Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ recruiting chefs in Phoenix, Scottsdale for upcoming seasons
Mar 28, 2017, 5:55 AM
PHOENIX — Casting directors for the Food Network show “Chopped” are looking for chefs from Phoenix and Scottsdale for their upcoming seasons.
Stephanie Pressler of Experience Scottsdale, a marketing company that promotes tourism in the city, said the show’s casting directors made the decision to recruit chefs in Phoenix and Scottsdale after meeting with her group’s communications team. They met in New York City last month.
“During the meeting, our team tried to paint a picture of Scottsdale’s foodie scene,” Pressler said. “They shared that Scottsdale is home to nearly 800 restaurants, from resorts to independently owned restaurants. And they shared a bit about how downtown Scottsdale is becoming a hotbed of unique food and beverage offerings.”
“Chopped” is a cooking competition show that begins with four chefs and consists of three rounds: appetizer, entrée and dessert. At the end of each round, a panel of judges “chops” one of the chefs. The last chef standing wins $10,000.
Pressler said the casting directors are looking to recruit a diverse range of chefs, from executive chefs who work at resort restaurants to chefs who have their own food trucks. The chefs will appear in one of the show’s next four seasons.
Chefs have until April 30 to apply online. If selected, they’ll be required to travel to New York City for one day of filming at the Food Network’s studio. Filming will take place between August and January.
“We think it would be great if the Scottsdale and the Phoenix area chefs apply to showcase our culinary-driven destination on a national stage,” Pressler said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity.”
