“To truly understand the local cuisine,” guest chef Frank Lee says on Top Chef, “you have to dine in the homes of the locals.” And that is exactly what the cheftestants did on Episode 2.
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Split into two teams, the chefs were tasked with creating their own family meals based on a meal they had at a local chef’s home in Charleston. Fast forward past a dramatic trip to Whole Foods and the veterans won, with Chef Annie Pettry asked to pack her knives and go.
We asked Pettry if she was surprised by her elimination, who her biggest competition was and more.
SheKnows: Were you surprised by your elimination?
Annie Pettry: I was surprised to be eliminated. My tart wasn’t perfect. It could have used a few more minutes in the oven, but it tasted great.
SK: What was it like working with all the judges on the show? Who’s the most intimidating?
AP: I was most intimidated by Tom Colicchio. The man is a legend and a tough critic.
SK: Which contestant do you think deserves to win? Or who are you rooting for?
AP: Most of the chefs on the show are of the same caliber. The only difference in the “rookies” vs. “veterans” is that the rookies haven’t competed on a reality cooking show. I’m rooting for the rookie chefs to find their ground and even out the playing field. I’m excited to see how each one comes into their own during the season.
SK: Who did you consider your biggest competition?
AP: Other than myself, my biggest competition on the show is the veterans. They have the advantage of knowing how to play the game.
More: 4 things Top Chef taught me about cooking
SK: What’s one thing that happened behind the scenes that viewers didn’t get to see on the show?
AP: While we were waiting for the ruling from the judges’ table on the second episode, we held sack races and had a blast chatting and getting to know each other.
SK: Who do you think deserved to go home on last night’s episode?
AP: It’s tempting to compare myself to the other competitors, but I didn’t go there to throw anyone under the bus. I was there to challenge myself.
SK: What was the best experience you had on the show?
AP: Getting to know the other chefs!
SK: What was the biggest challenge for you on the show?
AP: I battle debilitating nerves and stage fright, and these were my greatest challenges on the show. I was honored to be on the show and face my fear.
SK: Who’s your favorite Top Chef contestant of all time and why?
AP: Stephanie Izzard is my all-time favorite Top Chef contestant because she is genuinely a good person, a great competitor and a badass chef.
More:The three female winners of Top Chef have some words for the new contestants
Tune into Top Chef every Thursday at 10/9c on Bravo, immediately followed by Last Chance Kitchen at 11/10c.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below.
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