Salt Lake City’s Nick Zocco hit an amazing milestone last week, showing up in force to face off against culinary juggernaut Bobby Flay in his signature Food Network show ‘Beat Bobby Flay.’ It wasn’t just a win, it was Chef Zocco, the Executive Chef of Urban Hill taking down his former boss, as he mentioned in a personal Facebook post announcing the win, “I grew up watching Bobby, and to my surprise, found myself cooking at Bobby’s signature restaurant Mesa Grill for just over 6 years in Las Vegas. It took me higher and more experienced in so many great ways.” Going from sous chef at Mesa Grill, working his way through the Utah culinary scene, up to executive chef at Urban Hill, and even receiving a James Beard nod, this win is one more accolade on a public stage for this talented chef.
To get to the round against Bobby Flay, Chef Zocco first had to compete against the talented Stefanie Torres from Austin, Texas. He came in with a win, making his signature pork albondigas in just 20 minutes of cook time. From there, he had the chance to stand up with the Iron Chef himself, Mr Flay, with a dish he picked: Chile Rellenos.
Nick chose a lump crab filling while Bobby went with chorizo. It was an even match-up considering both have a Southwest cooking style. Ultimately, Chef Zocco came out on top, adding a black bean and New Mexico red chile sauce for the win.
He isn’t the first Utah-based chef to do us proud. Chef Viet Pham of Pretty Bird has won against Bobby Flay a resounding two times.
As a James Beard finalist in 2024, helming one of Salt Lake Magazine’s top restaurants in SLC, and now with a win against Bobby Flay, we can’t wait to see what Chef Zocco cooks up next.
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