Delaware Chefs Are Putting The First State On The Map As A Foodie Destination
The food scene in Wilmington is going to new heights. This all thanks to some talented local chefs who have made it to the top on some of the countries most popular cooking shows.
Six of Delaware chefs have appeared on competitive cooking shows over the last year. Though they are taking home prizes, they are also earning the first state recognition as a foodie destination.
Delawareans and vacationers alike can enjoy the tasty talents of these culinary stars across the state:
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Donavon “Monty” Alderman competed on the 2022 Food Network program “Bake It ‘Til You Make It.” Alderman is owner of Monty’s Neighborhood Snacks, where he sells specialty cakes and cupcakes.
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Hari Cameron, a James Beard-nominated chef who is co-founder of Grandpa Mac in Rehoboth Beach, is featured on the premiere season’s finale of Netflix’s “Snack vs. Chef.”
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Reuben Dhanawade was named Episode 8 champion of “Desperately Seeking Sous Chef,” a special edition of the Food Network show “Chopped,” in 2022. Dhanawade has cooked for a variety of Delaware restaurants, and produced a local access cooking show, “Reuben’s Indian Kitchen.”
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Jesus “Zeus” Valentino Gordiany, executive chef at Tuscany-inspired Benvenuto restaurant in Milford, appeared on celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen” on Fox.
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Chef/Owner Robbie Jester of Pizzeria Mariana in Newark recently won the $100,000 grand prize on the Netflix show “Pressure Cooker.” Jester also has competed twice on the Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” (winning on his second appearance) and his shrimp scampi topped the hosts on Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay.”
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Pastry chef Dru Tevis won the Food Network’s most recent “Holiday Baking Championship,” bringing $25,000 home to Lewes. Tevis is a corporate pastry chef for SoDel Concepts Hospitality Group, the Delaware operators behind Matt’s Fish Camp, Bluecoast, Papa Grande’s, and other beach favorites.
“These chefs are putting Delaware on the map as a food destination, and I congratulate them on their incredible achievements,” said Jessica Welch, Director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “As more of our visitors experience the exceptional dining throughout our state, I’m certain that Delaware’s reputation as a culinary capital will continue to grow.””
