Four local chefs compete at a throwdown

Four Greenville chefs will compete in a three-round culinary event that will test creativity, time management, and taste, with a secret ingredient being introduced in each round until one chef is crowned the winner.

In its ninth year, the Iron Caterer Throwdown, presented by Social Latitude, 701 Easley Bridge Road, will take place at 5 p.m. on August 7 at Judson Mill for an evening of competition, high-level cuisine, and some of the best culinary skills in the Upstate.

The Iron Caterer Throwdown is an opportunity for guests to taste at least 12 different dishes, enjoy adult beverage service, experience a VIP event, and participate in a silent auction that benefits a local charity.

Following the annual competition, the event's proceeds will be donated to the Loaves and Fishes Food Rescue program in Greenville.

Here is everything to know about the participating chefs in the 2025 Iron Caterer Throwdown happening on August 7:

Chef Adam Morris of Inkd Chef

Chef Adam Morris is a culinary expert in South American fusion cuisine.

The local caterer, food truck owner, and Greenville Tech graduate opened his culinary brand Inkd Chef in 2021 and doubled down on his expertise by focusing on Spanish and Mediterranean Soul concepts.

Chef Morris' travels and educational experiences in South America have also aided him in refining these skills, making him well-versed in the use of peppers, herbs, and other earthy tones.

Chef Bailey Kimpton and Chef Bryan Klopfenstein of CHEF360 Catering

Chef Peter Collins won the inaugural Iron Caterer Throwdown nine years ago with CHEF360 Catering, and now two of their newest food experts will compete in the 2025 competition.

Both Chef Bailey Kimpton and Bryan Klopfenstein form a dynamic team as Kimpton is an expert at preparing proteins, and Klopfenstein specializes in pastries. Together, the duo will showcase the known versatility of the two-decade-old Chef360 Catering brand and further familiarize guests with their style and talents in the kitchen.

Chef Aquila Moné of The Tasti Plate

Chef Aquila Moné is originally from Boston, but her deep family ties to Greenville encouraged a move to the Upstate.

Since her permanent residency in Greenville began nearly a year ago, she has embraced the fusion foods that combine from her father's Haitian descent and her mother's Southern roots. Those cultural influences and practices show up in how Moné unifies flavors so well in her recipes.

Moné's private catering company, The Tasti Plate, is an interpersonal experience of that upbringing and culture.

Chef Claudia Amezquita of Modelo Private Dining

Originally from Colombia, Chef Claudia Amezquita came to South Carolina as an exchange student at Greenwood High and has since become a key figure in building some of Greenville's best dining spaces.

The baking and pastry specialist has been a part of various events and restaurant opening projects with Between the Trees, Comal 864, and euphoria. Chef Amezquita currently provides pastry dishes for Half Rooted and is working on a new Colombian-style deli cafe soon to open in Simpsonville.