewery Ommegang’s nationwide “Belgium Comes to Cooperstown” beer-and-food pairing festival. For $55, you can score a ticket to the event and partake in a dozen innovative attempts at being crowned champion.

The show - both on Tuesday night and from now ‘til then online - features George Sabatino (Stateside), Nicholas Elmi (Rittenhouse Tavern), Joe Cicala (Le Virtù), Scott Schroeder (South Philadelphia Tap Room, American Sardine Bar), Jason Cichonski (Ela) and Jon Cichon (Lacroix). Each is tasked with preparing two dishes that showcase a beer from Ommegang, either by using it as an ingredient, matching its flavor profile, telling the same story as the brew, or simply by pairing with it perfectly. From tasting dishes at their respective restaurants, we know these guys can cook, and now, thanks to the hashtag #hopchef, we know they’re also comedians. It all points to an extremely memorable cook-off next week ($55; 7 PM, July 10; 215-222-1400).