DC Central Kitchen Announces Its 2024 Capital Food Fight Contenders

DC Central Kitchen’s biggest annual fundraiser returns to the Anthem for its 20th year on Thursday, November 7, with chefs José Andrés and Spike Mendelsohn back as celebrity hosts.

Tickets to the 2024 Capital Food Fight went on sale today, Tuesday, September 3 at 9 a.m., and all event proceeds support DC Central Kitchen’s local fight against poverty and hunger.

Going head-to-head at this year’s live culinary battle are local chefs Katarina Petonito (The Duck & The Peach), Sarah Ravitz (Shilling Canning Company and Minibar alum), Yuan Tang (Ellie Bird, Rooster & Owl), and Jovana Urriola (Colada Shop), who will take to the stage to prepare dishes based on secret ingredients.

DC Central Kitchen

The all-star judging panel includes celebrity chef Kwame Onwauchi, whose hotly anticipated Dōgon opens in Southwest D.C. next week; TV personality Andrew Zimmern; Kentucky-based Top Chef contestant Sara Bradley; former Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman; and D.C. restaurateur Ris Lacoste (Ris) — the winner of the very first Capital Food Fight. Other contenders over the years have included big culinary names like Michael Mina, Victor Albisu, Bryan Voltaggio, Scott Drewno, and Amy Brandwein, to name a few.

Long dubbed “D.C.’s Baddest Night of Doing Good,” the 21-and-up event has raised $12 million for DC Central Kitchen programming since its inception in 2004.

Global humanitarian and superstar chef Andrés, a longtime DCCK volunteer and board chair emeritus, was Capital Food Fight’s inaugural host and went on start World Central Kitchen in 2010. NBC’s Tommy McFly is back to emcee the fast-paced chef showdown at the Wharf’s 6,000-person-capacity entertainment venue (901 Wharf Street SW).

General admission ($350) includes fare from more than 80 top local restaurants scattered around the Anthem. VIP ticket holders ($625) also get access to a new stage-front lounge area featuring small bites and special sips.

Disclosure: Eater’s parent company Vox Media is a returning sponsor of the 2024 Capital Food Fight presented by Instacart and Lineage.