Triangle chef will appear on Food Network’s ’Chopped.’ Here’s when to watch
An accomplished local chef is set to step into the Chopped spotlight next week.
Triangle culinary star Sera Cuni of Cafe Root Cellar will compete July 8 on the Food Network hit show “Chopped.”
This is Cuni’s fourth time on the Food Network, following appearances on “Supermarket Stakeout” (which she won) and twice on “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
How to watch
The Chopped episode airs at 8 p.m. on Food Network.
Cuni’s Pittsboro restaurant Cafe Root Cellar will host a watch party Tuesday, July 8.
Cafe Root Cellar is located at 35 Suttles Rd. in Pittsboro.
‘Chopped’ Champions
The Triangle’s hotbed of culinary talent has earned numerous appearances on some of TV’s most popular cooking shows. Cuni will be the fourth Triangle chef to compete on “Chopped.”
Past local chefs include Pizzeria Toro’s Marla Thurman, Osteria Georgi’s Dan Jackson and most recently Kevin Ruiz, now the chef at Cuya Cocina.
All three local chefs made it to the final round (desserts), with Thurman and Jackson winning their episodes.
Cuni is the Triangle’s most TV-friendly chef
Now with four appearances on the Food Network, Cuni is possibly the Triangle’s most TV-friendly chef.
She said “Chopped,” which Cuni has watched for years with her wife and business partner, Susan White, is a new level.
“I feel like ‘Chopped’ is the top echelon of the Food Network’s cooking shows,” Cuni said in a phone interview.
Tuesday’s episode of “Chopped” has a superhero theme, according to a synopsis from the Food Network. Without sharing any spoilers, Cuni said she was proud of her appearance.
“All the competitors were amazing,” Cuni said. “I’m relieved it’s finally going to air. It’s a lot to carry around for all these months.”
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Triangle chef will appear on Food Network’s ’Chopped.’ Here’s when to watch."
