Norwalk Chef Wins National TV Cooking Competition

NORWALK, CT — Andrea Williams, an acclaimed chef and owner of MaaMa By Cheese & Bread in Norwalk, recently competed on and won a televised culinary competition.

According to a news release provided by MaxEx Public Relations, Williams competed on "Chef League," a show filmed in the Eastern European country of Georgia that airs on Rustavi 2, one of Georgia's most popular television networks.

The win marked Williams' first appearance and victory on a competitive cooking show.

Williams' journey to the screen began in early September after a friend in the music industry connected him with a producer affiliated with the show.

Following his initial casting, Williams advanced through an intense 12-round competition and a final show, during which he traveled between Connecticut and Georgia five times during filming, according to the release.

Early in the competition, Williams cooked solo for the judges, presenting a dish of homemade sausage with cheese mashed potatoes and wild garlic pickles.

His performance earned him a coveted yellow chef's coat, signaling his immediate promotion to team leader without the need for additional casting rounds, according to the release.

"As soon as I received the yellow coat, I knew the pressure was on, but I was ready," Williams said in a news release. "It meant leadership, responsibility and trust from the judges."

As a team leader, Williams guided his group to victory, after which teammates competed individually against one another.

Throughout the competition, chefs were given specific creative challenges and required ingredients. Williams prepared a range of standout dishes, including dumplings, lamb with vegetables and quince purée and his final winning dish: duck breast, which secured him the championship title, according to the release.

"The challenge wasn't just the food," Williams said. "There were cameras everywhere, so many people around the workspace, and very critical judges. It was intense, but I never felt like an outsider, not even once. I am in my element when I am in the kitchen, no matter the circumstances."

According to the release, Williams is now seeing a surge of opportunities following his win.

While his contract does not require further obligations with the show, he is excited to explore requests from companies looking to partner on social media campaigns, as well as invitations from other television networks to appear as a guest and featured chef.

"This win opened doors I never expected," Williams said. "It's exciting to represent my food, my restaurant and my community on a bigger stage."

Cheese & Bread opened at 68 Washington Street in South Norwalk in 2024, where Williams and his partner, Akaki Andguladze, built upon the success of their original Cheese & Bread location in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Their casual neighborhood eatery, which specializes in authentic Georgian cuisine, is a diverse food culture influenced by Iran, Asia, Turkey and the Mediterranean, according to the release.

MaaMa Café, a European-inspired coffee house and eatery, opened down the street in SoNo back in April.