Critchley, Bodini Finalists for New Times' Iron Fork in October

Executive chef and Iron Fork finalist John Critchley of Area 31.

​Last night, New Times held the pre-chef challenge for its Iron Fork event at La Cuisine Gourmet in Coral Gables. Four chefs competed: executive chef Maria Manso of the Blue Door at the Delano, executive chef John Critchley of Area 31, executive chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market, and executive chef Giancarla Bodini of Escopazzo. In the end Critchley and Bodini came out on top. Both will face off at the actual Iron Fork on October 15 at the Bank of America Tower Sky Lobby where the judges -- executive chef Allen Susser, executive chef Cindy Hutson, executive chef Andre Bienvenu, professor chef Michael Moran, and executive chef Adrianne Calvo -- will pick a winner.

Tickets are still available for $30 pre-sale (they'll cost you $40 at the door). Some of the restaurants participating this year include 8 oz. Burger Bar, Au Pied de Couchon, Chef Allen's, Fratelli La Bufala, Gordon Biersch, Half Moon Empanadas, La Casa de Tula, Meat Market, Neomi's Grill, Quattro, Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant, TAP TAP Restaurant, The Urbanite Bistro and more.