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What's Next For Top Chef's Stephanie Izard

YumSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:30:51 -0700

In addition to shooting the breeze with Top Chef's latest winner, Hosea Rosenberg, PartySugar and I also had the opportunity to catch up with Hosea's close pal, previous TC champ Stephanie Izard.

When we spoke to Stephanie - who's even more spunky and sassy in person! - she unveiled additional details about her upcoming Chicago restaurant, The Drunken Goat, her unique bond with other cheftestants, and plans to do more TV. Find out what she has to say after the jump

Hosea Talks About Life After Top Chef

YumSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:00:13 -0700

While we spotted a bunch of star chefs in Aspen, we had a particularly titillating conversation with Hosea Rosenberg, the winner of last season's Top Chef. The latest TC champ, who was the picture of West Coast cool, talked to PartySugar and me about his immediate plans, what he intends to do with $100,000, and the one kind of food he's really sick of.
Hosea schmoozes with fellow winner Stephanie Izard after the jump

Top Chef's Tour Bus Hits the Road Again!

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:49 -0700

If you've got a hankering for a serving of Top Chef before Top Chef: Masters begins, you're in luck. Top Chef: The Tour 2 - the show's second national tour - will kick off its 22-city tour this Friday at the Flatiron Pedestrian Plaza in New York. Each stop, including a special visit to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby weekend, will feature two cheftestants hosting four interactive live shows with cooking demos and food tastings.

I'm really disappointed to see that they're hitting 22 cities, but San Francisco will not be one of them. Is the tour hitting your town? Find out when you read more.

New York, NY - March 27-28
Hollywood, FL - April 5
Delray Beach, FL - April 6
Jacksonville, FL - April 9
New Orleans, LA - April 14
Houston, TX - April 17
Dallas, TX - April 19
Little Rock, AR - April 21
Nashville, TN - April 24
Hopkinsville, KY - April 27
Louisville, KY - May 1-2
Atlanta, GA - May 4
Raleigh, NC - May 6
Washington, DC - May 9
Westchester, NY - May 13
Boston, MA - May 15
Pittsburgh, PA - May 20
Columbus, OH - May 23-24
St. Louis, MO - May 27
Chicago, IL - May 30-31
Des Moines, IA - June 6
Los Angeles, CA - June 12, 13

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Cocky Chef Clothing: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:00:41 -0700

When I spoke with Stefan Richter after he lost Top Chef, he mentioned an upcoming clothing line. Entitled Cocky Chef Clothing, the designs recently became available online. It's pretty cheeky and highlights some of Stefan's signature phrases from the show. My personal favorite is the "I love lesbians" tee. What do you think of it?

Top Chef Quiz: That's a Wrap!

partysugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:30:53 -0800

The fifth season of Top Chef officially came to a close last night with the cast gathering for the reunion episode. The show was hilarious as they highlighted Jamie's complaining and Carla's kookiness. Did you watch? How well were you paying attention? Find out now when you take my last - well until season six starts! - TC quiz.

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Top Chef 5.15: The Reunion

partysugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:30:36 -0800

One of my favorite episodes of any season of Top Chef is the reunion show. It's refreshing and fun to see the chefs out of the kitchen and away from the competition. I also love the intrusive questions host Andy Cohen inevitably asks. To discuss the get-together and find out who won fan favorite, read more.

Were you surprised to find out Stefan voted for himself for fan favorite?
Which contestant looked the most different in street clothes?
Gail said the judges fought over who should be Top Chef. Who supported Stefan and who supported Hosea?
Did you forget about any of the contestants? When they flashed to Gene, I couldn't help but wonder, who is that guy?
Do you want an "I Love Fabio" tee? I do!
How hot was Tom when he described saving Joan Nathan's life?
Would you be embarrassed to watch a recap of your adulterous relationship (like Leah obviously was)?
How entertaining were the stew room clips? My favorite was when Leah and Jamie got wasted!
Which part of the reunion did you most enjoy?
Who was your fan favorite? As much as I love Fabio, I was hoping Carla would win.

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Next Up For Top Chef's Fabio: TV Show, Frozen Pizza Line

YumSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:30:09 -0800

Well, Fabio wasn't lying when he told us, "unfortunately, you're going to see my face a lot." When we last spoke to the charismatic Top Chef contestant, he mentioned that he had an offer for a TV show and a line of food coming out. Now the star himself has confirmed to at least one source that he will be starring in his own TV show. Although he stayed mum on the concept, Fabio promised that more details would be public by April.

Additionally, Dr. Oetker, one of Europe's top frozen pizza brands, is launching its Ristorante line in America, and has called on the reality TV personality to be the spokesperson for the thin-crust pizza. "We feel Fabio is the perfect voice for the brand," Dr. Oetker USA said in a statement. "He has an incredible personality and a real passion for cooking."

The Florence-born chef, who will tour with the pizza line this Summer, also recalls the frozen pizza from his childhood. "Growing up in Italy, my mom often had Dr. Oetker's products in the home," Fabio said in the same statement. "I'm excited to help introduce Ristorante frozen pizzas to American households."

I'm curious to know if you think Fabio could be a lasting food figure. Do you plan to try the frozen pizzas he's hawking, and will you watch his new TV show?

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Let's Dish: What Foods Are You Sick Of?

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:00:36 -0800

On last Wednesday's season finale of Top Chef, guest judge Rocco DiSpirito declared that he was sick of eating foie gras.

Although, I have to side with fellow judge Branford Marsalis, who claimed he "could eat foie gras all day," I can completely relate to Rocco when it comes to being tired of certain foods.

Personally, I'm weary of seeing nothing but crème brûlée, sorbet trios, and flourless chocolate cakes on dessert menus.

What dishes are you completely over?

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Hosea: "I Am Not Going to Apologize For Winning"

partysugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:30:26 -0800

The fifth season of Top Chef is officially over, and in an interesting turn of events the new winner was neither Carla nor Stefan, but the strapping young baldy from Boulder, CO, Hosea. Since speaking with Hosea on the phone last Friday, I have a new perspective on the somewhat misunderstood chef. He actually has a degree in engineering and looks at the kitchen with a scientific mind. His last meal, humbly, would be the perfect BLT. To find out what Hosea had to say about winning and his relationship with fellow contestant, Leah, read more.

On winning: It feels great! It's kind of overwhelming. I still haven't gotten used to the idea of it. It has really humbled me. Yes, I'm very pleased, but I'm not claiming that I am a better cook than everyone else.

I just happened to cook the best meal. I was at the Miami Food and Wine Festival last week and Daniel Boulud shook my hand and asked me when we're going to cook, and that amazed me! I think I'll get a lot of great opportunities out of winning.

On the people who don't think he should have won: I don't know why there are haters out there. I don't understand it. I put my best work in at the end there. I talked to Tom yesterday and he told me I did the best job and that is why I won. I don't know why people are so against me. I stuck in there, I worked my ass off, and I'm really proud of myself for my accomplishments. There's nothing I can do about the way other people will perceive me. I won. I belonged there. I don't understand why there's the hatred out there. I have a big passion for food, I love what I do. I have proven myself time and time again - that I belong here - and I am not going to apologize for winning.

On his relationship with Leah: We are good friends. We talk a lot. We enjoy each other's company, but I live in Colorado and she lives in New York. We are both single now and we do like each other. We have kissed each other since the show ended. I think if we lived in the same city we would probably be dating. I am having dinner with her tonight, but I'm not going to tell you where!

On Bravo's portrayal of him: You know it's hard to say. The editing is interesting for sure to watch. It's not just about the food we made. For me it was about the food, so it would have been nice of them to show that I am smart guy, I am a caring person. I have an engineering degree. Because of the editing they really focused on the thing with Leah and then the rivalry with Stefan. But that was about five percent of what I talked about!

On what he's learned from participating in Top Chef: The biggest lesson I took away from the show is that I still have a lot to learn. I have so much left that I haven't seen or cooked or learned. I have a long way to go as a chef. I am still like a baby in this line of work. I am thrilled to have this opportunity and to have proved to myself that I can learn it and do it. I am very scientific and pragmatic. I think of the smartest way to cook. You know there is a lot of math involved when you are running a kitchen.

On working with Richard Blais: Having Rich on my side was a huge help! He was so perfect for what I needed. He offered a lot of advice, but never tried to get in the way of what I was doing. He worked his ass off. That guy is badass! He is quick and he did the perfect plating.

On what's next: I'm taking some time off to be with my dad. He's gotten worse. I am going to see what I can do for the family in terms of the sickness. My dad was diagnosed with cancer nine months ago and it's spreading. He's not doing very well, so I want to be with him. As far as the future, I'm partnering with a food company to create a product line. I'm working on my own restaurant, which will hopefully be open in the next nine months. In the short term future, I am staying here in Colorado. It's where all my contacts are. I work with a lot of local farmers, ranchers, and growers. I want to stay here for awhile, for at least the next year. I'm not sure what the future holds. Hopefully I'll be doing a restaurant in Boulder or Denver, but I don't want to talk too much about it because I don't want to jinx it.

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Stefan: "I'm Not a Villain, I'm a Softy!"

partysugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:00:56 -0800

Although many people thought Stefan was a cocky bastard, I happened to like the quick-witted chef. Sure he was arrogant, but he had the skills to back up the ego. However, his impressive culinary expertise wasn't good enough for him to earn the title of Top Chef. When I spoke with Stefan yesterday, I was surprised at how funny he was. He happily endorses bloggers and is coming out with a clothing line. To find out what he had to say - yes he is still madly in love with Jamie! - read more.

On losing to Hosea: In my mind, I won Top Chef. No really, you know what happens? If you win the title of Top Chef, you get a $100,000 egg, but if you are the runner-up, you laid the egg. What I mean is I'm going to make a lot of money, hopefully. I know I will get something out of the experience, but Hosea? Sure he has the money . . . I hope Hosea sells himself properly and that he has a good shot to get himself somewhere.

Hosea won Top Chef. He deserved it. I love the guy. There's no bullshit going on between us. Really everyone should lay off of Hosea. He doesn't deserve the crap that people are giving him. He's actually pretty strung out about people picking on him.

On being confident: I've always been very confident. Some people call it cocky, some people call it arrogant, but everyone has opinions of those on Top Chef. I think I am pretty good. I thought I had a pretty good shot for it. You want to know the truth? I think it was partial editing. They wanted to create drama. Actually there is nothing that can faze me. I cook for a living! It's the only thing I know how to do. I'm a cook. If I wasn't a cook, maybe I would be a gardener, but I love food. I love people in the restaurant business. I have a very strong personality. It's my way or the highway.

On the judges: Toby is a funny guy. Tom is incredible chef, an incredible restaurateur. Padma is smoking hot. I will take her out anytime and Gail? She's cute. I gotta tell you, she's very cute.

On Bravo's portrayal of him as the villain: We all understand it's a reality show. I think people see me different now. I'm not a villain, I am a softy! Jeez, good Lord, Do I look like a villain? Maybe, but look over the entire season. I thanked every judge, I kissed every eliminated contestant goodbye, I shook all the winners hands. When I watched the finale, I had some tears in my eyes when Carla got choked up. I can't see women cry. It breaks my heart.

I am a softy! That's why I picked Marcel because, if I would have picked Casey, Carla would have had a really hard time. She wouldn't have done well with Marcel. I love Carla. Of course, I'm a softy.

On Fabio selecting Hosea's dishes over his: You get honesty from Europeans. I have absolutely no hard feelings. He stopped bullshitting. I love honesty. I love all you bloggers for your honesty. I take it like it is.

On Jamie: How could you not be in love with Jamie? I love Jamie. I've been asked that many times. It's not the first time I fell in love with the lesbians! She has the best laugh. She is beyond fun, she's a great chef. By the way, I love Leah though as well. Not as much as I love Jamie. If Jamie ever reads this: Jamie if you're ready for babies, I'm ready for it! She would make pretty babies, let me tell you.

On being friends with many of the contestants: I have made wonderful friends on that show, including Hosea, Jamie, even Lauren. I'm 36 years old. I've argued in kitchens, now I don't want to do that. I'm too old for constantly arguing. I want friends in my life. You can ride my bus if you want to, but if you don't, get off! I love them all. There is no bullshit behind the whole thing.

On what's next: I'm coming out with a clothing line. It's called Cocky Chef Clothing you should check it out. It's panties and boy shorts. I have a book coming out, it's called Stefan's Dirty Dishes and it's about my life. Sure I want to open a restaurant, but I want to do it the right way. I don't want it to be high scale. I want it to be a cool hangout with a fireplace outside. I would love to do more TV. I'm working on it. I have a great agency working with me and I'm signing today. We are talking about some ideas, kind of something of Gordon Ramsay-like because of my attitude. We will see what happens. Fabio and I would be a hilarious show, but I think I should do a show with Jamie because she is more clever.

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