Chef David Guas is just fine with not winning a recent episode of the Food Network’s competition show “Chopped.”
Really, he is.
“I’ve been competitive all my life,” said Guas, owner and mastermind behind Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood. “It’s nice to have a competitive nature in order to create a drive and to help self-motivate.”
| On TV |
| ‘Unique Sweets’ |
| When: 10:30 p.m. Sunday |
| Channel: Cooking Channel |
| “Chopped” reruns air on the Food Network. Check local listings. |
| For restaurant info, visit bayoubakeryva.com. |
However, Guas dialed back his competitive nature a number of years back.
“Because of that, I’m that much freer and can focus on my goals and being successful on an independent level,” Guas said. “It’s not important to me any more to beat you.”
Not that Guas didn’t wish he could have made it to the final round of “Chopped.” The dessert portion would have enabled him to exercise his strength.
Guas was not so keen on the competition show, which requires contestants to create a dish using secret ingredients. A panel of judges decide who moves on to the next course.
“My biggest fear was opening the basket and having all three ingredients I’ve never heard of or seen before,” Guas said. “That’s what’s so intriguing about my industry. It’s a constant educational process.”
Though a regular on television, this was the first cooking competition Guas has taken the lead in.
“It’s always interesting to see behind the scenes of any type of operation like that,” he said.
On Sunday, Guas and Bayou Bakery will be featured on the Cooking Channel’s “Unique Sweets.” The show will offer an inside look into Bayou Bakery.
“It wasn’t a competition show, which I’m grateful for,” said the Louisiana native, who also wrote “DamGoodSweet: Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth New Orleans Style.” “It highlights all the cool things we do here on the sweet side.”
In 1998, chef Jeff Tunks recruited Guas to be his pastry chef at D.C. Coast. After receiving much acclaim, Guas opened his own place in November 2010. Bayou Bakery features Southern sweets and casual dining options.
Guas welcomes the look into his work at Bayou Bakery.
“It’s just very validating,” he said. “It’s truly where my heart is when it comes to cooking food. It’s neat to be recognized for that and in a positive light.”
