“Chopped” is heading outdoors in a new Food Network competition series.
In “Chopped Castaways,” twelve elite chefs will be stranded on a desert island, putting their culinary skills and their survival skills to the test.
Ted Allen To Host “Chopped Castaways”
Getty“Chopped Castaways” takes the Food Network hit to a new, extreme level.
“‘Chopped’ is a series beloved by fans because it consistently delivers the high-stakes competition they crave,” said Food Network president Betsy Ayala in a press release.
“With ‘Chopped Castaways’, we take that familiar formula of ingenuity and creativity and push it to the next level, challenging some of the most talented and resourceful chefs to battle the elements and approach the baskets in ways we’ve never seen before – all for an epic $100,000 prize.”
Each episode will test contestants’ survival skills, with challenges including archery, spearfishing and diving.
“Battling the elements across two grueling cooking rounds each week, competitors must build a working kitchen from basic supplies, earn their signature Chopped ingredient baskets through intense physical challenges, and cook entirely over open fire,” per the Food Network press release.
Ted Allen will be hosting the series, with celebrated chefs Gabe Bertaccini, Maneet Chauhan and Marcus Samuelsson set to judge.
Reigning “Chopped” Host Ted Allen Returns For New Series
GettyTed Allen is no stranger to the “Chopped” franchise, having hosted the series since 2009.
“I have every piece of Chopped swag that has ever been made,” he told Chicago Magazine.
“It’s an immaculate collection — mostly T-shirts and hoodies. But I can’t ever wear any of it, because I’d look like a schmuck. If the Smithsonian is interested, I’d be happy to donate it.”
In an interview with Windy City Times, he discussed the pressure chefs face on the series.
“That’s the thing about being the chefs. You can practice, and get a perspective on how short 20 minutes [can be] and how fast you need to move – that way you can figure out how ambitious to be, although you have to temper that with incredible constraints,” he said.
“With those ingredients, you have a problem to solve – and think creatively while having blazing lights in your face… To be a chef, you have to have a healthy ego; it’s an interesting mix of creativity and confidence.”
“Chopped Castaways” premieres May 12 on the Food Network.
