Visual Traveler: The World Food Championships (rotating locations)

                                       Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©​
What's in This Post
1) Judging the 2018 World Food Championships 
2) Watching World Food Championships Prep
3) By the Numbers at the World Food Championships
4) World Food Championships 2018 Slideshow
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Judging the 2018 World Food Championships

In 2018 Mindy Bianca Public Relations hosted a November trip to  Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL for a small  group of food and travel writers. But there was something different about this trip when compared to other 'press trips.' We also received multiple hours of training before serving as E.A.T.-certified judges for the November World Food Championships. Along with other judges we would assess Execution, Appearance and Taste of each dish entered in the competition, across several categories that reflected our personal interests. 

Watching World Food Championships Prep

Delicious aromas merged and wafted through the enormous preparation tent as the temperature rose amid dozens of grills and cooktops. Water bottles 'decorated' each prep station. Contestants wielded massive knives everywhere I looked, while others stirred together flavorful ingredients. My mouth watered as individual teams placed completed sample portions on serving trays, and my sweet tooth especially appreciated desserts we sampled in one judging category. Along the way, WFC 'Cheferees' assured that all participants followed prep guidelines and timetables.

By the Numbers at the World Food Championships

Throughout the five-day 2018 event, 1,500+ chefs and cooks from 42 states and 12 countries battled to win cash and prizes. In addition, more than 500 cooking teams created nearly 6,000 dishes for judging. The youngest contestant was 14 and the oldest was 91. Thirteen schools and more than 100 companies participated too. And World Food Championships events have grown enormously in popularity since then.

If the World Food Championships sounds like your kind of entertainment, mark your calendar for the next 'main event.' It will take place October 15-18, 2026, in Indianapolis.
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Established in 2012, the annual World Food Championships and qualifying events feature competitors from across the globe and every U.S. state. Today they enter dishes across 10 categories for the chance to win $100,000 and the World Food Champion title. (from the website)​

​                                 All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this event during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.