Local Chef wins Food Network’s hit TV show “Chopped”

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Local Chef and Owner of Neutral Ground, Kenyatta Ashford, was the top winner on food networks hit tv show “Chopped” – after he stunned the judges with his ”Afro-creole” style of cuisine. 

“It was unbelievable. It’s still pretty surreal,” says Kenyatta Ashford, Owner of Neutral Ground. 

Chef Ashford competed against 2 other skilled contestants under strict time constraints to produce the winning meal. 

 “It was very challenging because time is always of the essence when you’re working in a kitchen. It just puts you in your natural setting regardless of a competition or if $10,000 were at stake anyway,” says Ashford.

Ashford says his love for the culinary arts and desire to create an experience within a meal come from his native New Orleans Roots. 

“I want to introduce the food of my ancestors and the food of my upbringing in New Orleans. We’re just trying to shine a light on the talent of African American chefs,” says Ashford.

After being furloughed during the pandemic, Ashford decided to open up his own restaurant in downtown chattanooga, called Neutral Ground. 

“Neutral Ground means the common place , where people come together. We would really like our restaurant to be a place where anybody from any walk of life can come and enjoy a really good meal,” says Ashford.

Chef Ashford says his $10,000 winnings will go towards helping grow his business and donating to those who also want to pursue a career in the culinary arts.