Morristown Pasta Chefs Compete In Food Network's 'Great Food Truck Race'

MORRISTOWN, NJ — How's this for a comeback? Months into revamping their once-shuttered business, ESO Artisanal Pasta's chefs will put their culinary skills on display for a national audience.

ESO's chefs recently traveled to Southern California but previously couldn't reveal why. But the secret's out: ESO Artisanal Pasta made it to the new season of "The Great Food Truck Race," which premiers at 9 p.m. June 5 on Food Network.

ESO's team features chefs AJ Sankofa, Kristina Gambarian and Matt McFadden.

Nine teams of aspiring food truck owners will compete in the program for a $50,000 grand prize. Participants must prove their cooking chops, marketing savvy and selling skills in different challenges to beat their rivals and stay in the race.

In the season premiere, the teams will see their food trucks for the first time in Laguna Beach. The first challenge will feature tables stocked with colorful hot peppers, which competitors must use in a dish to impress host Tyler Florence.

The show will feature different tests for the chefs and stops throughout California. In the July 24 season finale, the two remaining teams will go head-to-head in San Diego. The last truck standing will take the prize.

It's been a wild ride for ESO since opening in July 2020. Owner and chef AJ Sankofa previously attended a culinary institute and worked at a restaurant in Italy, inspiring "Chef AJ" to bring the nation's authentic flavors to his hometown.

But the business opted to close last September, citing conflicts with former partners that left them without capital. In November, ESO ownership launched a fundraiser for a comeback and started the business's next chapter.

Foodies and institutions outside of Morristown have taken notice. ESO received a grant from the Jets' and Visa's initiative to support Black-owned businesses, and the football team featured the Morristown business on their YouTube Channel (watch below). Sankofa also showcased his recipe for homemade cavatelli for Delish.

Soon, Food Network viewers will witness ESO's chefs try to conquer the food truck industry. This season of "The Great Food Truck Race" will feature eight episodes, which will become available for streaming on discovery+.

Related articles:

• Chef's Journey Takes Authentic Flavor From Italy To Morristown
• Once Closed For Good, Morristown Pasta Shop Attempts A Comeback

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