Atlanta rules Top Chef Season 6
It’s confirmed! As reported on Foodie Buddha and here on Table Talk yesterday and Monday, three Atlanta chefs will appear on Season 6 of Bravo’s hit foodie fave, Top Chef.
Hector Santiago (pictured), chef-owner of Pura Vida in Poncey/Hi, is one of my favorite Atlanta chefs, offering the city a taste of some of its only real tapas while giving a nod to molecular gastronomy at the same time. Foam must be this chef’s middle name, and he can fry up a mean, beautiful mess of calabaza squash rings (I went into withdrawal when he took them off the menu a few years back). Love is deep: I chose Pura Vida for the Fall Dining Guide’s very first restaurant of the year, back in 2005. Of the three chefs from Atlanta, he’s got the most experience and the chops to pull this off.
Kevin Gillespie filled big chef’s clogs when Woodfire Grill’s chef and founder, Michael Tuohy, left for California last year. Kevin isn’t yet 30, and is clearly one of the smartest, most dedicated and talented chefs we have. Having a conversation with this guy is like talking to a chef, farmer, scientist, artist and craftsman all in one. His cooking is straightforward and stays with sustainability, but he’s got a knack for creating pretty things that taste good. I’d love to see a chef this young and talented — and dedicated — make it to the “show,” — the finals.
My experience with Eno has been iffy. The Midtown restaurant has changed chefs over the last five years more often than Paris Hilton changes her handbags. I rereviewed the restaurant back in 2005 when the kitchen was helmed by Milton Ferris. I’ve been back several times over the course of the last two years, but never felt the changes in chefs were worth a completely new review. I love the wine program, and always have. Chef Eli Kirshstein worked with former Top Chef-fer Richard Blais, so he’s got as much a shot at the winner’s circle as anyone. All of which is to say that I’m excited for Kirshtein, but am not very famiiar with his style. So watching him will be of interest.
What do you think? Which of these chefs would you choose as Top Chef?
Want more? John Kessler serves it up, and we’ve got our own take on Atlanta’s grip on reality TV.
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15 comments Add your comment
Tony
July 8th, 2009
4:24 pm
Chef Santiago. I first went to Pura Vida a couple of months after it opened – beautiful. He is absolutely underrated.
Rodney
July 8th, 2009
4:43 pm
I’m up for any home-town win! My personal favorite of these three is Chef Hector, but that’s only because I had my first taste of mofongo at Pura Vida a few years back and I’ve yet to forget that experience.
It would so totally qualify for that “Best Thing I Ever Ate” show for me.
RK
July 8th, 2009
5:16 pm
“Real” tapas? I would consider “real tapas” something from Eclipse di Luna — food that you would find in Spain. No matter — quite an exciting list — especially with Gillespie. I think TC and Bravo stepped it up this year after a poor season last time around.
sig
July 9th, 2009
1:13 am
your blatant disrespect of EK is appalling…you should wake up and see what he is doing at ENO.
mford
July 9th, 2009
5:58 am
SIg — sorry, but I hardly think saying that I’m not as familiar with chef Kirshtein’s food as I’d like to be and that I’m excited for him and looking forward to watching him with interest is disrespectful.
Rodney — that show is a hoot, isn’t it?
June Howard
July 9th, 2009
11:04 am
I think that Eli Kirshtein’s style and knowledge of his craft is nothing short of genious. I was told by friends to try out the relatively new chef at Eno. I did, and was more than pleased. He is also the youngest contestant, and I believe that he is going to give them a run for the money. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go very far.
del
July 9th, 2009
11:12 am
I am amazed that three of our local chefs have made it to Top Chef. It speaks volumes about Atlanta’s up and coming world class cuisine. Hector’s food is always very tasty and solid. Kevin is masterful in the kitchen. He is creative and consistent. Eli is a wild card. He’s young and passionate about his food. I ate one of the best meals of my life at his restaurant several monthes back. I had no idea at the time that he would be a candidate for Top Chef, but he more than fills his shoes.
Sarah Dorio
July 9th, 2009
11:15 am
Chef Hector for sure! He’s absolutely brilliant!
Rodney
July 9th, 2009
5:00 pm
@Meridith – BTIEA is a great show!
Rob
July 10th, 2009
8:04 am
All 3 are great representatives of Atlanta; however, my vote goes to Kevin. His creativity is especially satisfying. We have eaten at WFG many times, and it has really improved since Kevin got there. Wine pairings are fun with his dishes also. Our favorite restaurant in Atlanta.
agent5
July 10th, 2009
10:08 am
My vote is for Chef Kevin at Woodfire. He is inventive, creative and just plain awe-inspiring in the kitchen. His pickled beets the other night were a surprising and amazing explosion of flavor and his soups are to die for — so I just keep going back for more!
bo
July 10th, 2009
10:15 am
I agree with Rodney…3 ATL boys cookin’ it up….I like our chances. Can’t wait, but I will say I really like Kevin’s BBQ this past 4th. He is amazing with what he can do with a pig. Nice to know that his must haves to have on hand is smoked pork…who knew
just sayin
July 10th, 2009
10:46 am
You sound so proud of yourself for breaking the confidence of whoever told you. This was common knowledge inside the restaurant community but we waited for the announcement. It’s not at all surprising that you and Foodie buddha were the two who decided not to play along.
Meridith Ford Goldman
July 10th, 2009
1:38 pm
Just sayin: Breaking news is part of what we do. I’m aware I didn’t know anything more than what folks in the restaurant industry knew, but I don’t work in that industry anymore. Foodie Buddha did a great job getting this out to those who aren’t privy to the inside info.
del
July 12th, 2009
10:20 pm
Funny thing-got together with friends and all wanted to go to Eno since two of them had yet to experience Chef Eli’s food. Well, as usual, he did not disappoint. EVERY single item that we ordered was creative,interesting and delicious. This boy can cook, and we all left full and very satisfied. I can’t wait for Aug.26th. It’s going to be quite a ride. All three are superb samples of what Atlanta is turning into foodwise. They are a group to be recond with, but I’m pulling for Chef Eli.