Frater Chops the Competition
BEACON, New York – How would you like $10,000 to put towards a venture you had always hoped for, but never dreamed it when you went college? Frater Paul Yeaple (Sigma-Nu, State Univ. of New York - New Paltz) did this on the popular Food Network’s show Chopped. After the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Paul said he realized he couldn't spend his days in an environment that was all about money. When he left his job as a financial advisor at a big bank, he knew he wanted to do something completely different with his life. So he pursued another passion.
He finally decided to take the plunge, and - with the support of his wife Jennifer - he headed off to culinary school. After Yeaple graduated, he and his wife headed back to their hometown of Beacon, and Paul opened the perfect place of his own.
"I'm a burgers and fries kind of guy," says Yeaple. And his Main Street eatery, Poppy's, lets him stay true to himself.
He has always loved to cook, sleeping over at his grandmother’s every Friday night to make Steak-umms, omelets and macaroni and cheese.
“There's something about the fire, sizzle, flames, burning and smells when it comes to cooking that make it all worthwhile. I love the craft of putting it all together. I don't know why I love fire, but maybe it has to do with the campfire. Fire and food seems to create my favorite taste.”
He opened his restaurant in January 2009, serving 100-percent, grass-fed beef burgers, fresh produce and as many local ingredients as possible. He chose burgers because he wanted to do something really close to home. He didn't want to get into upscale, fancy food because that’s not his style.
“I'm a really mellow, low-key classic American dude, and burgers are definitely a great, classic American dish. I don't like competition too much, but I'm pretty sure I can cook better than most people. On Chopped, I did my best and the judges agreed.”
The Offices of the Grand Chapter congratulate Frater Paul on his outstanding work on this and representing the TKE Nation well. Following your passion is a principle learned in this Fraternity. We encourage all Tekes to follow his lead to build a better world in whatever way you choose to do so.
Passion and expertise rule the kitchen on the fast-paced new series, Chopped. Hosted by Ted Allen (Food Detectives), the series challenges four up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. After each course, a contestant gets "chopped" until the last man or woman left standing claims victory. Each week, a rotating panel of culinary elite judges including Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, and Geoffrey Zakarian will decide whose dishes shine the brightest and award the winner $10,000.
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