Boise chef wins popular Food Network show after ‘insane day,’ exits with big check
A Boise chef pushed his shopping cart across the finish line of a popular Food Network show Wednesday, winning thousands of dollars.
Alex Cardoza, co-owner of Susina, 1621 N. Orchard St., is the latest Idahoan to compete on “Guy’s Grocery Games.” The long-running series, hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, pits four contestants against each other in a challenge that combines grocery shopping and high-stakes cooking.
If you missed the fun, don’t worry: Reruns are Food Network’s bread and butter. The episode, titled “Fan Write-In,” airs again at 2 p.m. Sunday.
A Boisean bringing home the bacon on “Guy’s Grocery Games” isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. Barbie Larrinaga, co-owner of Basquenese — a staple at downtown’s Warehouse Food Hall — won in 2024.
Larrinaga left with a check for $15,950. Cardoza earned $14,950.
“This has been an insane day,” he confessed near the end of the show.
How crazy? Watch the episode and see.
It’s been a notable year for Cardoza, a familiar chef in the City of Trees. In January, he received a nod as a James Beard semifinalist in the Mountain region of the Restaurant and Chef Awards. He did not advance to the finals.
With the help of his wife, co-owner Tara Morgan, Cardoza opened Susina in 2024. The cozy, inviting prix-fixe concept offers a “European-inspired three-course dinner" that combines “local, seasonal and organic ingredients.”
The dinner costs $70, and the menu rotates regularly. It’s a relaxed, fun experience.
Never tried Susina? You should.