A Culinary Celebration: Honoring Knoxville’s Finest
In 2007, Top Chefs was born from a simple idea: Knoxville’s culinary talent deserved a spotlight. We set out to celebrate the chefs who transform ingredients into experiences, hosting events at iconic venues like L&N Station, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Crescent Bend, and Lighthouse Event Center. Each gathering was a testament to the chefs’ creativity and passion.
Then came 2020. In the face of unprecedented challenges, we adapted, bringing the competition directly to the restaurants. This shift allowed chefs to showcase their craft in their own kitchens, offering diners an authentic taste of their culinary vision. The public remained the judges, but this time casting votes based on flavor, presentation, and hospitality. This evolution breathed new life into the series, fostering deeper connections between chefs and the community.
This year’s competition was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the restaurant owners and our sponsor, Garza Law Firm. As host and emcee for all eight events, I had the privilege of experiencing every dish, every moment, and every atmosphere. The talent on display this year was remarkable, making the competition tighter than ever. We’ve had close calls and ties before—but this year delivered something unprecedented.
For the first time since we moved to the restaurant format, we witnessed a clean sweep. Chef Jeff Carter—executive chef and visionary at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro—along with Houston Oldham, Kelley Harris, and their phenomenal team, took home top honors in every category: appetizer, entrée, dessert, and overall experience. It was a grand slam from a chef who has long been known not just for his refined take on Appalachian cuisine, but for his mentorship, consistency, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Jeff has always believed that food tells a story. And this year, it was time for his menu to tell a new one, where everything he’s worked toward comes together in perfect harmony: the ingredients, the team, the experience. And the voters agreed. So without further ado, I present the 2025 Top Chef contenders and our first grand slam champion.
Whether you joined us in person or are discovering it here for the first time, this year’s series was a celebration of flavor, passion, and the chefs who continue to elevate Knoxville’s dining scene. Dig in.
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