Two local chefs will square off in a culinary challenge this weekend at the Des Moines Art Center. The event, called “Battle of the Chefs,” is a spinoff of the Food Network’s popular TV series “Iron Chef” and a fund-raiser for the Art Center. Chef Hal Jasa from Underground Inc. and Don Hensley from Iowa Chef Premier Dining Services will be the participants.

“We won’t have cameras in the kitchen like they do on TV, but it will still be a fast-paced event with lots of energy and excitement,” said Debra Lehmann, the Art Center’s cultural life programs director, who is coordinating “Battle of the Chefs.”

The theme for the evening is chocolate. Both chefs must incorporate chocolate into their signature cocktails, appetizers, soup, salad, entree and dessert. With this theme, Jasa could have a slight edge over Hensley. When he worked as executive chef at the 25th Street Café, he once served a 10-course chocolate dinner for Valentine’s Day. But Jasa said he plans to create new recipes for this competition.

But don’t rule out Hensley. He has about 10 more years of cooking experience than Jasa, and he likes to compete. Earlier this month, he and teammate Troy Trostel from Trostel’s Dish earned a silver medal at a Midwestern food expo in Milwaukee. In regard to chocolate, Hensley said he has taken pastry classes from the man who currently works as corporate chef and director of research and development for Panera Bread Co.

“Battle of the Chefs” is a new addition to the Art Center’s Men Who Cook series. Until now, the series has featured amateur chefs as its participants.

“We decided to try a different slant this time,” Lehmann said. “The professionals thrive on challenge and creativity, so we thought this would make it a neat competition.”

Lehmann is expecting about 65 people for the event. Each person who attends will have a scorecard to rate the food and drinks prepared by the two chefs. The scorecard will include different categories, such as taste, creativity, appearance, presentation and use of the themed ingredient. The winning chef will receive a prize, but Lehman is keeping the details of the prize a secret until the night of the competition.

Because the chefs will have a relatively small area to work in, they will do much of their food preparation offsite. This will also allow the competition to move along more quickly than if they were starting their recipes from scratch. Both chefs have enlisted assistants help to serve their food and drinks.

Hensley said he expects “Battle of the Chefs” to be a fun event and a way for him to meet people. The Dallas native has lived in Iowa for about 12 years, and moved back to the Des Moines area last year.

“I think this event will be a good way to let people know that I am back in the area and have some fun working side by side with another talented chef,” Hensley said.

Jasa also expects the “Battle” to be a lot of fun, and he hopes that it becomes a regular fund-raiser for the Art Center. He joined the Art Center’s Art Noir group for young professionals about six months ago.

“Really for me, it’s not about winning or losing, but raising some money for the Art Center and getting out to have some fun,” Jasa said.

“Battle of the Chefs” will take place Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Art Center. The cost is $75, and proceeds will support the Art Center’s free admission policy.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling Lehmann at 271-0336.