Central Florida Chef Has Smokin’ Triumph: Beating Bobby Flay In Epic Wing Cook-Off

Beat Bobby Flay is one of my favorite shows and one Central Florida chef beat the Food Network star in an epic wing cook-off.

It's a HUGE deal to defeat Bobby Flay. And Rashad Jones, who owns Big Lee’s Barbecue in Ocala can say with confidence that he's done just that. If you've never seen the show, here's the premise. Two skilled chefs go head-to-head in a preliminary round where they create their signature dish. The winner of that round earns the opportunity to challenge Bobby Flay himself in the ultimate cook-off. Each episode presents unique challenges, with surprise ingredients and demanding time constraints, pushing the chefs to their limits. When the challenger goes up against Bobby Flay, both chefs must prepare the same dish and it becomes a true test of talent and technique.

In the episode that aired on July 6, Rashad Jones went head to head with Kent Rollins making a dish with top sirloin cap steak. Jones came out ahead with his barbecue smoked top sirloin cap and cheddar sandwich. In the final round against Bobby Flay, it was barbecue chicken wings they had to perfect.  Rashad Jones was triumphant with a smoked barbecue wing with a blueberry barbecue sauce, grilled corn ribs and slaw.

For some, being on TV would be a very stressful occasion. Not to say going up against Bobby Flay wouldn't be nerve-racking, but Jones has been on TV before. Back in 2017, he was on Guy’s Grocery Games and in 2022, this Florida chef was on BBQ Brawl against Bobby Flay. 

If you want to visit the restaurant featuring the chef that beat Bobby Flay, Big Lee’s Barbecue is now open and located in Ocala at 2611 SW 19th Avenue Road.

The episode of Beat Bobby Flay featuring Jones will air again tonight, July 31, at 7pm. Also on September 3 at 11pm and September 4 at 3am.

SOURCE: Ocala News

Living in Florida, we know we have a ton of choices when it comes to good food.  Especially here in Southwest Florida.  Think of all of the delicious restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva islands, in Downtown Ft. Myers, on 5th Avenue in Naples or in many of the malls in the area like Gulf Coast Town Center and Bell Tower. Although many of the island restaurants are still recovering from Hurricane Ian, many have reopened. But, have you tried any of these places Guy Fieri went to on his popular Food Network show, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives? If not, you should.

I'm not a big cook, however I'm obsessed with the Food Network and one of my favorite shows is Guy Fieri's “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives." Not only has it given me some great ideas on places to try, but it's also fun to see what each place offers. And my list keeps getting longer especially since 67 Florida restaurants have been featured. Guy obviously loves being down here in Florida.

If you want to see a list of ALL the restaurants featured on the show, TVFoodmaps.com has a full list.  But, out of the 67 in Florida, not all of them are still open. Let's take a local angle for those of us in the Fort Myers/Naples area. So, here are 20 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' restaurants closest to us in SWFL (in order by mileage).

Known for turducken, this meat market/deli/eatery hybrid with retro decor also offers German dishes. I love a steakhouse that's also a butcher shop. Great combo.

Japanese small plates & ramen, plus many whiskey options. Try the duck ramen.

Here's a throwback, Ted's is a cash only spot. They feature house-smoked fish, sandwiches & draft beer. If the building looks old, it is. Ted's has been in business since 1947.

An amazing family restaurant atmosphere. Enjoy tacos, ceviche & empanadas in a little space with shaded patio tables. Being on the coast, they source their fish locally.

Way before the food truck trend started, Taco Bus was serving tacos in Tampa from a retrofitted school bus. Taco Bus has been serving up delicious food since 1996.

Now with 2 locations, Tampa Bay Brewing Company brews flavorful and hop-centric IPAs, APAs, expressive sours, and juicy, fruit-forward Florida-weisse. A must stop in Ybor City

Along with it's bar, The Parched Pig, Chef Tim Lipman started off as a dishwasher and worked his way up the kitchen ranks while developing his talent. The focus is on seasonal ingredients and local farming.

Enjoy a a seafood-heavy menu in a funky little spot. It's been a local favorite for over 35 years and the location - right across from the beach.

A Caribbean-Mediterranean menu, live music & weeknight happy hour. What did Guy eat while he was there? SEAFOOD MOQUECA & WHOLE SNAPPER with ESCOVITCH.

Another old school spot on this list. Sonny's is a cash-only sandwich shop turning out scratch-made hoagies, pastas & salads. On the show, Guy had a steak hoagie.

Here you'll find Indonesian fare such as noodle & rice dishes, plus soups.This is real Indonesian Cuisine, so be ready for the authentic spices and flavors.

When you see the name "sandwich bar" you may not be expecting Peruvian sandwiches & rice bowls with unique sauces. This place is always in the news and talked about.

A fantastic fish house on North Miami Beach. That $2 beer during Happy Hour is not something you'll likely find on the other end of the beach.

Caribbean-Asian cuisine and really, just an amazing name. So what does Caribbean-Asian cuisine mean. Try the Seafood Miso Hot Pot soup. Japanese Miso soup filled with seafood.

70's inspired spot located in The Biscayne Hotel. Comfort food and veggies.

A snack shop combining two of my favorite things. Not sure what to get? Try the Guava and Cheese Gourmet Donut, Slutty Brownie Gourmet Donut, or Oreo Speedwagon Gourmet.

Peruvian empanadas, sandwiches, soups & other comfort fare. This place has a true Miami feel.

Latin bites & beer located in the heart of Miami's Little Havana. They make an amazing mojito.

A little seafood spot on Flagler St founded by a family of Cuban fisherman. Guy learned that every lobster, shrimp and green plantain gets coated in golden batter and fried.