“Beat Bobby Flay” is a competition-style show on the Food Network, where two contestants compete to challenge celebrity chef Bobby Flay in a cook-off. The show has a multi-stage format, starting with a preliminary round where contestants create unique dishes judged by the expert panel. The winner faces Bobby Flay, who must replicate their signature dish under a time constraint and judges decide the winner based on fidelity to the original. The show features diverse culinary challenges and occasional celebrity guests. It’s known for its suspense and creativity, appealing to food enthusiasts and cooking competition fans.
Throughout the show’s history, contestants have had a difficult time beating Flay—the celebrity chef has won his own show over 60 percent of the time. However, just recently, a NJ chef was able to defeat him. Pastry Chef Joe Murphy of Union County took on the challenge of facing Bobby Flay head-to-head, coming home to his New Providence restaurant donning the victory belt.
Murphy, owner of Bakehouse in New Providence, achieved a rare feat on “Beat Bobby Flay” by defeating the celebrity chef at his own game. A celebratory watch party was hosted at Harlee’s Tap and Grille in New Providence, NJ.
In the initial round, Murphy bested pastry chef Laura Ochikubo in a 20-minute cook-off with a secret ingredient. Impressed judges granted Murphy the opportunity to challenge Flay with his signature dish, a Brooklyn blackout cake—a deeply rich chocolate cake that is filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate ganache and crumbs. Murphy’s distinctive version wowed the judges, sending him home with the rare feat. “I beat Bobby Flay!” exclaimed a stunned Murphy.
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The episode was taped 18 months before airing, and a proud Murphy hid his victory from the public for the entire time. At that time, his New Providence bakeshop, Bakehouse by Joe Murphy, opened its doors. Murphy was unable to brag about his victory as an advertising tool to boost his new business—until now.
For Murphy, who begins work in his bakeshop before the sun rises every day, the victory was well-deserved. His dedication and commitment to all things pastry played a large part in his accomplishment. So, head to Bakehouse by Joe Murphy and sink your teeth into a sweet treat crafted by the chef who beat Bobby Flay. Not many people can say that.
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The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
