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SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2026 Chef's Challenge – Sacramento Bounty, the official kickoff to SAVOR East Sac, a 10-day celebration of East Sacramento's outstanding restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, and food and beverage businesses.

Beginning with an unforgettable culinary competition on Friday, July 24, 2026, SAVOR East Sac continues through August 2, encouraging the community to dine local, discover new favorites, and support participating businesses offering exclusive food and beverage specials throughout the event.

The opening night Chef's Challenge transforms The Cannery Place into an intimate dining experience where guests become the judges in an elevated blind tasting competition featuring five acclaimed local restaurants.

Representing Sacramento's exceptional culinary scene are chefs from:

Inspired by this year's theme, Sacramento Bounty – Market Basket, each chef will create a signature tasting entrée highlighting the incredible abundance of Northern California agriculture. Every dish must feature at least three ingredients from the official market basket:

  • Heirloom Tomatoes
  • Sweet Corn
  • Peaches
  • Summer Squash (Zucchini or Yellow Squash)
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Fresh Basil
  • Blackberries
  • Fresh Cherries
  • California Goat Cheese
  • California Burrata

Each chef's creation will be served anonymously, allowing guests to evaluate every tasting based solely on presentation, creativity, flavor, and execution before voting to crown the 2026 People's Choice Champion.

"Chef's Challenge is more than a culinary competition—it's the beginning of ten days dedicated to celebrating and supporting the incredible food and beverage businesses that make East Sacramento such a vibrant destination," said Heather Pearce, President of the East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. "Every ticket purchased and every meal enjoyed during SAVOR East Sac helps support the local businesses that make our community so special."

An Evening Designed for Food Lovers

Guests will enjoy:

  • A welcome glass of bubbles upon arrival
  • Five chef-crafted signature tasting entrées
  • Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with admission
  • Decadent sweet treats to conclude the evening
  • The opportunity to vote for the 2026 People's Choice Champion

Additional sparkling wine and the evening's featured batch cocktail will be available for purchase.

At $150 per ticket, guests will enjoy one of Sacramento's most unique culinary experiences while directly supporting the East Sacramento business community.

Limited Seating Available

Chef's Challenge seating is intentionally limited to create an intimate and memorable dining experience. Tickets are selling quickly. Reserve your seat today at

www.savoreastsac.com.

Continue the Celebration During SAVOR East Sac

Following the Chef's Challenge, guests are encouraged to explore participating restaurants, cafés, breweries, wineries, and specialty food businesses throughout East Sacramento during the 10-day SAVOR East Sac celebration. Participating businesses will offer exclusive specials, featured menu items, and promotions designed to encourage the community to shop local and support Sacramento's thriving hospitality industry.

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