Organizers of the annual Slider Cook-off have announced the contestants in this year's cook-off competition, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29. And the gustatory gladiators are: BITE, Dirty Oscar's Annex, Lobster Shop South, Maxwell's, Paesan, Social and X Group Catering. Beer will be provided by Narrows Brewing Company.

Full details on the upcoming event in press release form below:

Tacoma, Wash. - On Saturday, March 29 at 6:30 pm Museum of Glass will kick off its third annual Slider Cook- Off. The evening will feature a slider cooking competition and tastings showcasing seven South Sound restaurants as they battle it out on the grill to prepare the tastiest slider.

Guests along with "mystery" judges, who will circulate the event throughout the evening, will vote for their favorite offering. Robin Lucas from ShowCase Media was a judge at the 2013 Slider Cook-Off. Lucas recalled, "Last year's slider event was chock full of savory food, approachable art, music and cars. It made for a cultural experience that was exhilarating and engaging all at the same time."

Along with the food, the event will also include 1950s rock and roll music performed by Daryl and the Diptones and live glassblowing by John Miller. Miller is known for creating glass sculptures of iconic American food, such as cheeseburgers and donuts.

Philip Panagos entered his restaurant Social Bar and Grill into the slider race last year, but this year he'll be returning to the competition with his second restaurant, Paesan. "I'm excited to have two ponies in the race," says Panagos. "Guests should expect sliders that are really pushing our limits with bold flavors and bright colors. I've pitted the chefs at each restaurant against each other, so we have some in-house status at stake as well."

The full line-up of participating restaurants includes BITE, Dirty Oscar's Annex, Lobster Shop South, Maxwell's, Paesan, Social and X Group Catering. Beer will be provided by Narrows Brewing Company.

Tickets for the event are $35 in advance ($30 for Museum members) and $40 at the door. VIP tickets are $100 and include access to the VIP lounge with a private hosted bar and a gift bag. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Museum's admission desk, over the phone at 253.284.4708 or at museumofglass.org/slider2014.