Gourmet gladiators

If you’ve ever watched the Food Network show Iron Chef America, you’ve probably always wanted to judge the competition. You’ll have a chance to do just that at this weekend’s Sacramento Chef Challenge. Hosted by and benefiting InAlliance—a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities—the event features two culinary battles, food vendors, wine and beer tasting, and live music. The three chefs battling in the main event are Pyramid Alehouse’s Kristela Nazario-Mendoza, Colusa Casino Resort’s Keith Erickson and the Institute of Technology’s Philippe Caillot. They’ll prepare a menu for guests who vote to determine the winner. A separate competition, titled Battle Cupcakes, pits three bakery professionals against three amateurs and is also judged by guests. It happens Saturday, June 23, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the InAlliance Sacramento campus, 6950 21st Avenue. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, visit www.chefevent.com.