Chefs will vie for the title of Top Chef at the second annual Top Chef: Downtown on March 28 at hotelVetro in Iowa City from 5 to 7 p.m. Top Chef: Downtown showcases the culinary creativity and artistic cocktails of downtown chefs and bartenders. Tickets for the event are $25 and are available by calling (319) 354-0863 or emailing info@downtowniowacity.com.

Chefs will  prepare a sample-size portions of with one signature dish from their restaurant for event guests as well as six presentation plates for the panel of judges.

Bartenders from Downtown bars and restaurants will compete for the title of Top Bartender by serving their most creative cocktail. Bartenders will serve 2 ounce sample portions of their favorite high-class drink.

A People’s Choice award, voted on by all guests in attendance, will be presented to one chef and one bartender. At the conclusion of the event there will be a brief presentation to award the winner. David Wiesenek, owner of The Motley Cow Café, won the 2011 Top Chef title with a house-cured, Grass Run Farm pastrami on pumpernickel pear mostardo.

Space for this event is limited. Representatives from downtown restaurants who would like to enter into the competition may contact Stephanie Nelson at Stephanie@downtowniowacity.com or at (847) 894-8027.