Competition Dining has come to North Carolina and I got a first row seat last night as a "pro" judge. Fire on the Dock  is the  Cape Fear region's competitive dining experience and is in it's last quarterfinal competition tonight. Next week are the semi-finals and the next, the finals for this area. Check out their website (link above) for all the results so far.

The wonderfully fun evening consists of six courses prepared by two local chefs that go head to head for your vote. I was honored to be a pro judge, but every diner there had a say in the final outcome of the evening. Voting on smart phones (or by paper ballot immediately recorded on staff monitored iPad), the results were almost instantly known as the last dish was served.

Last night's ultimate winner was Marc's on Market for all three dishes Marc Copenhaver and his staff prepared. But in my opinion it was the last dish (pictured above) that stole the show. Course 6 was: Saute of NC Shrimp & Slow Braised Veal with Cracked Fingerlings, Shiitakes, & Cippolini Onion and won a whopping 71.5% score. The only higher score, also went to Marc's for Course 2: Butter Poached NC Shrimp with Celery Root Puree, Shrimp Popover & Pickled Celery, Marc's on Market  with a 72.5%.

If you live in the triangle or triad area of North Carolina, you'll want to check out when the competition comes your way and make reservations now! For those of us in the Wilmington area, there's only a few more chances for the food and fun that's been happening out at Shell Island resort. Check the website for reservations still available.