The Deep Dive
Austin’s vibrant culinary scene is set to sizzle with excitement as two of its acclaimed chefs, Jess Simpkin of L’Oca d’Oro and Todd Duplechan of Lenoir, go head-to-head in the third annual Texas Farmers’ Market (TFM) Chef Throwdown. This live cooking competition will take place at the TFM Mueller location on Sunday, April 19th, offering a unique gastronomic spectacle for local food enthusiasts. The challenge lies in a “mystery box” of ingredients sourced directly from TFM vendors, pushing the chefs’ creativity and skill to its limits as they race against the clock to create a winning dish.
Culinary Pedigrees and Rivalries
Jess Simpkin, the chef de cuisine at L’Oca d’Oro, brings a strong Austin culinary background to the competition. A graduate of the Escoffier School, Simpkin has honed her skills at notable Austin establishments such as Gardner, Chicon, and Dai Due, where she served as sous chef before joining L’Oca d’Oro in 2025. Her experience in diverse culinary settings promises a dynamic approach to the mystery ingredients.
On the other side is Todd Duplechan, co-owner of the sophisticated South Austin neighborhood restaurant Lenoir, and more recently, Boni’s Bar Next Door. Duplechan, who co-owns Lenoir with his wife Jessica Maher, has kept the farm-to-table establishment relevant since 2012, known for its dishes that expertly balance flavors to complement the Texas climate. His new venture, Boni’s, a Spanish-inspired snack and cocktail bar, further showcases his culinary versatility. The expansion in March 2026 of Boni’s into a refurbished 1934 bungalow signifies his continued dedication to Austin’s dining landscape.
The Competition Format and Judging
The Chef Throwdown is designed to be a high-energy event that vividly illustrates the connection between local farmers and chefs. Participants are challenged to create an exceptional dish using only the ingredients provided in their mystery boxes. The competition will be emceed by Taylor Wallace of KUTX, adding a layer of entertainment and local flair. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the chefs’ creations. These judges include Edwin Marty, the City of Austin’s food policy manager; Sarah Heard, co-chef and owner of Foreign & Domestic; and Laura McDonald, executive director of Texas Farmers’ Market.
Adding an interactive element, shoppers at the market will also have the opportunity to taste the competing dishes and cast their vote for the “Audience Choice” award. Last year’s audience choice winner, Sarah Heard, brings her own experience to the judging table, understanding the palate of the market-goers.
Showcasing Local Agriculture and Community
Laura McDonald emphasized the core mission of the Chef Throwdown: “Texas Farmers’ Market exists to strengthen the connection between the people who grow our food and the people who cook and enjoy it.” She further elaborated that the event is “a fun, high-energy way to showcase that relationship in action.” By challenging talented local chefs with ingredients sourced directly from TFM vendors, the event aims to highlight the exceptional quality and diversity of produce from Central Texas farmers and celebrate the collaborative spirit of the local food community.
The Chef Throwdown is scheduled to take place from 10 am to 1 pm at the TFM Mueller location, situated at the southeast corner of Aldrich and Garcia Streets, adjacent to Mary Elizabeth Branch Park. Texas Farmers’ Market also plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture by accepting SNAP benefits and contributing to farmers through its Ag Producer Support Fund and BIPOC Scholarship programs, further underscoring its commitment to a robust and equitable local food system.
A Tradition of Culinary Showdowns in Austin
This is not the first time Austin chefs have engaged in such a spirited competition within the farmers’ market setting. In a previous event, chefs Phillip Speer of Comedor and Colter Peck of Elementary faced off in a “Farmers Market Mystery Box Throwdown” at the Mueller market. This earlier competition, part of a larger fundraising auction, also tasked chefs with creating dishes from mystery ingredients, emphasizing the use of fresh, local produce. These events consistently draw attention to the talent within Austin’s culinary scene and the importance of supporting local farmers and food producers.
