This week we watched as two chefs got the axe on Top Chef. Yesterday I had the chance to speak with both Melissa and Eugene. It was interesting to hear the contestants' perspectives of the new judge, Toby Young.
First up: Melissa. She's truly believes her food is imaginative and creative and is excited for the upcoming opening of her new restaurant Happy Noodle House in Boulder, CO.
To see what she had to say about the competition, read more
I have something to confess: I was glad to see Danny go. With his New York accent and oddly shaved beard, the latest Top Chef contestant kicked to the curb was not my favorite. Still, I spoke with the football-loving, European-hater over the phone yesterday. To find out what he had to say about his experience, read more
Alex was asked to "pack his knives and go" on this week's episode of Top Chef, and I have to admit, I really had no opinion of the Los Angeles-based chef.
However, I spoke to him over the phone yesterday and found out that he is happily enjoying his life as a newlywed. To see what Alex had to say about the Euros, the judges, and his creme brulee, read more
When one thinks of Thanksgiving desserts, s'mores don't necessarily come to mind. Unless you're Richard Sweeney, of course. Last week's axed Top Chef contestant will forever be haunted by Thanksgiving s'mores. I spoke to Richard, who was surprisingly cheerful, today about his time on the show, life after the knife, and the Foo Fighters. To find out what he had to say about his experience, read more
Yesterday I spoke to Jill Snyder, the latest cheftestant to pack her knives and leave Top Chef. Jill's a chef in Baltimore, MD, where she enjoys making desserts and crab cakes. She wishes she would have defended her dish better, but claims that with the cameras staring at her, she choked up. To see what Jill has to say about ostrich eggs and the judges, read more
Yesterday I spoke with Lauren, the first contestant to pack up her knives on the fifth season of Top Chef. The confident, young pastry chef was emotional when she spoke of her deployed husband and opinionated as she discussed the difference between the food and film industries. To find out what she had to say about Padma, read more
Yesterday I spoke with Christina, the young culinary school graduate from the Midwest, who won this season's Hell's Kitchen. Elated about her win and eager to get started at Gordon Ramsay's Los Angeles restaurant, Christina was bubbly and confident. She's kept in touch with Vanessa, but isn't friendly with runner-up Petrozza. To see what she had to say and find out what her real job title at the London will be, read more
Many of you were disappointed by the outcome of the Hell's Kitchen season finale. Gordon Ramsay chose the young, inexperienced blonde over the seasoned, bearded male. I wasn't surprised by his decision, but I was bummed for Petrozza. Over the course of the fifteen episodes, he's the one character who I actually admired and enjoyed. Yesterday morning I spoke with the optimistic caterer, who chatted with me while he sat on his front porch nursing a soda. To see what he had to say, read more
While she may not be celebrating a Hell's Kitchen win anytime soon, this week's booted contestant, Corey, is celebrating something: her recent wedding! Corey was in good spirits yesterday when we spoke over the phone. She's enjoying her time out of the kitchen free-lancing and hopes to someday have a cooking travel show. To see what she has to say about HK, Gordon Ramsay, and her fellow contestants, read more
There's no denying that Jen was portrayed as the villain on this season's Hell's Kitchen. The energetic young chef wasn't afraid to lie and cheat to get to the top, and was vehemently disliked by her competitors. I was relieved to see her go, but I wasn't excited to interview her. However, it was interesting to hear what she had to say. An optimistic Jen knows she's hated and she's perfectly okay with it. To find out what happened when we spoke yesterday, read more
