_{PHOTOS COURTESY OF INFORMA CONNECT}

Tyler Clegg is no stranger to quick thinking when a challenge presents itself. As Executive Chef at the Boston Commissary for Constellation Culinary Group, Clegg and his team must ensure operations run efficiently in a fast-paced environment, while delivering the exceptional food their customers have come to expect.

That operational excellence and culinary expertise led Clegg to represent Constellation Culinary Group and Elior North America at the 13th Annual Texas Pete® Kitchen Hero Cook-Off in Nashville, Tennessee, where he took home the title of Texas Pete® Kitchen Hero from a panel of judges and experts. In addition to the prestigious award, Clegg was also on hand to help present a $10,000 donation to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign on behalf of Garner Foods.

“I selected Tyler to represent us because of his dedication and passion,” said Chris Aquilino, Chief Culinary Officer for Elior North America. “He’s been recognized as a Chef of the Year at Elior, been featured in cooking competitions, and runs a great business in the Boston Commissary.”

Chefs from four top restaurant brands competed in the annual cook-off, tasked with creating the best dish from a mystery basket of items. Tyler’s ingredients included acorn squash, lamb loin, and Texas Pete®’s Habanero Buffalo Sauce.

Clegg’s final dish of seared lamb loin, encrusted with toasted acorn squash seeds, and served over an acorn squash puree with apple and onion, wowed the judges. Focusing on full-product utilization to ensure no parts of the acorn squash went to waste, Clegg finished the plate with a basil-infused mango-habanero buffalo sauce, pan-roasted acorn squash, topped with Texas Pete® Green Pepper Sauce.

“The most memorable part was the camaraderie and hospitality from the entire Texas Pete team and the other chefs competing,” Clegg said. “Despite the competitive atmosphere, there was a real sense of respect and connection among everyone. Being pushed to think fast and cook outside our comfort zones made the experience both challenging, and rewarding.”

Congratulations, Tyler, on this incredible accomplishment! 

Be sure to check out this recap video, courtesy of Garner Foods and Texas Pete®, to see Tyler’s full dish, highlights from the competition, and more.