Palate Party's Robyn Almodovar to Appear on Food Network's Chopped Tonight

Palate Party's Robyn Almodovar is going on the chopping block tonight — literally.

The chef/food truck owner will appear on Food Network's Chopped tonight, July 11, at 10 p.m. The battle, entitled "Tendon Intentions," finds Almodovar and her fellow competitors working with mystery basket ingredients that include beef tendon balls, fresh vermicelli noodles, and caramelized onions — in the dessert basket, no less.

Chef Almodovar is no newbie to competitive cooking, but she says Chopped took stress to a whole new level.

"Chopped was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do. I thought Hell's Kitchen was nerve racking. Chopped is not all about the drama and different personalities like Hell's Kitchen. It's more about being a culinarian and how quick you can think on your feet. It's that moment when Ted Allen says, 'Chef's open up your baskets,' the anxiety, the rush, all emotions in. There is no other way to describe it."

Almodovar says that there were tremendous highs, like when chef/judges Geoffrey Zakarian, Amanda Frietag, and Marc Murphy tasted her food.

"That's great, but also a nerve-wracking feeling."

Of course, Almodovar wouldn't divulge whether she wins or gets chopped. For that, you'll have to tune in to Food Network to find out. Even better, head out to Rumors Bar and Grill in Wilton Manors this evening and watch the show with the chef herself. 

Almodovar is also planning a pop-up supper club series at Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort in Sunny Isles Beach every Thursday for eight weeks, starting July 23. Each week, Almodovar will prepare a three-course meal for $55. At the dinners, the chef will partner up with some surprise guests, including fellow competitors from Hell's Kitchen, Chopped, and Cutthroat Kitchen. As the chef says, "It's going to be a great time. A party in your mouth." For reservations or more information, call 305-749-2110. 

Rumors Bar and Grill 2426 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors. Call 954-565-8851, rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com. 

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