Experience the story of Chef Dallas McGarity, the executive chef and owner of The Fat Lamb in Louisville. In 2019, Dallas captured national attention by winning the popular television cooking competition Chopped. His achievement brought pride to Kentucky and raised the standards for innovative southern cuisine at The Fat Lamb.
About Chopped: Food Network’s Signature Competition
Chopped challenges four talented chefs in a three-round contest. Each round features a basket of mystery ingredients. The chefs must create appetizers, main courses and desserts that impress the judges in a very limited amount of time. The show rewards chefs who can keep calm and think creatively under intense pressure.
Chef Dallas’s Victory in the Chicken Challenge
Dallas competed in the special “Chicken Challenge” episode where every round revolved around different cuts and preparations of chicken. The judges included culinary icons who demand originality and technical skill. Dallas advanced confidently through each stage, winning praise for his homemade gnocchi and expert flavor combinations.
- During the appetizer round, Dallas created a starter that surprised the judges with bold flavor and clever use of basket items.
- In the main course, his fresh gnocchi paired seamlessly with a creative chicken preparation. This moment set him apart and earned recognition by outlets such as WDRB and the Courier-Journal.
- For the dessert, Dallas crafted a sweet ending using the final chicken ingredient, earning the $10,000 prize and the Chopped Champion title.
A Milestone for The Fat Lamb and Louisville
The win was celebrated widely and covered by media including GoSoIN and highlighted in The Fat Lamb Press. Dallas’s story drew visitors from across the country to sample his creative southern cooking and taste the energy he brings to every dish. The Fat Lamb has become a must-visit for both locals and traveling food lovers.
An Ongoing Journey of Excellence
Following the championship, Chef Dallas appeared in interviews on MoxieTalk and cooking segments on Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs. He was named a James Beard Award semifinalist and continues to support the growth of Louisville’s food reputation.
At The Fat Lamb, guests enjoy soulful dishes that blend southern tradition with inspired global techniques. Chef Dallas’s achievement shows in every detail, from hospitality to the creative, inviting plates on the table.
Book Your Table and Taste the Inspiration
Make a reservation at The Fat Lamb to enjoy the flavors that earned Chef Dallas McGarity the Chopped Champion crown. The Louisville restaurant offers bold cuisine and welcoming service that makes every visit special.



