Top Chefs Face Off in Taste of St. Croix Winners’ Cook Off at Ridge to Reef

ST. CROIX — The Taste of St. Croix’s top chefs will return to competition on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in the annual Winners’ Cook Off. Scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ridge to Reef Farm, the event will determine the overall culinary champion of Taste 2025. First-place winners from this year’s Taste of St. Croix will be challenged to prepare one appetizer and one entrée using mystery ingredients provided by organizers, including protein, starch, vegetables, and spices. Competitors will be given 15 minutes to write their recipes, 45 minutes to cook their appetizer, and 30 minutes to finish their entrée. Each course must be served in three portions. All chefs will compete simultaneously in the same kitchen, creating a high-energy setting where timing and creativity will be tested to the fullest. A panel of three judges will evaluate the dishes. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize, while second place will earn a $150 dinner gift certificate and third p...