Earlier this week Hangry Pants had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Season 4 Top Chef Winner Stephanie Izard.  Thank you to Stephanie and Quaker Oats for the opportunity!  

Stephanie answered some of your questions and discussed her new restaurant, blind taste tests, being the first female Top Chef and more. We love her attitude about balancing diet and exercise, and think you will too!

 

What do Chicago eaters have to look forward to at your new restaurant?

The restaurant will be called the Drunken Goat – this comes from my last name Izard, which is a type of goat in French and also from the Spanish goat cheese of the same name.  The restaurant is going to be fun and casual with great food and a comfortable atmosphere.

Now that you’ve conquered the reality television food world, what other reality TV show would you like to be on?

I am done with reality TV!!  It was fun, but I think one is enough!

Your canned tomato blind taste test was interesting. What blind taste test is coming up next so we can play along at home?

Today I am doing a blind test of dry aged verses wagyu verses wet aged beef for one of my podcasts.  For one to play along with at home, I might actually do a mayonnaise taste test.  I was having a conversation about mayo the other day and a friend swore by Whole Foods brand while I am a Hellman’s girl.  I will be doing this one later this week.

Many of our readers are in college. Do you have any advice for cooking and eating in a dorm?

Wow that was always a challenge since I was only allowed a microwave when I was in college.  I often just did baked potatoes with different veggie toppings and a little cheese. 

 

A single ingredient Quickfire Challenge was just announced and the secret ingredient unveiled. What ingredient makes you say, "YES!" and what ingredient is your worst nightmare?

I cannot think of any ingredient that’s my worst nightmare.  As for my favorite ingredient, I think it would have to be any kind of cheese.

Our readers are interested in healthy eating.  As a chef, what is your opinion on mandating nutritional information on restaurant menus?

I was in New York City recently, and the calorie count is on everything, and to be honest it made me really guilty about eating anything!!!  I think a well balanced diet is most important, and eating at home and creating healthful meals for yourself is great.  When you do go out, it is fun to try many things – that is what food is about….fun!  So just try to make smart choices (avoid heavier sauces and perhaps do not scrape plates clean).  Getting exercise is the way to go, not counting every little calorie!

What is your favorite food related tradition?

My favorite food-related tradition is having a family-style meal with friends and family, and enjoying great food and great company!

What’s currently in your fridge? Can you show us a picture?

Hmmmm…it’s very random right now.  I have lots of Korean food from my last trip to the Korean market for my new podcast. Sorry, I don’t have a picture available right now.

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

Culinary Artistry

What would you make for the Quaker Oats Viewer Quickfire Challenge?

I would just go and play around with the oats and really try to think outside the box.  They really are so versatile – from pie crusts to crusting proteins to replacing rice or other grains in old favorite recipes. 

 

Now for some questions from Hangry Pants readers.

Heather: What do you make for dinner when you only want to spend 10-15 minutes in the kitchen? 

Most often I make a simple stir-fry with some of my favorite veggies and some cubed chicken or pork.  Add in a little honey, splash of soy, little Dijon and some spice and you have a great, healthy quick meal

 

Sarah M: If you could come up with your own Quickfire Challenge, what would it be?

I think it would have to be a composed cheese course.  I love cheese!!!

 

Veggie Girl: Any challenge (either quick-fire or elimination) that you wish you could do over?

I think I’d have to say the "sexy salad" challenge – I had so many different thoughts going through my head that I was unable to focus and get a good dish finished.

 

Bethany: You were the first female winner of Top Chef. What is it like working in the traditionally male dominated restaurant world?

It can be tough sometimes, mainly because it is such a physically demanding job and sometimes I have to swallow my pride and ask some of the guys for some help (heavy stock pots, putting away deliveries, etc.).  But, I also think that the boys respect a strong woman that can hang and proves she belongs in the industry as much as any man.

 

Sarah S: What do you love to eat, but hate to cook?

Indian food – it’s so delicious, but I have not mastered the flavors, and though I can make some tasty things, I have a lot more work to do!

 

Kate: Do you taste everything you cook?

Yes!!!!!

Thank you Stephanie!

For more with Stephanie check out interviews by Rose from On a Lobster Placemat and Heather from Heather Bakes and Stephanie’s Guest Post on KERF where she shares a great Quaker Oat Recipe!

And of course, don’t forget to submit your recipe for the  Quaker Oats Viewer Quickfire Challenge.

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