On Thursday, October 23rd, the food-lovers of North Idaho gathered at the Hagadone Event
Center in Coeur d’Alene for the 5th annual Chef Challenge, hosted by nonprofit CDAIDE. The
event brought together six of the region’s top rising culinary talents in a high-energy head-to-
head cooking competition — all to raise funds for hospitality and restaurant workers facing
financial crisis. Coeur d’Alene Press
They competed live in a fast-paced culinary showdown where skill, creativity, and flavor take center
stage. Attendees tasted, voted, and experienced the action up close — all while supporting
CDAIDE’s mission to help local hospitality workers in times of crisis.
From the moment doors opened, the vibe was electric: guests tasted appetizers, voted on
favorites, and anticipated the live cook-off featuring a “mystery ingredient” challenge. For three
rounds, the competing Chefs had to make a dish in 20 minutes in front of a few hundred
attendees. No pressure! Each round, one Chef was eliminated. Final round was down to three
Chefs.
The Winner: Chef CJ Lopp-Fox
In the end, the crown went to CJ Lopp Executive Chef at Vine & Olive Eatery & Wine Bar in
Riverstone. Chef CJ’s rustic, ingredient-driven style clearly resonated with the judges (Event
Judges, Chef Pete Tobin and Executive Chef/Restaurateur Laurent Zirottiand) and attendees
alike.
A post-event announcement congratulated him directly: “Congratulations to Chef CJ … for
winning the 2025 Chef Challenge!”
The Other Culinary Contenders
While Chef CJ took the top spot, the competition was fierce. The other competitors were:
- James Seidler – Avondale Bar & Grill
- Joel Thompson – Dockside
- Ken Glessner – Bardenay
- Jon Score – Sweet Lous
- Diggy Evensizer – Diggy’s Delicious Desserts
Why This Event Matters
What makes the Chef Challenge more than just a fun food-fest is its purpose. The proceeds from
the evening benefit the region’s hospitality workers — servers, cooks, bartenders, hotel staff —
many of whom work hard but are one crisis away from financial instability.
It was not only a showcase of talent, but a community gathering: good food, camaraderie,
creativity and purpose all wrapped into one.
The collaboration between restaurants, culinary talent and the nonprofit world demonstrated how
gastronomy can serve community goals, not just appetites.
Looking Ahead
For the community of Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho in general, the success of this event
reinforces the idea that dining out can have ripple effects: every bite supports more than just
culinary enjoyment. It supports people, livelihoods and local culture in our community.
