San Antonio chef to make Food Network debut on 'Chopped' A growing number of local chefs are gaining national attention Sarah Martinez FacebookTwitterEmail Chef Jesse Kuykendall, or “Chef Kirk,” will be on Food Network’s “Chopped” on Tuesday night as the Laredo native competes in the nationally-televised cooking competition.Courtesy photo A local chef will be able to show off their skills – both culinary and creative – when handed a mystery box of ingredients on “Chopped.” Chef Jesse Kuykendall will represent the Alamo City during the Tuesday night airing of “Chopped.” Kuykendall will compete against three professional cooks as they each turn baskets of mystery ingredients into a three-course meal for a chance to win $10,000. The episode is called “PB and J,” which one would assume is a nod to the classic American snack.