Scranton restaurant owner and chef to appear on ‘Next Level Chef’
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Lackawanna County chef is taking his skills in the kitchen to the next level, skills that will be judged by some of the world’s most famous chefs.
He’s no stranger to competition, but this one is putting his skills to the ultimate test.
Ryan Von, Owner and Chef at Chef Von and Mom Restaurant in Scranton will cook his way to the top in the newest season of Next Level Chef, judged by British celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey.
Ryan Von, better known as Chef Von is slicing his way through the next challenge of his cooking career.
Competing against dozens of other chefs across the country in season three of Next Level Chef, Von will be judged by a pair of American chefs and British celebrity Chef Gordan Ramsey. But it’s the outspoken Ramsey that made him nervous.
“I’ve worked for the biggest celebrities all over that you can think of, and being in front of him, trying your food, I actually got nervous, like, it’s really weird. Jay-Z and Beyonce did nothing for me, but Gordan Ramsey made me nervous,” Chef Von said.
Von returned home to Scranton a few years ago to open Chef Von and Mom after cooking around the world in spots like Los Angeles, New York City, and even China.
On Thursday, he took 28/22 News back into the kitchen for a taste of what he’s served up for the top-notch culinary judges, and an ingredient he never forgets.
“The number one ingredient is love and you have to care. Put love into it and don’t just throw it together there’s a big difference,” said Chef Von.
Leaping to raise money for Scranton Officer
Friends of Chef Von say even though the stakes are higher on the TV show, his passion for cooking is the same, whether it’s in front of the cameras or in his kitchen in the Electric City.
“Attention to detail, it’s the same every time. It’s very consistent. He’s driven and is always looking to improve. I hope he wins,” said Scranton resident William Moore.
“The product the time the execution. He’s going to be one of the top personal chefs in the world. I know that for him,” said Caitlin Moody, cousin of Chef Von.
“He’s a winner and I always put all my trust in him because he’s a perfectionist and he’s a winner and will not be denied and that’s the thing that I love about him the most,” said Chef Von’s mom, Francine Von.
The winner gets $250,000 and a year of mentorship under the three chefs.
An investment prize for Von’s culinary dreams and what he hopes to instill in the community of Scranton.
“I like competition. I don’t like to lose. I want you to walk through the door, feel like family be hungry get ready to eat, and leave with a smile on your face and a full stomach and that’s the goal. Great food makes great friends and I believe that,” Chef Von explained.
If you want to sink your teeth in some of these gourmet dishes, Chef Von and Mom’s is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Monday.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
