Introduction to Pastry Chef Denise Elrod’s Return
Denise Elrod is heading back to Flavortown. The executive pastry chef at Blackbird Modern Asian in Jupiter will make a second appearance on “Guy’s Grocery Games” on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Elrod won Guy Fieri’s foodie-frantic TV cooking competition with her first appearance back in November 2019, wowing with her takes on lava cake and holiday-inspired tiramisu and bringing home $20,000. That cook-off/bake-off gave her an idea of what to expect this time around.
Background on Denise Elrod’s First Appearance
“I already knew how things like travel and the flow of the show worked,” Elrod told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I went in feeling very optimistic knowing I had won once already, but I didn’t expect the other competitors to be past winners as well.”
Denise Elrod (in front row wearing sunglasses) is pictured with Guy Fieri (center) and other contestants of the upcoming "Sweet & Savory Superstars" episode of "Guy’s Grocery Games." (Denise Elrod/Courtesy)
The New Episode: "Sweet & Savory Superstars"
And that wasn’t the only surprise of the new episode, which is titled “Sweet & Savory Superstars.”
“Let’s just say there’s a big twist right at the start that no one saw coming,” Elrod said.
The videotaping took place in Santa Rosa, California, in June 2024.
“This has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to finally share the experience with my family, my coworkers and the rest of the world.”
Air Date and Broadcast Details
The show will air on the Food Network at 9 p.m. Aug. 13. Blackbird Modern Asian, at 1511 N. Old Dixie Highway, plans to show the broadcast live during dinner service. The Food Network will repeat the program at 12 a.m. Aug. 14 and 2 p.m. Aug. 17 and 20.
Interview with Denise Elrod
Here’s more from Elrod from an interview that’s been edited for brevity and clarity.
Essentials Group
Blackbird Modern Asian executive pastry chef Denise Elrod won during her first appearance of "Guy’s Grocery Games" in November 2019. (Essentials Group/Courtesy)
Q: What did you enjoy the most about “Guy’s Grocery Games”?
A: Having an entire grocery store at your disposal is every chef’s dream. Being able to access virtually any ingredient you can imagine really opens up a lot of creative possibilities.
Q: Why do you think the producers asked you to return?
A: The producers were looking for past winners from dessert-focused episodes and I fit the bill. When I first competed, they mentioned if an all-star episode ever came together, I’d be on their list. But I never imagined they’d actually follow through. So when the call came, I was thrilled for the opportunity to return.
Q: What surprised you the most about the taping process?
A: How incredibly organized the production team is. On the day we taped, they knocked out three full episodes. It was a full day on set, starting with a 6 a.m. call time and wrapping up with interviews around 11 p.m.
Essentials Group
The Year of the Snake is a showstopper dessert created by Denise Elrod, the executive pastry chef at Blackbird Modern Asian restaurant in Jupiter. (Essentials Group/Courtesy)
Q: This is probably a stretch, but has “Guy’s Grocery Games” in any way affected your work at Blackbird Modern Asian?
A: I believe that all work relates to new opportunities — it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure story. My previous win definitely boosted my confidence and carries into everything I do at Blackbird.
Q: What do you think foodie fans would be surprised to know about Guy Fieri?
A: He’s tremendously philanthropic. He always steps up to help communities in times of tragedy. His generosity and heart are just as big as his personality.
Conclusion
Denise Elrod’s return to "Guy’s Grocery Games" is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see what she will create in the new episode. With her previous win and experience, she is a strong competitor, and her participation is expected to bring excitement to the show.
FAQs
Q: When will Denise Elrod’s episode of "Guy’s Grocery Games" air?
A: The episode will air on the Food Network at 9 p.m. Aug. 13.
Q: Where can I watch the episode?
A: The episode will be broadcast live at Blackbird Modern Asian during dinner service, and it will also be repeated on the Food Network at 12 a.m. Aug. 14 and 2 p.m. Aug. 17 and 20.
Q: What is the title of the new episode?
A: The title of the new episode is "Sweet & Savory Superstars."
Q: What was Denise Elrod’s experience like during the taping of the show?
A: Denise Elrod found the production team to be incredibly organized, and she was impressed by the efficiency of the taping process.
Q: How can I find more information about Denise Elrod and "Guy’s Grocery Games"?
A: You can find more information at foodnetwork.com and blackbirdmodernasian.com.
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel
A view of Blackbird Modern Asian in Jupiter in 2022. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel file)
