From Fire to Finale: My Journey Winning Next Level Chef
Chef Pyet DeSpain
I never imagined that my passion for food, rooted in generations of tradition, would carry me to the top level, literally.
Winning Next Level Chef Season 1 wasn’t just a personal dream. It was about showing the world that Indigenous and Mexican cuisine belongs on every table. From our homes to national television.
Throughout the competition, I brought my heart, my heritage, and the ingredients that tell the story of who I am.
Wojapi on the Main Stage, and Gordon Loved It
It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my culinary journey—hearing Gordon Ramsay say there wasn’t a chef in America that could compete with my burger. I grew up making and eating wojapi, a traditional berry sauce deeply rooted in my culture. To bring that flavor to such a high-level competition and have it celebrated by world-renowned chefs was an incredible honor. Tonight, we conquered the table. I feel extremely proud to bring my heritage to the table—through flavor, memory, and every ingredient that tells our story.
The Moment That Changed Everything
I’ll never forget the moment Gordon Ramsay said my name. I stood there, representing my culture, my ancestors, and my lifelong dream, and I had just won Next Level Chef Season 1 on FOX.
When I was cast on Gordon Ramsay’s new cooking competition show, Next Level Chef, I had no idea the journey would change my life forever. Competing alongside some of the most talented chefs in the country, under the mentorship of Chef Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais, challenged me in every way possible. But it also gave me the chance to share something close to my heart: Indigenous Fusion Cuisine.
I brought the food of my heritage, both Native American and Mexican, to every plate. I wanted the world to see that our traditional ingredients are not only rich in history and healing, but they also belong in the conversation of fine dining and modern culinary artistry. Whether I was cooking over an open flame on the bottom level or racing against time in the top kitchen, I stayed true to my story.
Stepping Into the Arena on Tournament of Champions
Competing on Tournament of Champions was an incredible honor. To stand alongside some of the most respected and talented chefs in the country was humbling and deeply inspiring.
For me, this isn’t just about culinary technique or camera time. It’s about representation. About what it means to show up as an Indigenous and Mexican chef in a space that rarely highlights our traditions, our ingredients, or our stories. I carry with me the strength and resilience of generations—of Indigenous chefs who cook from memory, of aunties who stir pots with stories, of community leaders reclaiming food sovereignty one seed, one recipe, one kitchen at a time. I see you, and I walk into every arena with you in my heart.
TEDx Talk: Reclaiming Identity Through Food
In her TEDx Talk, Pyet shares how reconnecting with Indigenous foodways helped her overcome adversity, reclaim her identity, and rise in the culinary world. From facing homelessness to becoming a celebrated chef, her story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in honoring your roots.
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