Chef Fernando Ruiz holds the distinction of “beating Bobby Flay.” He competed against the legendary chef on the popular Food Network show Beat Bobby Flay and to the delight of fans everywhere took home the top honors with his chiles en nogada dish. Returning to television to compete on Chopped, he won that contest too. The New Mexico-based chef gives all the credit to his wife, Michelle Romero, who encourages and pushes him to be his very best every day, saying “that behind every great man is an even greater woman.” In 2024, he opened Escondido in Santa Fe.