Lombard chef wins Food Network's 'Cutthroat Kitchen'

WESTMONT – On Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” Executive Chef Patrick Cassata of Lombard battled three other contestants and won the March 6 competition to take home $14,700.

Cassata is executive chef at Bakersfield Wood Fired Grill of Westmont and works for its sister enterprise, Standard Market.

“Cutthroat Kitchen” is an alternative to the typical cooking competition, according to the restaurant’s news release. The contestants each begin with $25,000 and auction off their money to buy opportunities to sabotage their fellow chefs. After making it through the “Enchi-Lottery,” where Cassata concocted a breakfast enchilada with pickled eggs, and the second round, where he had to cook a Korean-themed bibimbap dish over fire using Stone Age-era implements, Cassata ended up in the final round.

To seal the win, he made his “concrete” frozen custard in an actual concrete mixer using liquid nitrogen. To add to the humorous tone of the show, he was forced to wear faux concrete boots while creating his dessert.

A large group of family, friends and staff enjoyed an evening at the restaurant to cheer on and support the executive chef, who previously was a contestant on season 10 of Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Locally owned, Bakersfield Wood Fired Grill, a modern American restaurant, showcases the talent of Standard Market’s accomplished culinary team, the release stated. The open kitchen offers views from throughout the restaurant, which is anchored by the signature hickory and oak wood-fired grill.