Chef Of The Fiddlehead Restaurant In Bangor To Appear On Chopped

Long before my time in radio, I spent most of my time in kitchens. Years. In fact, there's an old joke that goes something along the lines of, "Oh you're a musician? What restaurant do you work at?" So I'm no stranger to the line. I've been burned, cut, slipped and fallen.... sometimes all in one night. I never said I was graceful.

Before COVID took over the world, pretty much my favorite thing to do at any given moment is go out to eat. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, I love it all. And Bangor has some really great spots. Like Blaze, and Nocturnem. Or 11 Central, and of course, the Fiddlehead. It's a great date night spot.

And since the menu is always so eclectic and fun, it didn't really surprise me when I saw a post on Fiddlehead's Facebook page saying that they're tastemaker in charge, Chef  and co-owner Melissa Chaiken will be appearing tomorrow night on Chopped on the Food Network. That's an honor many chefs have sought.

Not to mention many great chefs from Maine. In fact, one of my best friends, Christian Hayes of The Garrison and The Thoroughfare in Yarmouth, won Chopped a couple years back with his delicious, if not infamous, creamed canned brains. (insert vomit sounds here)

According to the BDN, Chef Mel will be appearing in a tournament series featuring comfort food. And while most chefs look to stay in the kitchen where things are on their own terms, and certainly out of the direct spotlight, chef Mel thought it could help bring  some much needed attention to the restaurant during the pandemic.

See how she does tomorrow night Tuesday, November 24th at 9:00pm on the Food Network. I'll probably be watching and eating a peanut butter sandwich, wishing I could eat whatever they're cooking.

Good luck Chef Mel!! You will absolutely do Bangor proud!!