4Rivers vs. Fleming’s

Chef Alec Cheak at Whole Foods Market

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Somebody has to be the judge, and last night I was one of three judges, when two talented chefs battled it out over a grill in Orlando’s Whole Foods Market.
Pit master John Rivers from the 4Rivers Smokehouse, wildly popular for its succulent barbecue in Orlando, and chef Alec Cheak, who’s known for his over-the-top meals at Fleming’s Steakhouse on Sand Lake Road, whipped up — of all things — seafood dishes.

Each had 20 minutes to shop and 20 minutes to cook. Rivers grilled calamari steaks and served them on a bed of thin noodles with an amazing ginger soy sauce. Cheak chose cod, which he placed on top of grilled slices of jicama and mango. Plump blackberries, in a glaze of orange juice, balsamic vinegar and light brown sugar, dazzled the plate. We scored the dishes on flavor, originality and plating. Drum roll please: The winner was chef Alec Cheak with Fleming’s Steakhouse. He’ll return on August 30 to face off against the winner of the cook-off on August 16 between chef Tuan Tran of Crave and chef Steve Saelg of the Crooked Spoon.  

Tags: 4Rivers Smokehouse | BBQ | Crave | Crooked Spoon | dining | Fleming's Steakhouse | orlando | top chefs | Whole Foods Market