We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
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COMPETITOR
Uneek Chef / Black Flag Social House
HEAD COOK: Jonathan Hicks
COMPETITION: World Seafood Championship
A Maryland native and Laurel High School graduate, Chef Hicks, also known as “The Uneek Chef,” brings two decades of restaurant experience to Groundwork Kitchen. Hicks honed his culinary skills at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI where he earned an A.S. in culinary arts and a B.S. in food entrepreneurship, graduating in 2005. Throughout his career, he has helped with the opening efforts of Earth Wood & Fire (Mt. Washington), George Martins Grillfire (Hanover), Cosima at Mill No.1 (Hampden), and, most recently, Cozy Café (Ellicott City). Since his return to Baltimore almost 11 years ago, Chef Hicks has been a part of several noteworthy kitchens including Waterfront Kitchen (Chef Jerry Pellegrino), Birroteca/Nickel Taphouse (Chef Melanie Molinaro/ Robbin Haas), and The Local (Chef Zack Trabbold). Passionate about his craft, Chef Hicks has participated in various cooking competitions including the World Food Championships in 2019, 2021 and 2022. He has earned multiple wins at Restaurant Association of Maryland sponsored events and was named the Maryland Agriculture/ Governor Hogan Catfish Battle Champ in both 2021 and 2022. Chef Hicks is Two time Guys Grocery Games Champion and a Plate It Local Champion and second place on Chopped.
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