Chef Fest 2026
“Chef Fest – A Taste of Joy” was a breakout hit with Hampton Roads’ foodies last year. In 2026, the highly anticipated culinary experience returns bigger and better. More than a dozen top chefs from the 757 participated in the inaugural event, presenting an array of delicious entrees for the local foodie community while helping to raise money for a worthy cause. This year, an even larger group of Hampton Roads’ top chefs will participate in Chef Fest on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, joining Chef Chair, Chef Eddie Lee at downtown Norfolk’s prestigious Town Point Club.
In addition to sampling mouth-watering dishes, ticketholders will enjoy wine and spirits, live musical entertainment, and a lively silent auction. Former local news anchor and online influencer Kristen Crowley will emcee the evening, bringing the same electric energy she shares on the “Burnt Hands Perspective” podcast with Chef Antonio “Tony” Caruana of Luce Secondo. Chef Tony will also serve as a culinary judge, joined by Patrick Evans Hylton of Virginia Eats + Drinks and Coast Live’s Chandler Nunnally. Additional judges include Martha Davenport of the Virginia Restaurant Association and Culinary Council of Virginia, Dr. Jai Girard of the Virginia Restaurant Lodging Travel Association, and Rekaya Gibson, food writer for The Virginian-Pilot. With this dynamic panel and appearances by local personalities, community influencers, and digital food creators, the evening is sure to be a vibrant celebration of cuisine and community.
Guests will once again cast their votes for “Chef Fest Champ” for their favorite entrée from among a lineup of signature culinary dishes prepared by the participating chefs. This year, three new awards have been added: guests will select their favorite dessert entry to award the – “The Sweet Champ” – while the judging panel will evaluate the dishes to select two prestigious awards: “Tall Toque: Judges’ Choice” which honors culinary expertise and excellence, as well as the “Virginia Eats + Drinks Living La Vida Locavore Award” recognizing the dish that goes above and beyond in celebrating Coastal Virginia foods and foodways.
The event is open to the public aged 21 and above; tickets will be available at the door, but advance purchases are discounted. Proceeds from Chef Fest benefit Easterseals PORT Health’s “Culinary Connections” program. This innovative culinary arts & wellness program features a teaching kitchen in the heart of Hampton Roads, geared towards individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and foster care experience but is open to all! Easterseals PORT Health provides meaningful and exceptional services to 40,000 children, adults and families with disabilities, mental health and substance use challenges in 11,000 homes, facilities and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.
WHAT: The 2nd Annual Chef Fest
WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
PLACE: Town Point Club (3rd Floor, World Trade Center, Downtown Norfolk)
TICKETS: $125/per person (sponsorships are available).
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3496095-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3496095-2
