At this year’s Harvest Festival we will have our Second Annual “Locavore Cook-Off” with six local chefs preparing their favorite fall dish for you to try! After purchasing a $3 ticket you will be able to try each of their dishes and then vote on your favorite one. We are extremely thrilled to have these very talented chefs participating. To learn more about the chefs, continue reading below.
Ivy Taylor & Willie Payne 
Returning winners of last year’s Locavore Cook-Off, Chefs Ivy Taylor & Willie Payne are teaming up again this year!
Ivy has worked in the culinary field for over 16 years and is currently the Store Chef & Kitchen Manager for Kroger in Forest. She enjoys cooking and baking for family, friends, and especially for Chef Demonstrations at the Market.
Willie Payne is not only the current catering chef at Oakwood Country Club but he is also a talented Pastry Chef and banquet chef. We can’t wait to see what he makes for the cook-off!
Joseph Hubbard | Meriwether Godsey
Chef Joe has recently returned to Meriwether-Godsey; he actually got his start with them at the ripe young age of 15 while working at Isabella’s Trattoria! He has worked in quite a few respected kitchens in Lynchburg including Grace, Vine’s (as Executive Chef), and Jimmy on the James (as Executive Chef). Since then, his culinary journey has taken him to Charleston, South Carolina and back, working at McCrady’s with Sean Brock where he became the Chef De Partie and on to work for Brooks Ritez at Leon’s Oyster Shop before returning to Virginia as Executive Chef at Virginia Episcopal School.
Brenda Peregoy | Crooked Creek
Brenda began cooking at a very young age right next to her mom. At the age of 11, she had the opportunity to work with Master Chef Tyler Rouse. Since then, she has catered and cooked for special events, as well as taught private cooking classes. Currently she owns Crooked Creek, providing farm-fresh meats & cheeses right here at the Lynchburg Community Market.
Eugene Robinson | Hill City House Grille
Eugene Robinson’s love for the culinary field began at an early age … he was cooking with his grandmother at the age of 10. As the Executive Chef at the Hill City House Grille, Eugene delivers consistency in his food whether it be local cuisine or metropolitan specials. He strives for dining to be an experience, not just a meal. Eugene pays particular attention to seasonal influences and is able to create unique and flavorful dishes that will appeal to locals and visitors alike.
“I want people to enjoy my food, the atmosphere and to feel as if they are at home. I see myself as a southern chef with the ability to add a twist.”
Bob Rygielski | Jimmy on the James
Working owner of Jimmy’s on the James restaurant in downtown Lynchburg, Bobby – as he is known to many guests – provides a unique experience through fresh food, stylish cocktails and live music. “Food goes hand in hand with entertainment, but food comes first. I want to see eyebrows go up on someone’s first bite.”
Impressed? I know I am!
Join us for our Harvest Festival on October 29!