Lifestyles

That's the top prize in a Food Network contest that Chef Dato (David Kadagishvili) traveled to Hollywood for last August. The show, "Ultimate Recipe Showdown" is a six-episode series that began airing earlier this month. Each week, finalists from around the nation compete as they prepare their recipes in categories including chicken, burgers, comfort food, cakes, pastas and cookies.

"I submitted my recipe. They called and asked for a video clip, so I shot a three-minute clip and they chose me," says Dato, who opened Chef Dato's in The Tin Lizzy building last year.

Participants prepared their dishes on air and in front of a live audience. Those dishes were then judged by a panel of food experts, and by the end of the show, a winner is announced. Hosts for the show are Food Network stars Marc Summers and Guy Fieri.

The spice blend from Biryani, an Indian dish, was the secret to making Dato's burger unique, he says. He adds that customers are open to change when it comes to food, and the spicy aroma and texture piqued their interest.

The burger, topped with mango salsa and a garlic-yogurt sauce and served in a pocket made with a type of bread called naan, grabbed the attention of the Food Network officials who gave Dato the chance to go up against eight other finalists in front of the camera.

"It was unbelievable. It was the first time in my life ever being on television. And now 200 million people are going to watch it," Dato says. "It was a big honor to be there."

Dato admits that his television debut rattled his nerves just a bit, but says that staff was on hand to help keep him focused.

"This wasn't the usual competition. I have entered and won competitions before, but this one had cameras and you had to stay with the cameras," Dato says. "Now, I realize what Emeril's problem is."

Also there to support her husband was Dato's wife, Kara Kadagishvili, who said she was proud to watch her husband in front of the camera.

"He has a passion for cooking. And he loves to come up with recipes and innovative ways to use food," Kadagishvili says.

Chef Dato is originally from the republic of Georgia, of the former Soviet Union. He moved to the United States 12 years ago. His dream was always to become a chef and open a restaurant.

"And so to come from another culture, adjust to the language and the culture here, while keeping true to his own roots in his recipes, is really something," Kara Kadagishvili says.

While Dato won't reveal if he wins the top prize until the show airs Sunday, he says the experience itself was priceless.

A premiere party open to the public is planned at the restaurant from 8-10 p.m. Sunday, when visitors can sample the Biryani Burger and watch the episode on a big screen.

You can see Chef Dato on "Ultimate Recipe Showdown" 9 p.m. Sunday on the Food Network.

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