The knives are sharpened, cocktails concocted, and cupcakes frosted. The annual Top Chef competition has returned to Iowa City.

From 5 to 8 p.m. today local chefs, bakers, and mixologists will dish their delicacies at hotelVetro, 201 S. Linn St. Judges and guests will sample one signature dish or drink from the participants’ establishments. The crowd of 400 attendees will then select the People’s Choice award, while the panel of culinary judges will grant the title of 2016 Top Chef.

The competition will see a mix of familiar and fresh faces: El Bandito returns to defend its title of top entrée, short ribs tacos crowned the year before. Forbidden Planet and Graze, both of which tied first last year for People’s Choice entrée, are also back to battle.

The Farmers’ Market will be a fresh addition to Top Chef this year. As the backbone of most local restaurants, farmers were invited to showcase items for the upcoming season.

The anticipation has resulted in a sold-out show, but keep an eye on @DailyIowanArts on Twitter for live coverage and grab the Tuesday edition of The Daily Iowan for the full details.

— by Tessa Solomon