A "Cook-off" is a competitive event where individuals or teams prepare dishes to be judged based on taste, presentation, and creativity. Participants often showcase their culinary skills by using specific ingredients or themes, and the event can focus on various types of cuisine, such as barbecue, chili, or desserts. Judges, who may include chefs or food enthusiasts, evaluate the entries and award prizes to the best dishes. Cook-offs can be organized for fun, community engagement, or fundraising, and they often attract food lovers and spectators who enjoy tasting the creations.