North Fork Chef Competes On New 'Kitchen Crash'

NORTH FORK, NY — Beloved North Fork chef Stephan Bogardus is slated to appear on Food Network's debut episode of its new series "Kitchen Crash" Wednesday night.

Bogardus told Patch that he would be appearing on the episode, which airs on Wednesday, January 6 at 10 p.m.

Hosted by Jeff Mauro, the new culinary competition takes place on suburban streets as, in each of the six episodes, professional chefs head to a local neighborhood block for an outdoor cook-off.

With only 10 minutes on the clock, each chef is tasked with convincing a homeowner on the cul-de-sac to hand over ingredients from their kitchens and pantries, but competing chefs can only use items that homeowners can fit into one bin. With no additional pantry items and no option to restock, the chefs must ration what they are given for the entire competition. The chef that can make the most delicious dishes using only the ingredients in the average American kitchen will earn a $10,000 cash prize to divide with the family who provided the ingredients, a release said.

“'Kitchen Crash' is a unique cook-off that gets the whole neighborhood involved in the fun as the residents help to provide the ingredients and cheer on the chefs during the competition that takes place right in their very own front yards,” said Courtney White, President, Food Network.

The chefs will show off their culinary chops in challenges from Tex-Mex meals, to festival fare, to meat lover’s breakfasts and more, while the neighborhood watches, the release said.

Bogardus, who has also appeared on "Chopped" and "Beat Bobby Flay", is one of the North Fork's most well-loved chefs. He began his next chapter at The Halyard in Greenport in 2019 after he announced that leaving the North Fork Table & Inn after almost two years.

Early in his career, a chef and mentor suggested culinary school and explained the potential within the food service community, he said; he looked into the "possibilities and expansiveness" of the industry, learned about refined cuisine and the Culinary Institute of America, where he studied, and then, the Michelin Guide. "I was hooked!" he said.

Bogardus, born and raised in Cutchogue, said being raised in a seasonally driven community such as the North Fork, "I felt it was important to spread my wings and explore what else was out there." He initially left Long Island and went to work for Daniel Boulud's Dinex Group in Florida, and then for a country club in upstate New York before coming back to the North Fork Table & Inn in 2017.

When he took the reins at the North Fork Table and Inn in 2017, Bogardus discussed his path with Patch — and how profoundly impacted his life had been by Hayden, whose death in 2015 after a battle with ALS was a forever loss to the community.

Bogardus said being a chef was something he's aspired to since he was a small boy.

"I think my path was set in my childhood. When I was 3 or 4 years old, my mom would let me cut vegetables for our holiday meals. I even had my own station on a cutting board that would pull out from the counter," he said.

In 2018, Bogardus shared his life-altering odyssey and experience in India with Patch. The images and memories of his journey were deeply entwined in his consciousness forever and Bogardus also brought home an array of spices for his menu, along with memories emblazoned on his heart forever.

The North Fork holds a special place in Bogardus' heart, first and foremost, because he's able to be close to his family, Bogardus has told Patch in past interviews.

"I love the people — from fellow restaurant employees, childhood friends, farmers, fishermen, vineyard employees and more. . .There's also the land itself. Being out here is peaceful and tranquil — and there's a deep connection and respect for the land," he said.