Chef Otto Stop By The Kitchen To Chat With Fans
We always get excited when one of the Chefs drops by the kitchen. Today is a special treat, Chef Otto is in the kitchen with us.
US: Hi Chef Otto, welcome to the kitchen.
US: What was the moment when you decided you wanted to be a chef?
Chef Otto: I never decided to be a Chef, it was predetermined destiny. I was born to be a Chef.
US: Tell us about your teaching career.
Chef Otto: My career in education started in an accidental way. I was hired as a culinary trainer at the Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas. From there after two years I applied for a job at the CIA. I was hired. Ironically I always wanted to attend CIA, never did. However I ended getting a job there. I moved to Vegas two years ago, returned to the industry and worked as a Garde Manger Chef at the Bellagio, after a year I returned to teaching at the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas and was happy to work under CMC Raimund Hofmeister who unfortunately has left to become Exec Chef/GM of the Space Needle in Seattle.
US: Does the show seen as a joke in the culinary world?
Chef Otto:Well, I can’t speak for the culinary world, only my world.
US: What was your take on season 2?
Chef Otto: I thought there was a lot of childish behavior. At the end of the day what does winning Top Chef mean, winning 100 K, Kenmore kitchen, exposure... The great Escoffier said, "We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen." I am sure the Chef of Kings and the King of Chefs is rolling over in his casket.
US: Where you surprised by Ilan`s win?
Chef Otto: No, not really
US: Do you keep in touch with any of the chefs?
Chef Otto: I have spoken to a few of the Chefs on occasion, however I do keep in contact with Carlos.
Chef Otto: My unique persona, my passion for food and love of people.
US: Tell us about your charity work.
Chef Otto: I am a one-man fundraiser. No matter where I go or where I work I always get involved with the local food pantry. I started an event in Nantucket in 1992 and it is an annual event with proceeds going to the Nantucket Emergency Food Pantry. I am helping organize a Taste of the Nation event in Vegas on 4/26. I will also be posting a video on YOU TUBE regarding hunger.
US: Any funny stories you would like to share?
Chef Otto: How about the time a student was mistook cream cheese for lard when pan frying trout. I looked at him and said, its cream cheese, you could have Chernobyl Heat and it wouldn’t melt this!
US: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the culinary field?
Chef Otto: Work for 6 months to a year in a restaurant, not a fast food joint but a restaurant. See if you not like it, but love it. It’s not for everyone and that’s ok.
US: What is your favorite
Movie
Chef Otto: Braveheart.
Book
Chef Otto: The places you'll go.
CD
Chef Otto: Too many to list, favorites are, Springsteen, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Sinatra to name a few.
TV show
Chef Otto: Sunday morning news shows, I am a political junkie.
Guilty pleasure
Chef Otto: Oodles of truffles.
US: Anything you would like to say to your fans?
Chef Otto:Thanks for your support, keep your eye one prize and stay true to yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself no one else will.
US: Thanks for playing along Chef Otto. You are always welcome in our kitchen.
posted by Blogging Top Chef @ 2:30 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Hey Otto, you are a nice man, sorry that you weren't there longer to teach these others what a good chef is.
The night that the finale aired, i actually chatted with Otto. He was very nice and answered all of my questions.
Otto creeps me out!
Even though we didn't get to see much of you during the season, we've gotten to know you on the blog.
In my book, Otto is a good and decent man.
Otto, you rule!!
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