News Summary
Greenville’s own chef Austyn McGroarty took to the Food Network, showcasing his culinary skills in the competitive cooking show ‘Chopped.’ The episode, aired on January 14, 2025, highlighted Austyn’s journey with a unique auction twist involving various ingredients. Dealing with intense pressure and unfamiliar items, he learned valuable lessons in creativity and adaptability. Post-competition, Austyn has shifted focus to his catering business and family while eyeing a possible return to television cooking challenges.
Greenville Chef Austyn McGroarty Takes on “Chopped”
Excitement is buzzing through the streets of Greenville as local chef Austyn McGroarty recently showcased his culinary prowess on the renowned Food Network show, “Chopped.” The competition, which premiered on January 14, 2025, is a beloved staple for food enthusiasts and features chefs battling it out in a race against the clock.
A New Adventure for a Local Culinary Star
Austyn, the talented founder of Woodside Bistro in West Greenville, is no stranger to the culinary scene. Before starting his restaurant, he honed his skills as a chef at Curean, crafting delicious dishes that left patrons eager for more. With a growing reputation, Austyn decided to take a leap of faith into the chaotic world of reality cooking shows. His journey began with a casual chat with a co-worker that sparked his interest in “Chopped.”
After some encouraging conversations, Austyn discovered a straightforward application process through JS Casting, which allowed him to throw his hat in the ring. Following interviews, background checks, and signing a non-disclosure agreement, he received the exciting news of his acceptance into the competition in October of that year.
The High-Stakes Challenge
Fast forward to filming in the bustling city of New York, where the heat of competition truly kicked in. On the big day, Austyn found himself feeling a whirlwind of nerves, questioning whether he truly wanted to compete. As the show unfolded, he faced off against three other skilled chefs, including the impressive Emily Lim, a James Beard-nominated cook hailing from San Francisco.
This season, known as the 61st and titled “Name Your Price,” put contestants to the test with a unique twist: chefs receive three pre-selected ingredients and engage in a live auction for a crucial fourth item. With only 20 to 30 minutes on the clock, Austyn had to whip up a fully cooked meal from scratch that could wow the judges. In his first round, he faced a surprise basket containing onigiri, chicory, and aged balsamic vinegar, alongside the pressure of bidding for additional ingredients like red shrimp and wagyu beef tenderloin.
Talk about intense! Austyn quickly learned that some of the required ingredients were unfamiliar territory, forcing him to think on his feet and adapt like a pro. The pressure was palpable, and by the end of filming, he was left feeling emotionally and physically drained, struggling to recall specific moments from the whirlwind competition.
Reflecting on the Experience
Since his stint on “Chopped,” Austyn has decided to take a different path. He has stepped away from the bustling restaurant scene to focus on his new catering company while also embracing his role as a devoted parent. The reality of competing on TV can be challenging, and initially, he felt uncertain about the idea of returning to that spotlight. However, Austyn now recognizes the opportunity it presented for learning and growth, expressing a willingness to dive back into the competition someday.
If you want to catch Austyn in action, you can stream the episode featuring his culinary adventure on Amazon. Whether he’s whipping up innovative dishes in competitions or crafting unique meals for his clients, Austyn McGroarty continues to shine as a remarkable chef from Greenville, leaving a lasting impact on both the local and culinary communities.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Austyn McGroarty on “Chopped”
- Greenville Online: Activists Push for Hate Crime Law
- Greenville Journal: Local Grill Master on “Chopped Grill Masters”
- Wikipedia: Cooking Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooking
