The apron-clad competitors shake hands and wish each other good luck, but they both know that the real opponent is the secret ingredient under the sheet. The contest that separates the cooks from the Cast-Iron Chefs.

The Cast-Iron Chef Competition is held at 1:30 p.m. every day of the Kentucky State Fair on the Gourmet Garden stage in the South Wing A Lobby.

Each day two chefs will contend against each other to create a flawless entrée in 30 minutes or less. Traditionally, the Kentucky Beef Producers reveal surprise beef and vegetable ingredients that must be incorporated into the dish just moments before the cook-off begins. The taste, presentation and creativity of the dishes will be evaluated by three audience members selected to act as judges. The chef earning the most points is declared the winner and presented with a blue ribbon.

The Cast-Iron Chef competition is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.