In this episode, Cory Hughes, chef and owner of Fig & Ash Wood Fire Kitchen, goes up against Les Murphy, executive chef at Bigham Tavern.
Chef Cory Hughes // Fig & Ash Wood Fire Kitchen
Chef Cory moved to Pittsburgh from Philly in 2002. He specializes in elevated comfort food and loves creating dishes out of thin air.
FOLLOW: @figandash and @chefcoryfignash
Chef Cory’s Choice Charity: Light of Life Rescue Mission
Light of Life Rescue Mission provides food, shelter, and hope to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, poverty, and/or addiction in the Pittsburgh area. They have been operating since 1952.
Chef Les Murphy // Bigham Tavern
Chef Les grew up in North Versailles watching his grandmother in the kitchen. He’s passionate about taking a blank canvas and turning it into something great. His specialty is comfort food.
FOLLOW: @bighhamtavern and @lesmurph610
Chef Les’ Choice Charity: Brookline Teen Outreach Center
The Brookline Teen Outreach Center offers a series of programming for kids ages 10-18 founded in educational and counseling theories focused on developing emotional and social intelligence. In addition to art programs, STEM programs, tutoring, and more, they offer after-school snacks and nightly dinners.
The Market: Labriola’s Italian Market
Labriola’s Italian Market is an Italian market specializing in gourmet foods at affordable prices. The family-run business opened in 1929. Not only will you find the best traditional Italian foods there, like Italian sausage, pancetta, arborio rice, and balsamic vinegar, but you’ll find delicious, fresh already-made Italian dishes like chicken parmigiana and lasagna.
The Challenge: Steelers Sunday
Create a three-course meal with ingredients from Labriola’s.
- Italian sausage
- Artichoke hearts
- Olives
Surprise ingredient: Get your head in the game
The Judges
Chef Cory and chef Les have 45 minutes to create an appetizer, entree, and dessert for the judges.
The judging panel:
- Host Dave Forman
- Brianna White, author of Breelicious Bites
- Sonja Finn, Pittsburgh chef and sustainability pioneer
Do You Want to See Who Wins?
Stream full episodes of Plate, It Pittsburgh! for free on the Very Local channel. You can find the Very Local channel on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV.
Looking for More Pittsburgh Eats?
Watch Ed Bailey and Day Bracey as they explore the Strip District and tour an authentic Italian bakery in Ed and Day in the ‘Burgh. Ed and Day are also the hosts of the Drinking Partners Podcast.