Local Arlington chef to compete on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ this month

A local chef will appear on one of the nation’s most popular reality TV cooking shows later this month.

On Tuesday, April 16 at 8 p.m., Adam Hoffa, the executive chef at Pirouette Café & Wine Shop in Ballston, will go head-to-head with three other chefs in a high-stakes culinary showdown on Food Network’s “Chopped.”

Before joining Pirouette, the Falls Church resident worked at several renowned D.C. eateries, including Fiola and St. Anselm. Kat Petonito, a former colleague from St. Anselm and now the executive chef at Duck & Peach in Eastern Market, recommended Hoffa for the show.

After undergoing a series of interviews, the Chopped producers offered Hoffa a spot.

“I was overwhelmed and excited about the opportunity to compete on a show that I have watched since I was much younger with my mother,” Hoffa told ARLnow via email.

Chefs on the show are put to the test in a three-round culinary contest, in which they must transform mystery basket ingredients into appetizers, entrées and desserts. They aim to create innovative and flavorful dishes within a tight timeframe, impressing a panel of expert judges. With each round, one chef is “chopped” from the competition until the last standing chef wins a cash prize.

Apart from producing several short videos for a past employer, Hoffa said his experience in front of the camera is minimal.

The chef temporarily stepped back from his duties at Pirouette to shoot the show in New York late last year. Despite the logistical challenges of those three days, Pirouette co-owner Philippe Loustaunau says they managed to make it work.

“It was a tight three days and intense unique experience for Adam,” he told ARLnow. “From the restaurant side, all went smoothly. We had plenty of time to plan and our kitchen staff was excited and ready to continue service in his absence.”

Philippe Loustaunau and his wife and co-owner, Jackie, say they are grateful to the community for the unwavering support of Pirouette and Hoffa since the restaurant opened in 2022. The couple also shared their immense pride in Hoffa’s connection to Pirouette and his accomplishments.

“We’re so proud of and happy for Adam,” Philippe Loustaunau said. “He is a talented chef, and this attention is well-deserved. We are thrilled to cheer him on and even more thrilled to work with him at Pirouette.”