Buffalo's Celebrity Chefs

If you don’t watch a sport, chances are, you are not familiar with the individual players. So if you don’t follow local restaurant and food news like I do, you may not be aware of just how many WNY Chefs and Restaurateurs have competed on nationally televised programs. Coming soon, it looks like we will be adding one more name to this list!

I don’t watch much TV that isn’t Food Network. So back in 2018 I was excited to watch, then local Chef Mike Andrzejewski, beat Bobby Flay. Back then, Chef Andrzejewski was the owner of SeaBar and Cantina Loco (since closed). Before writing this post I looked into what he is up to these days and it appears that he has moved out of the area.

But the rest of the chefs and restaurateurs that we have to brag about are still here bringing their culinary creations to the city of Buffalo, NY.

Blueberry Bread Pudding from Pastry by Camille

In 2020, I again enjoyed the excitement of watching one of Buffalo’s local Chef’s compete on Food Network’s, Guys Grocery Games. Chef Camille LeCaer advanced to the final round and ultimately won Guy’s Eggs-treme Games. Then owner of Pastry by Camille (since closed) is presently offering cooking classes in Western New York. You may also hire this French Executive Chef as a Private Chef for your next celebration.

I’ve been fortunate to sample food from both of the formerly mentioned Chefs. Sadly, I have not yet had the privilege of sampling any creations from Chef Darian Bryan, Founder/Executive Chef of The Plating Society. Chef Darian Bryan has appeared on CBS News, ESPN, and Food Network where he competed on “Chopped”. He may be booked for private dining at his place or yours and also hosts occasional pop-ups.

Next on my list is one of my personal favorites. Co-owner of the presently closed but still hosting pop-ups, LaVerdad Cafe, Mrs. Vivian Robinson appeared on TBS’s “Rat in the Kitchen” this past year. More recently, Pastors Al and Vivian Robinson [also] of Spirit of Truth Urban Ministries, were recognized on both CNN and The Jennifer Hudson Show, for opening their home and church to shelter and feed over 100 people during the 2022 Buffalo Christmas Blizzard. You’ll need to follow La Verdad Cafe on social media in order to catch one of their pop-ups, but I recently named this restaurateur when I wrote about The Best Barbeque.

BBQ Ribs, Mac & Cheese, and Kale Apple Slaw at LaVerdad Café

Back to that “one more name” that we can add to the list of Buffalo’s Celebrity Chefs! On May 24, 2023, we will again have the opportunity to cheer on one of Buffalo’s own. Owner of local Rock Burger chain, Jason Lizardo, will compete on Guys Grocery Games - The Burger Ballers episode. Rock Burger locations can be found in Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, and Cheektowaga.

Rock Burger had been on my list-to try. So in the name of research, Jeff and I ate there for lunch today. Their creative signature stuffed burgers are 1/2 pound patties but they also offer mini, 1/4 pound versions. I chose the Rainbow Mushroom Burger and Jeff went with The Tatar Tot Rock. The burgers were fantastic as was the service! If stuffed burgers aren’t your thing, you can also order unstuffed burgers with or without toppings or a variety of other sandwiches and sides.

I know that a number of local dining establishments have been featured on a variety of TV shows, but if I left any other local celebrity chefs off this list, please tell me about it in the comments.

The Tatar Tot Rock Mini at Rock Burger