Talia and Hedy Trovato, owners of Coppia, a fine dining restaurant in Chesterland, will put their relationship to the test in the finale of Chopped: Hungry for Love Tuesday, May 6 at 8 p.m. on Food Network.
A special Season 62 tournament of Chopped brings couples, dating, married, exes and even blind dates, into the kitchen to compete for a $50,000 prize. Each round features relationship-themed mystery baskets, testing the pairs’ chemistry and cooking chops, with winners advancing to a $50,000 finale.
Hedy originally applied to compete solo on a Chopped series focused on French cuisine, but when she mentioned she co-owned a restaurant with her wife, Talia, the casting team quickly pivoted, inviting them both to join the Hungry for Love couples’ competition instead.
“I thought that was a very special moment that we could have, not only as a couple, but in our careers as chefs and how we do business,” Hedy says. “We opened this restaurant together, and we balance each other very well in the kitchen. I think we know each other very well, and how we go about managing the business and cooking. So I thought this was perfect for us, honestly.”
Partners in both life and work, Hedy and Talia Trovato met while cooking at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Their bond is rooted in shared creativity, ambition and love for global flavors. Named for the Italian word for “pair,” Coppia is more than a restaurant; it’s a reflection of two chefs building something together. That same bond is on full display in their latest appearance on Chopped.
“I knew going there with her, I had the best partner I could have. It was really the most rewarding experience to be able to do it with her and enjoy those moments,” Talia says.
The Chopped team cleverly curated ingredients to reflect each couple’s relationship status, Talia says, and for the marriage episode, that meant lacy cauliflower and wedding cake.
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The dessert round was the biggest challenge, as both are primarily savory chefs. The basket included a wedding cake topper, passion fruit, whipped cream and a chili pepper, leading them to take a bold risk: a baked Alaska, something neither had made before, but ultimately helped seal their win.
“We know each other's strengths very well. So I think when we look at an ingredient, we know right away, who's going to tackle it,” says Hedy.
Throughout the competition, the judges took notice of Hedy and Talia’s unusually seamless teamwork. At one point, judge Jet Tila remarked that they “almost seem like the same person,” impressed by how naturally the two moved through the kitchen in sync.
For Cleveland diners who’ve eaten at Coppia, some of the dishes on the show might look a little familiar. When corn appeared in one of the baskets, it felt like a natural fit. They crafted a sweet corn crema, a dish they’ve served at the restaurant, and a favorite among guests.
“We were very confident in being there together. Everything was a surprise, and that timer is very real. There's no stopping. She's [Hedy] the best chef I know and the best chef I've ever worked with,” Talia says. “I think we were the strongest couple, in my opinion, and I think a big reason why we won is because we love what we do and we love doing it together.”
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With the filming of this season having ended over a year ago, the duo is eager for more opportunities to come.
“I think we were almost made for it. I would like it to happen more often,” Hedy says.
Be sure to tune in Tuesday night to see if Hedy and Talia take home the win in the Chopped: Hungry for Love finale on Food Network or streaming.
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