Portuguese Chef Joe Rego Wins Food Network’s Chopped Episode

Chef Joe Rego Executive Chef at Atlanta Event Center at Opera in Midtown Atlanta, starred on Food Network’s Chopped episode on July 17, 2012.

The chef won the challenge against four other chefs from Atlanta.

His Portuguese culinary talent and hard work ethic was evident by the complex dishes he presented in such short a time. Relying on his heritage for the final dessert dish, the chef used chile peppers, a secret ingredient in a “Torta” (roulade) inspired by his grandmother’s recipe.

When asked what he was going to do with the $10,000 prize, the teary eyed chef responded by saying that he would be taking a trip to Portugal with his 3 year old daughter so that she could meet her Grandparents for the first time.

If you missed the episode, you catch it on July 26, 27, 28 when it will be rebroadcast again on The Food Network.

New: Here’s a link to watch the show online:  http://www.allshowsdaily.com

Here is the bio from his website.

“For nearly two decades Chef Joe Rego has worked tirelessly to sharpen his skills at some of the finest restaurants in the country. A native of Portugal and a graduate of the prestigious Johnson and Wales University, Chef Rego began his illustrious career as a saucier in the acclaimed French restaurant The Union League Cafe of New Haven, Connecticut. After two years of professional growth at The Union League Cafe, Chef Joe Rego journeyed to Atlanta to widen his culinary palette.

Working alongside Chef Jay Swift at the trendy South City Kitchen, Chef Rego became acquainted with flavors of an authentic Southern cuisine. The result of his dedication and ingenuity led him to become the Chef de Cuisine of Sotto Sotto and Fritti, prominent restaurants located in the nostalgic Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta. Managing both establishments for nearly 3 years, Chef Joe Rego made the decision to return to the familiarity of his hometown, Boston Massachusetts, to further his career at the innovative Not Your Average Joe’s restaurant. During this time he was instrumental in opening three different locations with Not Your Average Joe’s, as well as being voted Chef of the Year for 3 consecutive years between 10 different locations. (chefjoerego.com)

Read the recent articles about Chef Rego in South Coast Today – New Bedford High grad tops 3 other chefs on ‘Chopped

The chef will make a guest appearance in the parade at “The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament” on August 5, 2012 Madeira Field – 50 Madeira Ave New Bedford, MA. The parade will start at 2 p.m with over forty different organizations marching in the one mile route from Brooklawn Park to the Feast grounds at Madeira Field.

You may visit the chef’s  Facebook page or his website to congratulate him on his success!