Food lovers and philanthropists should mark their calendars for a culinary competition and community impact night at the 2025 Tampa Bay Food Fight, scheduled for Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., at Amalie Arena.
Now in its eighth year, the event brings together Tampa Bay’s top chefs in a culinary showdown to support Metropolitan Ministries’ job training programs.
This year’s event will feature Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian, an Iron Chef and Chopped judge, as a special guest. The evening will be hosted by Haley Hinds, anchor for Fox 13 News, alongside Chef Jeff Philbin, Fox 13’s Dinner DeeAs host and a MasterChef Season 8 finalist.
The competition pits Team Tampa, led by Waylon Nelson of Delaware North and the Tampa Bay Lightning, against Team St. Pete, captained by Lee Aquino of Birchwood and Teak. More than 40 of Tampa Bay’s most popular restaurants will prepare their signature dishes, competing for the “Best of the Bay” title.
Tickets are on sale now at TampaBayFoodFight.org. Admission includes food and beverages and proceeds directly fund life-changing programs.
Past events have sold out quickly and organizers encourage early purchases to secure a spot.
Photos – courtesy of Carrie Wildes Photography
