Posted on the WLOS-13 website on August 10, 2019.
Asheville, N.C. (WLOS) — Reza Setayesh was declared the winner on “Beat Bobby Flay,” which aired August 9 on the Food Network.
“It was an amazing experience to represent Asheville restaurants, chefs, and the community,” Setayesh said in a news release from A-B Tech, where he went to school and was once a Culinary instructor. “Every day we try very hard to show our love and passion by cooking and serving our community and beyond. I appreciate all the support we have had over the past two and a half decades being in this special place that we call home.”
Setayesh's signature dish on the show was Jian Bing, a Chinese savory crepe that is often a breakfast street food. It's currently one of the best sellers at his Asheville restaurant, BimBeriBon.
According to A-B Tech, Setayesh filmed the episode in May 2019, and he said getting prepared for the competition show goes back to when he was a Culinary student at A-B Tech in 1987.
“I was picked to compete at the culinary food show in Charlotte, and I felt so honored. You get judged on all criteria. I can tell you that my experiences from almost 35 years ago have prepared me,” he said.
A-B Tech said producers for "Beat Bobby Flay" had heard about the Asheville food scene and sought Setayesh out.
“Once the application went through, and they set a date for me to come up. They really value your time and set up all the accommodations,” Setayesh said.