Newporter Tina Lester, a native of Portugal and the former owner of Sambar on Thames Street, appeared in an episode of Chopped last night. The episode titled “Holly Jolly Grandmas” features four grandmas who bring their homey cooking styles to the Chopped Kitchen and give the judges a holiday dining experience to remember. In the first round, the matriarchs cook appetizers with love, care and some unusual candy canes. A gilded surprise is the centerpiece of the second basket. Finally, the two grandmas who move on to the dessert round are delighted to find a selection of holiday cookies — but will they know what to make with them?
