Photo courtesy of www.bravotv.com
Top Chef is now casting for Season 7. The casting director, Nick Gihool from Magical Elves, will be here to interview Chicago's culinary talent on Monday October 26th. Nick was kind enough to answer a few questions for us in advance of the event. Perhaps this might help Chicago's new Top Cheftant wanna be's to shape or refine their pitch.
- What are the most important personal characteristics you look for in choosing chef candidates?
Natural confidence, maybe bordering on swagger; passion about what they do and how they do it; a unique perspective on the world and the means to express it.
- What are the professional qualifications that are most important?
Experience, innovation, risk-taking and a breadth of knowledge of the field and its history to know where their own voice fits in. A strong sense of competition coupled with undeniable chops always attracts us.
- Are there any particular cities that tend to breed more candidates than others?
We have some cities that we go back to – obviously New York, Chicago, San Francisco – but then we really like to reach out to new places every season – Boston, Portland are great towns with talented chefs and where we haven't been yet. . .
- Is it important for the chef candidates to have a specific cultural or culinary perspective…or is it better for them to be more well rounded?
Both for sure. Having a distinct perspective gets you noticed – it's YOUR voice we're looking for . . . that's when you can tell someone is having fun and pursuing their passion. . . They are following their own path. At the same time, to stand out, you have to know what you're standing out from; a sense of history and technique seems essential given what we've experienced.
Chefs with a passion for food, creativity, a thorough knowledge of cooking techniques and trends and oodles of charisma are what we're looking for. We want talented, experienced chefs with that flare that puts you over the top.
Please go to HERE for complete casting information. Download and fill out an application and follow the guidelines for your video submission. Please send to Top Chef ASAP. The sooner you get the application and video (and other required materials) to TC, the better!
Or better yet, bring that filled out app and video (and other required materials) down to one of their nationwide open calls. No need to bring your knives, just check required elements on the application and show up with those in hand to meet our casting producers.
TC7 OPEN CASTING CALLS
CHICAGO
Monday, October 26th, 2009
10:00am – 2:00pm
WELLS ON WELLS
1617 North Wells
Chicago, IL 60614
www.wellsonwells.com
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