Known for luxury catering, private dining, and custom event menus, Chefski recently proved his culinary artistry on one of the biggest stages in the state - the Indiana State Fair Food Fight - and walked away with the championship belt!
Round One: The Midway Maki Dog
The first challenge put Chefski up against six talented chefs from across Indianapolis, ranging from corporate professionals to independent chefs. With just 30 minutes on the clock, a Big Green Egg as the only heat source (thanks to Sullivan’s Hardware), and a pantry stocked by Piazza Produce, the competition was fierce. The required ingredient? A Compart Duroc pork hotdog.
Chefski’s creativity took center stage with the Midway Maki Dog, a sushi-style roll inspired by classic fair food. The dish featured:
- A perfectly grilled Compart Duroc hotdog
- Cream cheese and quick-pickled cucumber
- Sushi rice and nori
- Topped with charred sweet corn, crushed popcorn, cotton candy, and a drizzle of hot Japanese barbecue sauce
It was a playful twist on fair favorites – hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and BBQ – reimagined into a high-end dish. The judges loved it, and Chefski advanced to the finals.
Introducing, the winning hot dog dish… Chefski’s Midway Maki Dog!! Traditional sticky rice and nori wrapped around my quick pickle, cream cheese, charcoal grilled hotdog, and char sweet corn. Then crowned with buttered popcorn, topped with pink cotton candy, and drizzled with Japanese BBQ!​
The Finals: Caramel Apple Dog Puff
The following Saturday, Chefski returned to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the final showdown. Once again, he brought his signature blend of creativity and flavor, the same approach he uses when crafting wedding catering menus, private dinners, and corporate events in Indianapolis.
His winning dish, the Caramel Apple Dog Puff, included:
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A grilled hotdog cut into bite-sized pieces
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Apple mostarda (a mix of apples, onions, and mustard)
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Wrapped in puff pastry and fried until golden
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Finished with caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and candied hotdog bits
The dish was indulgent, fun, and completely unexpected, and it sealed his place as the Indiana State Fair Food Fight Champion.
The Prize and the Recognition
Taking home the win came with some incredible rewards:
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A fully stocked Zwilling knife roll and backpack
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A one-year membership to the American Culinary Federation
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A premium gift basket from Bar Keepers Friend
More importantly, it confirmed what Chefski’s clients already know, he’s not just a chef, he’s a culinary artist who turns food into an experience.
From the State Fair to Your Event
Chefski’s success at the Indiana State Fair is just one example of the passion and creativity he brings to every plate. Whether it’s an intimate in-home dinner, luxury wedding catering in Indianapolis, or a large-scale corporate event, his food always leaves a lasting impression.
Looking to bring championship-winning flavor to your next gathering?
Book Chefski, Indianapolis’ premier personal chef – for weddings, corporate catering, or private dining today.
