Jersey Shore chef makes it to the Final Four on Food Network's 'Tournament of Champions'
Chef Britt Rescigno has made it to the final round of Food Network's "Tournament of Champions," bringing her one step closer to $100,000 and the coveted "TOC" belt.
Last night, the Tuckerton native beat Iron Chef Jose Garces 85 to 81, securing the title for her East Coast A division.
Guy Fieri, the host of "TOC," never ceases to be astonished by Rescigno, who is no stranger to Food Network wins. She won "Guy's Grocery Games" on Feb. 15, as well as other Food Network competitions.
Rescigno held residency at Beach Haven's Delaware Avenue Oyster House for three years.
“The chef responsible for the tournament’s greatest upsets,” Fieri said on the show. "You are the first No. 8 seed in the history of 'TOC' to ever reach the Final Four."
Upon spinning the randomizer, Garces and Rescigno were dealt a poor deck, with proteins like frog legs, and other ingredients like crab apples. At the mercy of the crowd, the chefs were allowed to spin for another protein. The result? Pork secreto.
Rescigno's crusted Iberico secreto with spiced crab apple puree and glazed carrots impressed the judges just slightly more than Garces' cilantro-lime marinated Iberico, tortilla espa?ola, and crab apple-stuffed piquillo peppers with chicharron-peanut topping.
Chef Britt: Jersey Shore chef into the Elite Eight on Food Network's 'Tournament of Champions'
During the show, judge Lorena Garcia said that the "pork was perfectly sliced," while another judge, cookbook author Rocco DiSpirito, said "these are some of the best roasted carrots I've had."
When contacted Monday, Chef Britt said "the amount of love and support from everyone has been completely humbling and overwhelming.
"I can't thank you enough for watching me and reaching out," she added. "We are going to the Final Four baby!"
Rescigno has been receiving a lot of online love since she first appeared on "TOC."
“My Instagram has blown up. I’ve gotten so many followers it’s insane,” she said in a recent interview. “It’s such a great feeling to have so much support, and for people to really get to know me through TV because I’m just 100% genuine.”
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Tune in at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 9, to see if Chef Britt takes home $100,000 and the "TOC" belt in the final episode.
She will first face of against renowned restaurateur Maneet Chauhan, winner of the East B division, in the semifinals. If she wins, she will compete for the throne on the same episode.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].
Parts of this story have previously been published.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Food Network: Britt Rescigno in Final Four on Tournament of Champions
