Watchlist: ‘Native Chef Justin Pioche Wins Food Network's ‘Chopped’'

By Kamiah Koch

Social media/digital journalist

Food Network expanded its popular cooking show, “Chopped,” with a new theme of Indigenous inspiration.

Justin Pioche (Navajo), Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet/Cherokee), Ray Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo), and Jessica Walks First Pamonicutt (Menominee Indian Tribe) were the competing chefs for this special episode.

Indian Country Today reported two of the three judges were also Indigenous.

The winner received the episode title as top chef and $10,000. As the title reveals, Pioche won.

“It’s all about harmony,” he said. “We all have the same agenda. Promoting Native foods, Native businesses and all the above. It made things lot more interesting and more fun.”

 A watch party was held in Pioche’s hometown in New Mexico, where his family and friends celebrated his win.

“My mind is just ready to explode,” Pioche’s mother, Janice Pioche said. “I’m so happy, so proud of my boy. It was a long time coming and my mind and my heart is overflowing.”

The video shows Pioche walking around the room of cheerers receiving high-fives and hugs.  

You can watch the entire Indian Country Today video on Pioche’s notable win at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GYsxNV4JWo.