Meet Matty Hart, Executive Chef At The Local. Hart Will Face John Shanesy In The Duel Chef Showdown!

I’m a huge fan of Matty Hart because the dude keeps it real. Hart, the talented executive chef at The Local in Belmont, was pissed-off that he and his wife, Executive Chef Melissa Close Hart of Junction Restaurant, lost the 2017-18 Duel Chef Showdown Championship to Hamiltons’ Executive Chef Curtis Shaver and Chef Hunter Harding.

“The last [Duel Chef Showdown] didn’t end how I wanted it to,” Hart said. “I think both Melissa’s ego and my ego are a little bruised. We are going to come back looking for some redemption.”

Matty and Melissa will face rising star John Shanesy in the Sweet 16 of The Duel Chef Showdown on Monday, October 8 at Tin Whistle Irish Pub. Shanesy, the executive chef at The Whiskey Jar, will team with Sous Chef David Helbling.

“I don’t know a ton about John [Shanesy], but I heard he’s a crusher,” Hart said. “We can’t make mistakes. We definitely learned that with Curtis. I don’t expect [John Shanesy and David Helbling] to make mistakes. If there are any slip-ups, even minor, you’re going to take an L.”

Matty and Melissa, who just celebrated their 9-year wedding anniversary, have arguably the best chef chemistry of any tandem in The Duel Chef Showdown.

“I have a great partner with Melissa,” Matty said. “If we do what we set out to do, and if we execute our menu, I think we will do fine. If not, then my ego will get a little more bruised.”

Get your tickets for the October 8 Duel Chef Showdown by visiting DuelChefShowdown.com.

For $55, you get eight courses (four from each chef) AND you get to vote the winning chef. The proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle.

If you liked this article, you might also enjoy Chef Matthew Hart vs Chef John Shanesy: “Duel Chef Showdown” On Monday, Oct. 8! Get Tickets Now! and Get To Know Dylan Allwood, Executive Chef, Tavola Restaurant In Charlottesville, Virginia

At I Love CVille, we feature the best of Charlottesville, Virginia. You’re going to love the I Love CVille network.