London Lennies Exec Chef Debuts On Food Network

On July 5, London Lennies' Executive Chef Jeffrey Baruch, a Long Island native, will make his national television debut at 10 p.m. on the Food Network's "Iron Chef America". Baruch will assist award-winning celebrity Chef Sue Torres, who worked as Baruch's sous chef more than 10 years ago at Isabella's in Manhattan. This time around, Torres, with Baruch's assistance, will lead the kitchen in a challenge to Iron Chef Bobby Flay for a spicy southwestern culinary showdown.

"It was really nice to get back in the kitchen with Sue. It felt so natural," Baruch said. "I am honored that she asked me to assist her, and am very proud of her success."

In pursuit of a victory, the chef duo spent longer than five weeks practicing for the challenge. Their history of cooking side-byside made it easy for the pair to adapt to each other's cooking pace, preparation strategies and timesaving techniques. Creating up to 25 dishes per practice session, the culinary couple rekindled their synergy and capitalized on their shared culinary expertise.

Baruch's interest in cooking sparked from a tradition of catching and cooking fish with his grandfather while he was a child, growing up in Commack, Long Island. His 31 years of culinary experience include working at famed New York City restaurants such as the Maurice in the Parker Meridian with Chef Christian DeLouvrier, the Rainbow Room with Chef Andre Rene and serving as executive chef at Isabella's, part of B.R. Guest Corporation.

Before leading London Lennies' culinary team, Baruch opened restaurants that earned top ratings from Zagat throughout Long Island, including Metropolis Restaurant in East Setauket, Bistro Blue Restaurant, known as a pioneer of cutting-edge flavors on the North Fork, in Greenport, Station and Park Restaurant in Wantagh and Harpoon Harry's Restaurant in Mattituck. Baruch resides with his wife and two children in Commack.

Best known for her unique Mexican cuisine and use of fresh, organic foods, Chef Sue Torres has made appearances on "The Martha Stewart Show" and "The Rachael Ray Show". She has worked at the "21" Club, La Grenouille, Isabella's, Lola's and Arizona 206 & Café in Manhattan and currently owns and is executive chef at Sueños, also in Manhattan.

The Barnes Family, leading experts in fish and seafood, has owned and operated London Lennies Restaurant since 1959. The seafood eatery has evolved from a quintessential fish 'n' chips shop to Queens' premier, award-winning seafood restaurant. Fresh local seafood is selected daily at the worldfamous Fulton Fish Market, and prepared by nationally recognized Executive Chef Jeffrey Baruch. With more than 31 years of culinary experience, Baruch has served as executive chef at restaurants from Colorado to New York and has owned and operated four of his own dining establishments. For more information, visit www.londonlennies.com.