‘Chopped’ series champion Dafna Mizrahi gets cooking

AMENIA — A pinch of discipline simmered with a dash of perseverance have yielded the perfect recipe for success for Dafna Mizrahi — co-owner and executive chef at Monte’s Local Kitchen and Tap Room in Amenia, which serves farm-to-table new American cuisine.

Mizrahi recently had the opportunity to compete on the Food Network’s cooking challenge show “Chopped” for a grand prize of $10,000. She won the competition.

Mizrahi chose to donate her prize money to the Lucky Orphan House Rescue in Dover Plains, a local nonprofit organization which not only rescues animals but also provides equine therapy.

At 23, Mizrahi is one of the youngest “Chopped” champions ever. She left the judges in awe of her innovative techniques, presentation and determination on the show — which made her the clear standout.

But “Chopped” was not her first rodeo. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), she has also won another national cooking prize. In 2014 — the same year Monte’s Kitchen opened its doors — she was one of three chefs selected to compete in the Harley Davidson Burger competition in South Dakota, out of a 3,000-candidate pool. Mizrahi whisked herself to first place and was crowned grand champion. (Word of her victory reached a Food Network employee, who suggested she cook on “Chopped.”)

A champion in the making

Mizrahi has always been a determined, hard worker setting an example for first generation immigrants. She migrated with her family to Atlanta, Ga., from her native Mexico at age 12 and once here she began teaching herself English.

 “I have always been an over achiever,” she said, recalling that she has never been like average children her age.

Mizrahi attributes her success in the culinary world to her Mexican-Jewish background. Food has always been an integral part of her culture for both sides of her family. As a child she would spend hours on end in the kitchen with her grandparents, and eventually it became an outlet to express her creativity.

This has inspired more creativity and taught her to use previously acquired knowledge with any ingredients on hand — an important skill to possess for cooking competitions.

“Chopped”

“Chopped” tested unknown waters for Mizrahi with its “gastro pub” theme, an area in which she was not well-versed prior to the show.

Mizrahi was pitted against three well-seasoned male opponents who were much older than she was and who had more experience with pub food. But competing with more experienced contenders only motivated her to excel and win the $10,000 grand prize.

It is less likely for female chefs to win these sorts of competitions, said Mizrahi, especially those with less experience in the field. The young chef said the hospitality industry tends to be populated by predominantly well-seasoned males, but in her opinion, “gender and age don’t determine a skill set.”