yumsugar -- To die for.

In the Kitchen With Ryan Scott

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:15:39 -0700

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity of going into the kitchen at San Francisco's Mission Beach Cafe. Chef Ryan Scott, a competitor on this season's Top Chef, invited me in for a crouton cooking lesson. The friendly, good-looking chef told me about his re-creation of the menu and his hopes to build the restaurant's status. With his TC experience behind him, Scott is busy focusing on cooking and making culinary appearances.
His delicious food is comforting yet sophisticated, familiar yet complex. If you're in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking out the cafe. His homemade croutons (found in everything from soups to salads) are the best I've ever tasted. If you aren't in the area, bring a little bit of Ryan into your home with this amazing crouton recipe.
Instead of writing out the recipe, Scott, a hands on chef, preferred to teach me personally how to make them. To go behind the scenes and learn how to make Chef Scott's scrumptious croutons, take a look at our exclusive video, and

Is Top Chef's Lisa More Likable Now?

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:15:17 -0700

In an attempt to make herself more likable, Lisa Fernandes, the Top Chef runner-up who everyone loves to hate, has made her first cooking video for Time Out New York. Sporting her fabulously boyish haircut, Lisa takes viewers inside the kitchen of the New York City restaurant where she works, Mai House. She promises to teach us how to make an entire Asian meal, complete with five dishes, for less than $20.

Although she's a little cold to the camera, I can't help but admire her culinary expertise, cooking technique, and confidence despite what others may think. What do you think? Watch the video below and let me know, is Lisa more likable now outside of the competition?

Get Flash to see this player.

Source

Top Recipes From Top Chef 4

YumSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:00:59 -0700

The just-ended season four of Top Chef was one of my favorites so far — not just because a female chef finally won (go Stephanie!) but also because I found myself wanting to make more of the recipes than ever before. I've rounded up some of my favorites from this season's challenges; to check out my picks, just click "start," then tell me which dishes you most want to try.

Top Chef Quiz: Cheftestant Reunion

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:15:34 -0700

All season I've been asking if you pay attention to Top Chef. Each week I expect you to score well on our quizzes, and this week is no exception. So did you check out last night's reunion special? How well did you watch? Find out and take our quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo.

Let's Dish: Top Chef Season 4 Reunion

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:47:31 -0700

Well folks with last night's reunion show, the fourth season of Top Chef has finally come to a close. What did you think of the reunion? Check out all of my questions and thoughts, and let us know what you thought of the special, as well as the whole season! All you have to do is,

Top Chef Winner Stephanie Izard Keeps It Real

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:00:46 -0700

I know you all were as excited as I was to see Stephanie Izard become the first female to win Top Chef. Congratulations, Stephanie!

Over the course of the show, the Chicago-based chef, 31, kept her cool while churning out creative and comforting dishes. After the finale, I was delighted to get to speak to Stephanie about her favorite parts of being on the show, how her life has changed, and what she's cooking up next. To read what Stephanie had to say,

Oh Hey, Lisa Fernandes Doesn't Really Hate on Bloggers

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:30:04 -0700

Love her or hate her — and I have a feeling I know where most of you stand on this one — Lisa Fernandes is a passionate chef. She showed that her fiery personality and kitchen skills could put her on the path to becoming a Top Chef. Unfortunately for her, she fell just short and had to settle for a runner-up prize.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Lisa. We spoke about bloggers, her bad reputation, and things she would have done differently. Is she rude, or was she just portrayed that way? Find out when you

Top Chef's Richard Blais Waves Goodbye

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:01:51 -0700

I've been rooting for Top Chef's Richard Blais ever since we interviewed him back in March. Of course, I was psyched that Stephanie won, but Richard definitely wowed me this season with his clever and cheeky approach to cooking.

Watching Wednesday's season finale, I was shocked when Richard told the judges he "choked" in the last challenge. Thankfully, I had the honor of interviewing him again yesterday and got to hear all about what was going through his head. To read what he had to say about the finale, his fauxhawk, and his next restaurant,

Top Chef Quiz: That's a Wrap

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:15:24 -0700

Well the latest season of Top Chef has finally come to a close. We've seen a bunch of amazing folks pack their knives and go, and we saw one person get crowned the new winner. Were you watching? Find out how closely you've been paying attention when you take our quiz.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.14 — In It for the Win

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:03:33 -0700

Alright folks, let's just get down to it. Top Chef Season 4 has drawn to a close, and we now have a new chef to join Harold, Ilan, and Hung. What did you think of this season? Are you happy with the outcome? Spoilers after the jump. Tell us all your thoughts in the comments! Answer my questions when you,