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El Paso chef Roman Wilcox on HBO Max's 'The Big Brunch' cooking show

Roman Wilcox, an El Paso chef known for the One Grub Community, a restaurant with a pay-it-forward system, is participating on the new "The Big Brunch" cooking show on HBO Max.

The show is hosted by Dan Levy, of "Schitt's Creek" fame.

Roman and Adriana Wilcox of One Grub Community, El Paso's first 100% plant-based, pay-it-forward food business. One Grub Community is a staple at the Downtown Art and Farmers Market and has a restaurant at 901 Arizona Ave.
Roman and Adriana Wilcox of One Grub Community, El Paso's first 100% plant-based, pay-it-forward food business. One Grub Community is a staple at the Downtown Art and Farmers Market and has a restaurant at 901 Arizona Ave.

The show brings together 10 chefs from around the country to cook their versions of brunch-type foods. In the first episode, Levy tells the chefs he selected them, all unique chefs who all have given back to their communities in some way.

For Wilcox, his culinary journey has taught him that all people should have access to food. In his restaurant at 901 Arizona Ave., people who can't afford a meal can volunteer and earn one. People also can pay it forward via tips and donations.

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In December 2019, Wilcox received a 3M Foundation community vibrancy grant worth $25,000 to start his nonprofit Planty for the People, a community garden that also would operate on a pay-as-you-can basis.

More:Planty for the People shares organic garden with El Paso community

Each week in the competition, a chef will be sent home. The winning chef will win $300,000 to fund his or her dream.

In the first couple of episodes, Wilcox impresses the judges with some tasty, plant-based dishes. His no-seafood ceviche almost fools judge Sohla El-Waylly, and his version of chicken and waffles also pleases their taste buds. He made his own seitan, impressing the judges with his technique and its chicken-thigh texture in the limited 1 hour, 15 minute cooking time.

Levy comments on how his dish can show skeptical foodies how versatile vegan food can really be.

Wilcox is on his third episode. New episodes are on Thursdays, so watch the show to find out how far he goes.

For more information on his restaurant, go to Facebook.com/onegrubcommunity.

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on TikTok.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso chef Roman Wilcox on HBO Max's 'The Big Brunch' cooking show