Definition of a cook-off:
"a cooking competition in which the contestants each prepare dishes for judging either by a group of judges or by the general public" according to the Oxford Dictionary of the English Language.
In a shak-off, the chefs - people from all countries, including refugees - cook
shakshukah, hummus, baba ganush and other mezzes in friendly competition against each other. The audience - fellow diners - judge the cooking skills. For this we would need a friendly and large hall and possibly cooking facilities.
About Terry Swartzberg as chef and initiator:
After Shabbat for all with Terry Essen and up to 250 participants (I have cooked for 100 students and teachers alone!) I give cooking courses in adult education centers, schools, student residences and much more. With refugees, for example.
The courses were lovingly accompanied by the media.
Registration under the link