Chef Adam Greenberg of Barcelona Takes on Chopped Champions (Spoilers Ahead)

Chef Greenberg went for his third win on Chopped last night. How did he fare against his other 3 competitors? Photo from Food Network.

“It’s never a walk in the park. My last competion I made mistakes. So, I want to convert those mistakes into masterpieces.” -Chef Adam Greenberg, Barcelona on Chopped.

Winning Chopped on The Food Network is never an easy thing . . . even just getting on the show isn’t an easy thing. But, how about winning Chopped twice then being placed into the Chopped Grand Champions round where a prize of $50k is at stake? Yeah, you have to be an amazing chef who’s versatile in the kitchen to get that far.

Well, that’s exactly what Chef Adam Greenberg of Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar did last night when his episode of Chopped aired. Here’s everything that went down, including basket ingredients, who was chopped, and notes on what Adam made. Spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution. ;) 

Chefs

Debroah Caplan, Line Cook

Andre Fowles, Sous Chef

Meny Vaknin, Executive Chef & Restaurateer

Adam Greenberg, Executive Chef

Round 1

Basket: Mangalitsa pork burgers, chow mein noodles, tardivo, blood clams

Chef Greenberg Adam made: Tardivo and Blood Clam Ceviche. Judges like its bright, spiciness, with just enogh sweetness. Judges criticized the non-creative use of the noodles. 

Who was chopped: Chef Meny Vaknin eliminated, didn’t like the competiting flavors of olives with oranges and that a clam wasn’t opened. 

Round 2

Basket: Leg of lamb, blue cheese lollipops, cognac, cardoons

Chef Greenberg Adam made: Lamb Ragu with Penne. Blue cheese sauce around edge. Judges said he could have kicked it up more with spices and salt, but the flavors were all there. 

Who was chopped: Chef Caplan. Meat was tough, some tender and needed to rest more.  It needed more brightness and color, too. 

Round 3

Basket: Chocoflan, Satsuma Mandarin, smoked almonds, caramelized onions

Chef Greenberg Adam made: Mandarin ice cream with smoked almond onion caramel. Shot of Mandarian OJ and bourbon on the side. Almonds added a smoky taste. Judges felt like there was a great balance, but wanted more layers of flavor. 

Who was chopped:  Chef Fowles. The usage of the onions in the ice cream were too much and the lamb was overcooked in Round 2. 

The winner: Chef Adam Greenberg! Tears came to his eyes, knowing his wife would be so proud. And, around the corner his wife, Anna, comes out and hugs him. Perfect end to the episode. 

He takes home $50,000 and the major honor of being in the elusive club of Chopped Grand Champions! See him at Barcelona Wine Bar on 14th Street in D.C.