Kelvin Fernandez Beats Bobby Flay! Latino Chef Based In NYC Wins Food Network Reality Competition With Arepa Recipe

We were glued to our TVs, waiting for the outcome of the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay,” where Chef Kelvin Fernandez was one of the Season 4 finalists. Fernandez, a native New Yorker, born in Harlem and of Dominican descent, battled Japanese Chef Chris Kobayashi at the beginning of the episode to compete in the cooking brawl against Bobby Flay, whom he eventually beat. Throughout the five seasons of the show, Flay has been defeated four times. Chef Kelvin's victory makes it Flay's fifth loss and positions Chef Kelvin as the first Latino Chef to defeat the legendary culinary master.

“This opportunity is one that you dream of. I grew up watching and knowing of Chef Bobby Flay, and dreaming to be in his shoes one day,” Chef Kelvin said in a press release. “I never thought I would be beating him in a kitchen battle with my signature dish that represents my Latin culture. The entire experience is definitely one I can cross off my bucket list.” Before going against Flay, Chef Kelvin, who was named one of 2015’s "30 under 30" in food and wine by Forbes magazine, was challenged by the judges, actress Alison Sweeney and the Food Network's own Sunny Anderson. The assigned challenge was to create a shiitake mushroom dish within 20 minutes.

Chef Chris Kobayashi made a shiitake mushroom dish with tofu, cream sauce and a poached egg, while Chef Kelvin created a shiitake mushroom pasta with fried egg yolk. Chef Kelvin’s take on the dish defeated Chef Kobayashi’s and put him up against Bobby Flay. For the Bobby Flay challenge, Chef Kelvin was given the option to select a signature dish of his preference and he selected his acclaimed Arepa dish. He created his signature crispy arepa dish with steak, lime scented sour cream, creamy guacamole, pico de gallo and Cotija cheese, while Bobby Flay made a stuffed arepa with pork.

To help celebrate last night's victory as the first Latino Chef of the new wave of culinary mavens, Chef Kelvin was accompanied by family and friends such as singer Henry Santos and plus-size model Denise Bidot. The pre-celebration for the Bobby Flay battle began at New York's Suite 36, where Hennessy held a "Privilege Toast" for Chef Kelvin with special guests and his favorite cognac brand, Hennessy Privilege. The "Privilege Toast" recognizes talented and driven Latinos reaching major milestones of achievement.

Suite 36 and Hennessy also created and served the following drink to celebrate Chef Kelvin, and because we know you’re dying to celebrate too, here’s the recipe:

Hennessy Privilege Ginger Mojito

1.5 oz Hennessy Privilege

1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

0.5 oz Simple Syrup

2 mint sprigs

Top with ginger ale

And Enjoy!