Vegan Chef Wins Food Network’s Chopped Competition

Chef Rich Landau of Philadelphia fine-dining establishment Vedge recently made his first appearance on Food Network’s competitive-cooking show Chopped. In each round, chefs are given specific ingredients that they must incorporate into dishes to be judged by a panel. Chef Landau whipped up a Horta Roll & Morel Stock appetizer with dandelion greens and chia seeds, and for the main course, he made Steak Spice Tempeh with golden beets. As ingredients for each round are a mystery, Landau was put in a tough position when he was given honey for the dessert. After mulling over the ethical dilemma of using honey, he eventually decided to include it in his Edamame Turnovers with Cranberry Sauce in order to avoid disqualification. Chef Landau won the competition and $10,000. He will donate a portion of his winnings to an animal shelter.