New Times Iron Fork Returns October 21 at Grand Central

​The first  two years were sell-outs. This year, Iron Fork will be bigger and better. New Times' massive culinary event returns for a third time, taking over the downtown event space/nightclub Grand Central on October 21. Last year's winner John Critchley (Area 31) will fight to hold onto his title against Douglas Rodriguez, the Godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine.

But there's more. We will hand out our first-ever Short Order Awards in six categories: Best Chef, Best Up & Coming Chef, Best Pastry Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Mixologist, and Best Plate. Nominees will be picked by a panel of local food experts to include local chefs, food writers, and bloggers. The winners will be ultimately chosen by you, the reader. (We will let you know soon about the voting process).

Also on the menu: numerous Miami restaurants will serve up delectable bites, as well as drinks provided by Famosa Beer, Bacardi, and Bombay Sapphire.

Tickets are on sale now at newtimesironfork.com for $35 for general admission, $65 for VIP. If you wait for the day of the even, the price jumps to $45 at the door.