Blind Kitchen is a quirky food competition series, local chefs recreate each other’s signature dish, but they can only determine what the dish is using their senses of taste, touch and smell. Each chef is blindfolded during a down-and-dirty guessing phase and when the masks come off, the heat is on, with both chefs cooking what they believe is their opponent’s creation. The chefs are competing for bragging rights and a donation to their favorite charity.
In this episode, Manny Hernandez executive chef of Barrels and Boards in Raynham and Ryan Dziki, chef/owner of Wild Fox Pierogi face off to see who can recreate each other’s signature dish.
Each recreated meal will be judged on:
- Percentage of correct ingredients
- Similarities in flavor and plating
- Re-creation as a standalone dish
Chef Manny Hernandez: Veal
Born in Puerto Rico, Manny Hernandez moved to the U.S. when he was 12 years old and got his start in restaurants washing dishes. As the executive chef of Barrels and Boards, Manny creates traditional New England favorites with a Caribbean flair.
Mystery Dish: Veal Schnitzel
Veal cutlets, pretzel breading, onion bisque, shredded potatoes, carrot puree
Chef’s Choice Charity: Empower Peace
Empower Peace is a nonprofit that works with high-school students to break down barriers and build connections and conversations across the globe.
Chef Ryan Dziki: General Tso’s Chicken
Ryan started making pierogi with his brother and sister-in-law. Ryan grew up eating pierogi and brings different cultures together in his cooking. You can find Wild Fox Pierogi at popup events around Boston.
Mystery Dish: General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken with rice and chicken thighs, Thai chilies, soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, honey, rice, broccoli rabe
Chef’s Choice Charity: MSPCA-Angell
Founded in 1968, MSPCA-Angell is the second oldest organization in the country protecting and providing care for animals.
Meet the judge: Candy Gold
Candy is a Tony Award-Winning Producer. Candy is from Massachusetts and when she is not working on Broadway, she previously hosted a Boston cooking show on NewTV.
Want to see who wins?
You can watch this episode, Blind Kitchen: Put That Sauce on Anything, on the Very Local channel. You can stream all of the episodes of Blind Kitchen for free.
Looking for more Boston eats…
Check out our guide to the best international food stores in Boston and learn more about the history of America’s first chocolate mill in Lower Mills.
Stay Tuned
Our new show “Boston Rob Does Bean Town” is coming in April. Follow @verylocalboston on Instagram and Facebook for updates.