On Monday, July 14th, the Rhode Island chapter of The American Institute of Wine & Food held their Third Annual Rhode Island Chef Smackdown and like the event last year I was a very happy eater and photographer. It's been a very busy wedding season but I'm glad to find the time to indulge my culinary photo interests and these few photos here were just some of the photographic highlights. As you'd suspect, all the Chefs and their food were fantastic—thank you, Chefs and the AIWF—and a special thank you to hosts Chef Matt Gennuso and Kristin Gennuso of Chez Pascal for allowing me to invade their restaurant, front and back.

Chef John Philcox of Café Zelda and Chef Champe Speidel of Persimmon from Team Newport.

Chef Matt Jennings of La Laiterie in Providence

Chef Speidel's Warm Terrine of Native Summer Vegetables

Chef Jennings and Chef Joe Hafner of Gracie's from Team Providence

Even if it's not actually pork on the board, what brings more warmth to your belly than the word "Pig?"

Team Newport

Chef Kevin Thiele of One Bellevue at the Hotel Viking's Roasted Macadamia Nut and Goat Cheese Crusted Lamb Chop, Porcini Risotto Cake, Balsamic-Glazed Baby Carrots, Rosemary Pesto

Chef Jennings' Toasted Pecan Financier, Westfield Chèrve Ice Cream, Vanilla Bean Custard and Ward's Blueberry Compote

The Smackdown winners, Team Newport