Exclusive Interview with Season 4 Top Chef Winner Stephanie Izard
23 Feb
When a Quaker Oats representative contacted me, asking if I’d be up for doing an interview with Season 4 Top Chef Winner Stephanie Izard – I was completely speechless. Would I? You mean me, right? Rose from On a Lobster Placemat? Of course I’d interview Stephanie. I’d be more than honored!
We worked around schedules, and before I knew it – a phone interview was scheduled (with Stephanie. yes, the real Stephanie Izard, the Top Chef winner!) I couldn’t believe it! I am still in awe right now!
Needless to say, Stephanie’s phone personality was identical to her Top Chef persona from last year: she was completely down-to-earth and super fun to speak with. I heard pots and pans in the background, she laughed at my lame jokes – it was a great time! In the heat of the moment, I realized that I forget to ask her one of my most important questions – but that’s OK. These will do just fine!
What have you eaten so far today?
I’ve actually been munching on some bacon today because I’m using it in a recipe.
I eat a lot of oatmeal on my blog, so that is my breakfast of choice. What is your ideal breakfast?
I eat a lot of yogurt with plain oats or just some other cereal mixed in there.
What is the best dish you’ve ever cooked with oats?
I really like to use oats as a breading. I just made a stuffed pepper and used some oats in there. I like using and substituting it in different dishes. I like replacing different things, like lentils, and giving oats a try instead.
Since starting my blog, “On a Lobster Placemat,” I’ve lost whatever taste I had for lobsters by having them be always a part of my daily life. Is there anything you’ve worked with so much that your conception has changed or you no longer have a taste for it?
I just love eating so much that it really hasn’t happened to me. However, I am going to a pig farm this weekend, and I’m sure that I’ll feel bad eating pork products when I get back. But I think it’s good to know what you’re eating and where it comes from. I think we should all be more involved with that process.
Are you cooking right now? I think I hear the pots and pans.
Oh, yeah! Some friends are having a beer dinner in Chicago, and I’m making the cheese course.
Sounds good. How’s the weather in Chicago right now?
It’s a little bit chilly today.
I was actually just in Chicago for a conference, and I couldn’t really eat the pizza because I’m allergic to red sauce. What Chicago food would you recommend for someone who can’t eat pizza?
You know, the culinary scene has gotten really good. Some great places have opened up that I go to a lot like The Bristol and the Republic. There is just some really tasty food in Chicago.
I like to play with my food. What’s the most visually creative dish you’ve ever made?
For me, it’s all about colors on a plate. I’m not into stacking the plate super high or making it super crazy. I just really enjoy using natural fruits and vegetables and really showing off the season.
I’m really into reading. What’s the last book you’ve read?
Well, I read a lot of cookbooks…
That’s ok. Cookbooks are books too!
Haha. Well, I just read My Last Supper, which is about the final meals of 50 great chefs. It’s really good.
Ok, now what is your favorite book or cookbook?
I would have to say Culinary Artistry. It’s a really great reference book for chefs.
Now on to some Top Chef questions. Related to the last episode, what would your last meal be?
I really love sushi and French fries. So I would have some nice sashimi and churros with ranch dressing.
Ranch dressing is always good…Since winning Top Chef, what have you been up to and how has your life changed?
My main project has been my new restaurant which is opening in Fall 2009 and is called the Drunken Goat. I also launched my own website – http://www.stephanieizard.com/, where I have posted recipes, podcasts and a little bit of everything else. I also have a new podcast series on my site called The Tasty Life. I’m also working on a cookbook and just doing a little bit of everything.
So what’s your story with Top Chef? What made you decide to go for it?
I had been cooking for 12 years and had owned my own restaurant. My coworkers kept saying, “You should really go on Top Chef. You should really give it a shot.” They ended up calling, and I thought that I might as well try.
Were you always interested in cooking growing up?
I grew up in a household where my mother cooked cuisines from all over the world. I started getting in the kitchen when I was eight. I was just more interested in Julia Child than TV or video games or things other kids liked.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to audition for Top Chef?
Honestly, just be true to yourself and go to have fun. That’s really what cooking is all about. Just don’t forget that it is a competition, and you really need to focus on the food.
What is the craziest thing that ever happened while you were on Top Chef?
I think the craziest challenge was the Wedding Wars challenge, where we were awake for two days straight. I think I drank about ten Diet Cokes in those two days. We were all just pushing ourselves to stay awake. It was so crazy.
Were there things done to cause drama on Top Chef or did they just happen naturally?
You know, the situation itself causes drama. It’s just a high pressure situation; they don’t create that drama – though the show does create that world. I think we could chalk a lot of it up to the fact that we were lacking sleep for five weeks and that situation just inevitably can cause some drama.
Who is your pick for the Top Chef Season Five Season Finale?My pick… Well, Carla definitely has won the most improved award. It seems like Hosea and Stefan are neck in neck, though Stefan hasn’t been too hot lately. You know, I think it’s really anyone’s game. They just have to be careful in the finale. One mistake will really get you. No matter what, I’m excited for whoever wins, and I look forward to catching up with them in Aspen.
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NOTE: Do you think you have what it takes to be a Top Chef? Check out the Quaker Oats Viewer Quickfire Challenge and submit your recipe!
Be sure to check out Hangry Pants and Heather Bakes for more exclusive interviews with Stephanie!
Oh my goodness I freaking LOVE this!!! As a Top Chef FANATIC, I really appreciate this interview. Thank you!!
Awesome Rose! Good questions, and she seems really personalble. I have no idea who she is because I think that whole series was when I was either in Spain or working a zillion hours a day to save cash for the time there. BTW, what was the forgotten question??? And can you eat shrimp, or are they too much like lobsters?
Brian – the forgotten question was: “If you could make anything for me to serve on a lobster placemat, what would it be?” Probably my most favorite question in my list. Ah, oh well.
PS: Shrimp are ok!!
OMG ROSE HOW COOL!!!! That was awesome! WTG!
OMG ROSE HOW COOL!!!! That was awesome! WTG!
OMG ROSE HOW COOL!!!! That was awesome! WTG!
That is a cool question! Maybe you can email it to her.
I should say though, that was the only season I missed, I think I may have seen some of the episodes, but not sure, and I have seen the other seasons and I am rooting for Hosea (or maybe Carla) and will be watching the final!!!
Sweet Rose! That looks like it was a blast!
Rose! How cool is this interview? Wonderful that your awesome blog is given the recognition it deserves.
Rose! How cool is this interview? Wonderful that your awesome blog is given the recognition it deserves.
Wow Rose, you’ve got celebrities seeking you out! That’s amazing!!
dang girl, you are big time now! im thinking famous almost. congrats on the interview.
rose that is FREAKING SWEET! GREAT JOB!
rose that is FREAKING SWEET! GREAT JOB!
You did a great job, fun questions!
Were you nervous to interview her?
Great job on the interview! I always liked her on Top Chef.
how awesome, Rose! Great interview!
how awesome, Rose! Great interview!
Rose, we were delighted to read on your blog that Stephanie cited our book CULINARY ARTISTRY as her favorite. We’d love to be able to send her a copy of our brand-new book THE FLAVOR BIBLE, which we think she’ll enjoy even more!
I am so excited for you! Swoon!
This is so exciting, Rose!! I am so glad that you were given this opportunity – you certainly made the most of it by asking great questions! I didn’t realize that Stephanie was in Chicago – that’s awesome! I loved her recommendations for restaurants and although you didn’t get to ask her your favorite question, this is all some truly fascinating stuff. Thank you so much!! Yay!
Sorry you forgot the placemat question, but the interview was great!!!! I like that she was eating the bacon she was using in a recipe.
Great job Rose!!! I love your questions- especially the Chicago recommendations.
That’s funny- bacon came up in my interview, too. Obviously a favorite
very cool…great questions. I love that she reads cookbooks because I do too. And I want to check out “the Last supper” book!
loved the interview rose! aweome awesome questions! loved hearing all her responses
Great interview! You had awesome questions and it was fun getting to know more about her!
Great job on the interview!!
That’s so cool!!