Grilling contest at the Sizzle Showdown

I was compensated by Everywhere for attending and spreading the word about this event. All opinions are my own.

This weekend. I went the the Sizzle Showdown where Macy’s declared Leah Lyon the big winner for her Sizzled Stars and Stripes Surf-in-Turf Grill.  As a result, she won $10,000 and a trip to May’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration in New York City.

Back in April, people from all over the US submitted their prized grilling recipes with a picture of the final image for a chance to come compete in the “Sizzle Showdown” in Atlanta. This contest was launched on Macy’s Facebook page as a part of its “American Icon” summer celebration. Six finalists were chosen to travel from all over the country to compete in this final grill-off happening just outside of Macy’s in Atlanta. The finalists faced off, grilling up their recipes and Lyon was deemed the leader. 

I brought a cohort with me. Turns out she doesn’t like bitter orange ice cream covered in dark chocolate. 

It was very impressive that these women (and one man) were able to cook under such pressure (like 10 camera men, everybody taking pictures, three judges talking to them and the emcee!)

While watching the competition, we were able to try food prepared by the judges Cat Cora, Marc Forgione and Stephanie Izard. Including N’s favorite, the Korean short ribs (she ate 4….she liked them!). I also quite enjoyed them.

In a world where it seems most cooking shows and competitions are dominated by men, I was very happy and impressed to see that a woman won and that she won with a “risky” recipe as the judges called it.