NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s official: One of Nashville’s most anticipated culinary events is back! The Nashville Scene's Iron Fork, presented by US Foods, is set to take place at Harken Hall on Thursday, Nov. 12, for its 17th year. This year's Iron Fork is part of Music City Food & Wine Festival's growing lineup of year-round culinary experiences, expanding the organization's programming beyond its flagship spring festival and creating more opportunities to celebrate the chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals who shape Music City’s nationally recognized food scene.
Inspired by the popular Food Network show Iron Chef, the head-to-head competition challenges chefs to create a dish using a secret ingredient revealed at the start of the battle in front of a live audience. Each chef will have one hour to impress the judges and earn this year's Iron Fork Champion title, the coveted trophy, entry into the 2027 World Food Championships and, of course, bragging rights around town for a year.
The competition is fierce this year! The award-winning lineup includes Junior Vo of Noko Hospitality, Marcio Florez of Limo Peruvian Eatery, Alfredo Bueno of 888, and winner of the 2026 Battle of the Best Bite at Music City Food & Wine Festival and the duo behind Tántisimo, Ana Aguilar and Josh Cook.
Guests can watch the competition unfold while enjoying an open bar, cocktail tastings, curated wine pairings from Corkdorks and unlimited bites from some of Nashville's favorite restaurants, including 888, A-Roi, Dos Santos, etch | etc., Gus’s Fried Chicken, Halls Catch, Indaco, Limo Peruvian Eatery, Mere Bulles, Oku, Prime + Proper, Puesto, Soho House, Sunda and Zaytinya. Emmy-nominated television host and author Jerome Moore will emcee the event alongside Nashville Scene Editor-in-Chief D. Patrick Rodgers.
"We're thrilled to bring Iron Fork back and celebrate a competition that has showcased Nashville's vibrant culinary scene for nearly two decades," says Olivia Britton, executive director of Music City Food & Wine Festival. "Our community has experienced incredible growth and change over the past year, making it more important than ever to support the local chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals who give Nashville its distinct character. Iron Fork is an opportunity to celebrate both the next generation of culinary talent and the independent restaurants that helped establish our city as a nationally recognized food destination. We're proud to provide a platform for the people and businesses whose passion, creativity and commitment continue to shape Nashville's future while continuing to honor the community that built it."
Iron Fork is a fundraiser event for Celebrate Nashville and Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition to the culinary experience, guests have the opportunity to bid on Chef’s Plates and participate in a silent auction to raise funds for the non-profit partners. General Admission tickets are currently on sale for $95 while quantities last. Admission to the event grants you access to the competition, unlimited food bites from more than 20 local restaurants and an open bar alongside cocktail tastings from the event’s presenting sponsors.
Iron Fork is presented by US Foods and made possible through the support of G4 Tequila, Nelson's Green Brier, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Palomo Mezcal, Vital Hard Seltzer, Bearded Iris, C&B Linens, Nossi College of Art & Design, Nestlé Premium Waters, Kuhn Rikon, inKind, Uber Eats and Improve It!
For the latest event updates and additional information, visit musiccityfoodandwinefest.com/ironfork. For information on becoming an event partner, email [email protected].
ABOUT FW Publishing
FW Publishing presents Music City Food & Wine Festival and Iron Fork, Nashville's premier culinary events that celebrate the city's cuisine and culture through hyperlocal chef showcases, expansive food, wine and spirits tastings, and unique dining experiences. Featured events and festival programming are hosted at restaurants and unique venues across the city throughout the year, while the festival will take place this spring at Centennial Park, where locals and visitors are invited to enjoy the city's thriving culinary, wine and arts communities. For more information about Iron Fork and MCFW 2027 event programming, please visit musiccityfoodandwinefest.com.
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