TV Exposure Really Helps South Florida Chefs
Despite sometimes lagging a behind other large cities in the dining department, South Florida has managed to be well represented in the reality chef TV world, and even if a chef doesn't do well, it can be a huge boost to his or her career:
'I stopped in West Bumble, Texas, on the way back from L.A., and an old lady at a Cracker Barrel said, `I know who you are. I love you,' '' said Josh Wahler, a contestant on the third season of Fox's Hell's Kitchen. ``The show was huge for my career.''The Herald also has a few tips from former Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen contestants for those looking to audition for upcoming seasons. And if you'd like to see Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio up close and personal, check out the next Celebrity Chef Series on March 19. Former contestant Jeff McInnis will host the event, where Colicchio will talk about his personal culinary journey and do a cooking demonstration.Wahler, 28, went from being a junior sous chef at Nobu in Miami Beach to running the kitchen at 5300 Chop House at the new Blue Resort in Doral. This, even though Hell's Kitchen host Gordon Ramsay berated him for eight weeks running, then declared him ''f---ing useless'' and kicked him off the show. (''Didn't bother me,'' Wahler said.)
Reality TV smiles upon Florida chefs [Miami Herald]
What you should know if you want to be a chef-testant [Miami Herald]
Celebrity Chef Series: Tom Colicchio [Adrienne Arsht Center]
