When I was asked to be a judge for the first Veggie Conquest showdown in NYC on August 22nd, I had visions of myself as a TV judge like Judge Judy or Gordon Ramsey - handing out brash words of wisdom and catchy, yet condemning spitballs of criticism. "Don't feed me mushy pasta and tell me it's al dente," I may accuse. Or "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen!"  There may also be moments where the audience believes I am going to rip someone a new one - but then after a dramatic pause I say, "This...is...the best dish here." O, to dream. And that is why you need to enter this competition. Because you know you can make the best dish there. I know it too. So do it. The SECRET INGREDIENT will be revealed a week before the competition!

Meet the Judges for Challenge #1

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On food competition shows like Top Chef and Iron Chef, the food is so often an obnoxious cliché. Foie Gras. Lamb. Caviar. Bacon. I mean bring a book, people. How many times can you showcase diseased liver, a cuteness-icon, fish periods, and the ass of an animal that's smarter than your dog before it gets boring?

I am so excited that there is finally a vegan food competition! I hope you will all buy your tickets for August 22nd, and  come join me in Chelsea for this landmark event as a chef or a taster. See you there!

Challenge #1 Amateur Cooking Competition Aug. 22, 2009 Chelsea, Manhattan
Buy tickets here