Chef Carlos Baez is a local favorite. He has impressed diners with delicious dishes at The Spread in South Norwalk since 2013. Now, he’s taking his talents to an even grander stage: Food Network! He will compete in an episode of Beat Bobby Flay that airs Thursday February 11 at 10pm.
Baez has never met Bobby Flay before, but considers himself a fan of the popular cooking channel.
“I’ve been a big Food Network fan, so I definitely saw the show before,” he reveals. “When I watched, I put myself in the other chef’s shoes and thought about what I would do.”
It was a conversation with a regular customer from The Spread that turned Baez from spectator into competitor. She had heard about the casting call for the upcoming season and sent Baez a link. Within 2 days of submitting his name, Food Network responded. They expressed interest and asked for additional information, including a bio and application. Baez says 3-4 months passed before he heard back again. They had positive news: they wanted him on the show!
The episode was filmed in June of 2015, about 6 months ago.