Judge W. Neil Thomas III is the go-to man for wild rice soup, according to the results of the 2013 Gourmet Guys competition. Gourmet Guys is a food-tasting gala pitting dozens of chefs against each other in an amateur event. Attendees are able to taste all kinds of appetizers, soups, sides, salads, entrees and desserts, and vote for their favorite chefs. Judge Thomas beat out a garden gazpacho and a lentil soup to claim the prize in the soups category. Other winners include Don Musick, who submitted a three pesto torte in the appetizers category; Lester Perreault, whose peanut butter dessert sweetened up the event; and Mike Brown, whose chicken francesca was voted best main dish. Sydney Franklin (peanut butter and jelly cookies) and Benny Scaduto (crispy fried risotto balls) tied for the popular vote, while Tamarah Daniel won best booth. Three Chattanooga Rotary Clubs teamed up to sponsor the 2013 Gourmet Guys Food Tasting Gala on June 22 at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Proceeds from the event will be used to support initiatives for needy children locally and internationally. Pictured: Chef Mark Kramer and wife with his smoked beef tenderloin. (Photo provided)