2026 Culinary Cook-Off Oklahoma City Convention Center | August 19, 2026 

Eligibility & Application   The competition is open to chefs currently employed in restaurants or foodservice establishments within the state of Oklahoma. Applicants must submit a completed online registration form along with a professional biography to be considered. Selected applicants will be notified of acceptance on or around August 1, 2026.   

Competition Structure 

• Contestants will compete in timed heats against other chefs.  
• Contestants will receive a Mystery Basket which includes a protein and a few other ingredients. Every ingredient in the Mystery Basket must be used. 
• Winners of each heat will advance to the next round.  

Time Limits 

• Preliminary Heats: 30 minutes  
• Semi-Final Heats: 30 minutes  
• Championship Finals: 45 minutes  

In the Championship Finals, contestants will prepare multiple courses; the required protein must be featured in only one course (either appetizer or entrée).  Finalists must prepare an additional 2 courses to be served on 3 plates each.

Provided Ingredients & Pantry   A shared pantry will be available and include basic staples such as: 

• Bases, dairy, starches, dry goods, and mirepoix  
• Coarse ground black pepper, paprika, granulated garlic, granulated onion  
• Cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, white pepper, ginger  

Plating & Timing 

• Chefs must prepare three (3) identical plates for judging.  
• A 5-minute warning will be given prior to the end of each heat.  

Culinary Assistants   Chefs will draw at random the name of a culinary student to work with.   Judging Criteria   A panel of industry professionals will evaluate each contestant on the following: 

• Plate presentation  
• Creativity  
• Taste  
• Technique  
• Sanitation practices  

Advancement & Awards 

• Heat winners advance to subsequent rounds.  
• Following the Championship Finals, the Champion and Runner-Up will be determined based on total points.  

Tie-breaking criteria (in order): 

1. Product Taste  
2. Use of Mystery Basket Items 
3. Degree of difficulty  

Competition Rules Application Requirements 

A professional biography is required and should include:  

• Education/training  
• Professional affiliations  
• Awards/honors  
• Certifications  

Participation Requirements 

• Participants must be available to compete on August 19, 2026 (one-day event).  
• All travel expenses are the responsibility of the competitor.  
• Contestants must check in 30 minutes prior to their scheduled heat or risk forfeiture.  

Equipment & Ingredients 

• Contestants must bring their own knives.  
• Additional tools (molds, pastry bags, etc.) are permitted but must be declared in advance due to space and power limitations.  
• Contestants may bring up to two (2) supplemental ingredients (e.g., specialty oil, vinegar, or spice).  
• Supplemental items may not include protein.  

Competition Standards 

• The Mystery Basket protein must be the focal point of the dish.  
• All Mystery Basket ingredients must be used.  
• Proper safety and sanitation practices are required and will be scored.  

General Policies 

• Judges’ decisions are final.  
• Participants may request to review their scores after the competition.  
• The Oklahoma Restaurant Association reserves the right to revise rules prior to the event.  

 Thank you for your interest in the ORA Expo’s Annual Culinary Cook-Off! 

ProStart Rockstars — Your Culinary Adventure Awaits! 

Greetings Culinary Students – ProStart Rockstars!

You’ve been invited to be part of something truly special — Odyssey de Culinaire, happening September 29, 2026 at the Omni in Oklahoma City.

For more than 20 years, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association has hosted this one-of-a-kind culinary experience, giving students the chance to work side-by-side with top chefs, industry leaders, and potential employers.

Ready to level up your skills?

Selected students will:

•  Create and prepare dishes for a premier, open-to-the-public foodie event 
•  Be paired with some of Oklahoma’s most talented chefs 
•  Gain hands-on experience in a high-energy, professional environment 

Even better — this event gives back. Proceeds support ProStart programs across Oklahoma through scholarships, classroom resources, teacher development, and student events.

How to Apply:   Students will be selected based on program involvement and teacher recommendations.   To be considered, you must:

•  Complete the application 
•  Be available September 29, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM 

Deadline to apply: August 16, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable culinary experience. Bring your passion, your creativity, and your drive — and get ready to shine.

In its 28th year, the 2026 Culinary Cook showcases culinary talent from across the state. Professional chefs will compete in “Chopped” style heats to create dazzling dishes utilizing ingredients ​from a mystery basket. You will be paired with one of the chefs as their executive sous chef.

Judges who consist of industry professionals will critique the finished plates for presentation, creativity, taste, time management, and best use of student sous chefs. 

This one-of-a-kind event will give you the chance to learn from and network with the best in the industry.

The event takes place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. You will need to be available all day. 

The deadline is July 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm.