Delaware’s star chefs shine brightly in TV faceoffs

Delaware’s vibrant dining scene is attracting attention across the nation and around the world, thanks to talented home-state chefs who are finding fame on competitive television cooking shows.

At least six chefs have appeared on shows in the past year, and three of them – Dru Tevis of Lewes, Robbie Jester of Newark and Reuben Dhanawade of Wilmington – have won titles and cash in these made-for-TV battles.

But the real prize may be the boost they’re giving to Delaware’s fame as a foodie destination. Away from the video screen, Delawareans and vacationers alike can enjoy the tasty talents of these culinary stars at a range of eateries across the state:

Donavon "Monty" Alderman competed on the 2022 Food Network program, "Bake It 'Til You Make It." The New Castle resident is owner of Monty’s Neighborhood Snacks, where he sells specialty cakes and cupcakes.

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."

Reuben Dhanawade of Newark 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."

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.

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."

Pastry chef Dru Tevis won the Food Network’s most recent edition of "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 Seafood Grill, 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, Delaware Tourism Office director. "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.”"

Tevis said he was amazed at the support he received from across the state.

"Being on ‘Holiday Baking Championship’ was one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding experiences of my life," Tevis said. "I wanted to make not only myself proud, but all of my coworkers back home and really the entire state of Delaware. I have always said there is so much talent down at the beach, it really is a culinary destination, and we are so thankful for the vacationers who travel to enjoy and support our industry."

The entire state has been experiencing a renaissance in fine dining, highlighted by the media attention being showered on Wilmington’s energetic restaurant scene and in the many exceptional restaurants with world-class chefs that make up Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast.

"The people who love vacationing in Delaware come here for the natural beauty, for the unrivaled historical attractions and for our affordable fun," Welch said. "More and more, they’re also being attracted by our delicious restaurants, and these TV appearances emphasize that uniquely engaging Delaware dining flair."