Denver chef wins one of Food Network’s 'Chopped' competitions. Runs Arvada restaurant in Freedom Street Social

From The Denver Gazette | By SAVANNAH MEHRTENS savannah.mehrtens@denvergazette.com | Feb 14, 2023

Local Denver chef Oscar Padilla reached national attention through his time on Food Network’s popular "Chopped" cooking competition show, which airs Tuesday night with his win.

Padilla’s path to success, and becoming a recognized chef, took more than 20 years, he said. Born in Los Angeles, Padilla was first introduced to cooking by his grandmother, Gloria Hernandez. Growing up, she would make massive amounts of food for her family from Latin and Spanish influences.

In his professional care, Padilla learned from chefs including Enrico Olvera and Bento Molina in Mexico City before he went to New York City to work for Richard Sandoval Restaurants as a sous chef.

“I love New York because I lived in Mexico City for a long time,” Padilla said. “For me, Mexico City and New York is the same city, the difference is the big buildings.”

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