Multiple US Chefs Compete on Food Network's BBQ Brawl Season 6

The sixth season of Food Network's BBQ Brawl premiered on June 1, featuring new captains Maneet Chauhan and Antonia Lofaso alongside Bobby Flay, who all mentor barbecue pitmasters in a series of grilling challenges at a Texas cattle ranch. This season introduces a new rule where the winner of the first challenge gets to pick their captain, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. Among the contestants are Orchid Paulmeier, owner and executive chef of One Hot Mama’s in South Carolina, known for her Southern barbecue flavors, and a Hillsborough detective, Donnadio, who balances law enforcement with her passion for primal open-fire cooking. Paulmeier, nicknamed "Mama Bear," impressed judges with her signature dishes and is competing on Flay's team, while Donnadio has gained recognition for her skills controlling open fire and cooking whole animals. The show highlights diverse barbecue styles and the intense mentoring styles of the captains, with Flay noting Lofaso's dedication and Chauhan's expertise with Indian flavors as key season highlights. Both Paulmeier and Donnadio have brought unique backgrounds and culinary expertise to the competition, which continues to draw enthusiastic audiences and social media attention.