When we started the Chefs Challenge competition back in February, Chef Steven Goff represented Zambra. Since then, he's been very busy -- working with Ben's Tune-Up and starting a new restaurant on Charlotte Street, King James Public House, slated to open next month. As one of four Chefs Challenge semi-finalists, we're excited to see what he cooks up tomorrow night when he goes up against Chef Daniel Wright of Tomato Jam Cafe. Tickets are going fast, but still available here. 

AWFF: What's been the most challenging secret ingredient so far and why?

Chef Goff:  Whiskey. It's an easy ingredient, but it takes a lot of it to have a distinct flavor. We must have gone through three cases between the two teams and it still wasn't enough!!

What edge do you have in this competition?

I'm not cocky. A lot of times that gets in the way of a teams end vision because they just think they are so good they couldn't ever lose. I'm the opposite -- no matter how much I like what I made I worry that we lost something somewhere...

If you could smuggle in a special ingredient to use of your own, what would it be?

Kimchi!! I make a ton of different kimchis and you can't replicate those without weeks or months long fermentations.

Favorite beer or wine?

Shift pale lager by new Belgium for beer and Castillo de Monseran for value wines because Grenache is currently my favorite varietal.

Favorite place to eat in Asheville (other than yours, of course)?

Pho R Us in South Asheville.

The winners of our two semi-final challenges at Packs Tavern will go on to compete in the FRS Chefs Challenge Finale at the Grand Tasting on Saturday, August 24. Watching the Finale is free with your Grand Tasting admission. Get tickets here or at the door.