29-Year-Old Harlem Native Kelvin Fernandez Is The First Latino To 'Beat Bobby Flay'

On Thursday, April 2, 29-year-old Kelvin Fernandez defeated Bobby Flay on season four, episode five of Beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network, becoming the first ever Latino chef to do so.

Chef Fernandez, currently the executive chef of La Marina in New York City, is a graduate of the C-CAP program (Careers through Culinary Arts Program), and his clients have included celebrities like 50 Cent and John Legend.

On Beat Bobby Flay, Kelvin's winning dish was his signature crispy arepa with steak, lime-scented sour cream, creamy guacamole, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese. Bobby made a stuffed arepa with pork.

To celebrate the big event, Hennessy hosted a "Privilege Toast," which recognizes major milestones of prominent Latinos, at New York's Suite 36. Guests included more than 100 Latino influencers, including musician Henry Santos and model Denise Bidot. Suite 36 and Hennessy created the Hennessy Privilege Ginger Mojito for the celebration.

"This opportunity is one that you dream of. I grew up watching and knowing of Chef Bobby Flay, and dreaming to be in his shoes one day," said Fernandez said in a press release. "I never thought I would be beating him in a kitchen battle with my signature dish that represents my Latin culture. The entire experience is definitely one I can cross off my bucket list."