Lewisville, Texas – Aspiring culinary judges and food sport enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rigorous standards of competitive cooking this summer, as the World Food Championships (WFC) announces an upcoming certification class and live competition event. Scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, the event, dubbed the E.A.T.™ Class + Jam Slam Competition, will be hosted at the prestigious Middleby Innovation Kitchens in Lewisville, Texas.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the WFC, renowned Food Sport ambassador Donna Collins, and the celebrated The Jelly Queens. It offers participants a pathway to become certified judges in WFC’s highly respected E.A.T.™ Methodology, a system that forms the backbone of evaluation in its global culinary showdowns. The methodology focuses on three critical components: Execution, Appearance, and Taste, providing a standardized and objective framework for assessing dishes under competition pressure.
Mastering the E.A.T.™ Methodology
The core of the Lewisville event is the comprehensive E.A.T.™ certification class. This intensive session is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to evaluate food according to the precise criteria set by the WFC. Understanding how to critically analyze a dish’s technical preparation (Execution), its visual presentation (Appearance), and ultimately, its flavor profile (Taste) is paramount in the world of professional Food Sport judging.
The class will be led by a distinguished duo: Food Sport veteran and ambassador Donna Collins, whose extensive experience in the culinary competition circuit brings invaluable practical insight, and WFC Founder Mike McCloud, the visionary behind the World Food Championships and its standardized judging system. Together, they will guide attendees through the nuances of the E.A.T.™ scoring process, explaining how points are allocated and how judges must remain impartial and focused under timed conditions. Participants will learn to identify common pitfalls, appreciate innovative techniques, and articulate their assessments effectively, ensuring consistency and fairness across the judging panel.
The Jam Slam: Live Judging in Action
Following the theoretical training and certification process, attendees will immediately put their newly acquired skills to the test in a live cooking battle. This dynamic segment, known as the Jam Slam, features a lineup of talented chefs competing head-to-head. For the newly certified judges, this is a crucial practical exercise, offering real-time experience in applying the E.A.T.™ criteria to dishes prepared fresh under pressure.
The Jam Slam competition will feature four skilled culinary artists: Pamela Woodberry, Mike McCoy, Christopher Hughes, and Deidre Chapman. These chefs will create dishes under specific, undisclosed parameters, challenging their creativity, technical prowess, and ability to work against the clock. The judges, fresh from their certification, will be tasked with evaluating these creations, providing immediate feedback and experiencing firsthand the intensity of a live Food Sport environment. This practical component is essential for reinforcing the principles taught in the class and building confidence in judging abilities.
A Premier Venue and Exclusive Opportunity
The choice of venue, the Middleby Innovation Kitchens in Lewisville, Texas, underscores the professional nature of the event. Middleby is a global leader in commercial kitchen equipment, and their innovation kitchens are state-of-the-art facilities designed for culinary research, development, and high-level events. Hosting the E.A.T.™ class and Jam Slam here provides participants with access to a world-class culinary environment, mirroring the caliber of facilities often found in major food competitions.
The partnership between WFC, Donna Collins, and The Jelly Queens highlights the growing community and support system within Food Sport. The Jelly Queens, known for their artisanal jams and preserves, represent the ingredient side of culinary excellence, often featured in competition dishes. Their involvement emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients in achieving high scores under the E.A.T.™ system.
Registration and Future Impact
Due to the interactive nature of the class and the logistical requirements of the live competition, participation in the E.A.T.™ Class + Jam Slam Competition is limited. Prospective attendees are strongly encouraged to register in advance to secure their spot for this exclusive event on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Obtaining E.A.T.™ certification is a significant step for anyone serious about participating in or judging Food Sport events sanctioned by the WFC. It not only provides a recognized credential but also offers deep insight into the standards expected at the highest levels of culinary competition. For the Food Sport community, events like this are vital for training the next generation of skilled judges, ensuring the integrity and continued growth of competitive cooking around the globe. The Lewisville event promises to be a key moment for culinary professionals and enthusiasts in the Texas region and beyond, fostering expertise and passion for the art of competitive cuisine.
