Do you have what it takes to be crowned the top Kitchen Warrior Team?

Twelve teams, two members per team cooking competition where  teams will cook head-to-head, and only one team will be crowned the champion. Competition will be two rounds with each round having a mystery box of ingredients. Each round is 60 minutes and prizes will be awarded to top three teams. 

Competitor registration is open to 12 teams on a first-come, first-served basis for $50 per team.

Registration opens May 1

All competitors will be provided with an apron and a chef’s hat.

• 1st place - Customized chef's jacket, knife set, $100 Taiyo Steakhouse Gift Card
• 2nd place - pots and pans set, $50 Taiyo Steakhouse Gift Card
• 3rd place - $25 Taiyo Steakhouse Gift Card

Team Qualifying Requirements:

Teams of two members (SOFA ID card holders ages 15+)
Open to all home/amateur cooks and foodies—professional chefs and cooks are not permitted to compete. Teams consist of two members. This competition is open to valid SOFA ID card holders ages 15 and older. Participants must be available prior to the contest for interviews (filming date to be determined) and must acknowledge and agree to/sign the MCCS Liability & Publicity Release Form and Competitor Guidelines prior to the competition. Competitors must attend the safety brief and acknowledge understanding of the competition rules on the day of the event. All participants must abide by the standard Marine Corps dress code guidelines and wear provided apron and hat. Furthermore, competitors must be able to cook using gas stoves only, must be able to film an exit interview and must not have common food allergies.

As a member of the live audience, your appetite for fierce competition and cooking excellence will be well satisfied. Come to cheer on your favorite team and indulge in a tasty dining experience.

Registration to watch the event is FREE. There will be a lunch buffet available for purchase at the event: $25 for adults 12+, $12.50 for children 5–11 and FREE for kids under 5.

This year, Kitchen Warriors will welcome a special guest judge—Chef Trang "Lena" le, was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, moved to Houston in 2015 and pursued a culinary career after studying at the Art Institute of Houston. She gained experience at top restaurants like Morton’s Steakhouse, Ibiza, Bludorn, before founding Lena’s Asian Kitchen in 2022, specializing in healthy Asian comfort food. A passionate advocate for survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, she employs and supports them through her business and Lena’s Foundation which provides job training and resources for survivors, as well as providing hot meals for Houston survivors.

In 2024, she won a truffle-themed episode of Chopped, earning national recognition, she also appeared & cooking face to face with Chef Bobby Flay on Beat Bobby Flay Cooking show. Chef Lena continues to make an impact through her food and philanthropy.

Chef will also be holding a cooking demonstration during the competition!

Due to the nature of this event, MCCS videographers will be recording the competition. By registering as a spectator at this event, you understand that you may be captured on the video and audio recordings.

Register via Eventbrite

Event Timeline
1000 - Doors Open
1030 – Introduction of Judges and Contestants
1055 - Mystery Box Revealed
1100 - Cooking Contest First Round Begins
1200 - Cooking Contest First Round Ends, Judging Begins
1200 - Lunch Buffet Opens
1240 - Cooking Demonstration by Special Guest Chef Trang “Lena” Le Begins
1320 - Final Four Cooking Teams Announced
1325 - Mystery Box Revealed
1330 - Cooking Contest Final Round Begins
1430 - Cooking Contest Final Round Ends, Judging Begins
1500 - Cooking Contest Winners Announced and Presented with Prizes and Awards
1530 – Meet and Greet with Special Guest Chef Trang “Lena” Le
1600 – Kitchen Warriors Cooking Contest Ends
**Timeline is subject to change.