Despite Fears, Adrienne Grenier Triumphed On Chopped Last Night

Riki Altman

Executive chef Paula DaSilva and Chopped champion, Adrienne Grenier.

​Planning a meal in seconds with limited ingredients, based upon a food mystery in a basket, is no easy feat, even for a seasoned professional.
Local chefs gathered at the restaurant to support Grenier, including her former boss, Dean James Max, as well as Alberto Cabrera, Sean Brasel, Timon Balloo, Michael Bloise, Kurtis Jantz and Chad Galiano. Also in attendance was the first Miami Chopped champ, Giorgio Rapicavoli. Grenier attributed her presence on the show to executive chef Paula DaSilva, saying, "I'm here mostly because my boss made me."

In the first round she turned frozen fries into a successful hash, and despite being unfamiliar with the star of the entrée course, blue foot chicken, Grenier was the only competitor to deliver a plate of poultry that was tender; the other two dishes were dry enough for the judges to complain repeatedly. Her dessert of a masa harissa shortcake clinched the win, although the stress of watching her compete may have been worse than the actual competing. There were tears, emotional admissions of her lack of confidence, inexperience and hesitation to enter the culinary world five years ago (never wanted to hug a stranger so badly.)

Riki Altman

Celebrating Grenier's win at 1500 Degrees last night.

​At one moment she looked frazzled when standing in front of the "pantry," and we hear Grenier's internal monologue saying, "My boss Paula would be really disappointed if I didn't give it all I've got...this is a chance to gain some confidence...you've gotta believe in yourself, so I tell myself that I am going to win Chopped!"

And thus she did, ending the show with the following statement about her victory, "Wow, it's huge! I proved to myself that I am worth something."

Chef Adrienne, please start celebrating your bright future immediately!

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