Decorated Flagstaff chef competing for $1 million prize on new cooking competition show A renowned chef from Flagstaff, Arizona, is set to compete in a high-stakes culinary competition for a $1 million prize. Chef Rochelle Daniel, owner of Atria in downtown Flagstaff, is one of 16 elite chefs featured in the debut season of CBS’ America’s Culinary Cup. The show will air on CBS 5 starting March 4 and will also be available on Paramount+. Chef Daniel, a celebrated figure in Arizona’s culinary scene, has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame and appearances on Food Network’s Chopped. She is also a 2026 nominee for Best Chef in the Southwest by the James Beard Foundation. The competition will challenge the chefs to master the “10 Culinary Commandments,” which include categories such as meat, vegetables, sauces, dessert, innovation, flavors, sustainability, world cuisine, consistency, and culinary science and technology. The show’s three judges will assess each chef’s skills based on taste, creativity, presentation, and technique. Chef Daniel described the competition as “intense,” noting that the participants represent the top chefs nationwide. “It’s incredible to be recognized among the best chefs and that talent,” she said. “It’s the most intense show alive, and I’m pretty excited for it to come out.” Beyond the competition, Chef Daniel has ambitious plans for Flagstaff. She revealed that her restaurant will soon host a bistro next door, followed by a bakery and a speakeasy. “It’s growing every day,” she explained. “People come up here to eat and enjoy the mountains, which I think is great. We’re really shifting that college town into something great.#america_s_culinary_cup #chef_rochelle_daniel #atria #flagstaff #james_beard_foundation
