Indigenous chefs take the spotlight on “Chopped”

On April 21, “Chopped” aired a first-of-its-kind episode. Season 64, Episode 6, “Indigenous Inspiration,” brought together four Native chefs to compete using ingredients that reflect Indigenous foodways. Instead of the usual mystery basket curveballs, the episode featured ingredients like whitefish and sumac, putting Indigenous flavors and knowledge front and center.  The chefs featured were:  Justin […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Justin Pioche

Name: Justin Pioche Location: Upper Fruitland, NM Education/background: Kirtland Central High school (diploma), Arizona Culinary Institute (Certificate in Culinary Arts) Business name: Pioche FoodGroup, LLC  Tribal affiliation: Navajo. Salt Clan Navajo born for the Folded Arms People  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I was not raised traditionally. I was born in Farmington, NM, but spent a lot of my time in Phoenix, AZ, throughout my life. That […]