Top Chef All-Stars Exit Interview: Episode 14

It’s official. Padma lost her baby weight. Not that I want to judge women on their body mass, but fuck, she looks amazing. Anyway, someone else lost and had to leave the glory of the Bahamas. Let’s find out who.

 

Noooo! Not the sweet and adorably dimpled Tiffany!

Endless Simmer: How do you feel about being a part of the Top Chef family? Will you keep in touch?
Tiffany Derr: It’s great. I will absolutely keep in touch with some of the people. I have a lot of respect for them. I have a lot of respect for people working in the kitchen day in and day out.

The conch diving experience was really fun to watch—tell us more about it.
It’s hot outside and it’s blue water and white sands, it was like I was on vacation. I’m just trying to put that thing [snorkel] on and it’s just not gonna work. I had too much fun I forgot I was there for work. It was my favorite challenge ever.

Was it difficult to do back-to-back seasons?
It was good in the beginning because I had momentum. But it was tough too because my grandfather died two days before the show began. You’re away from friends and family and thinking about the restaurant that you just left. It was tough.

What are your future plans?
I am building a restaurant in Dallas, Private Social. And I’m touring, meeting people and doing what I have to do. For the restaurant: The “Private” refers to the dinning room. It has an old Hollywood glamor to it. Social refers to the bar, featuring small plates. I just want it to have really good food. Good food and good service. And we will have a Maitre D. Restaurants don’t really have that any more unless it’s fine dining. But I want someone there that knows you, like the old style of things.

Who do you think was the most helpful to you during show?
I learned the most from Richard. He opens up and tells you so much information. I’m not the molecular girl, but now I’m interested in trying things. Carla was my favorite in terms of just talking to. We leaned on each other.

Who do you think will win?
I’m rooting for Antonia and Richard. Antonia is a solid cook. She’s not as inventive as Richard, but I like that. Richard is just crazy. He’ll see an ingredient and immediately think of 100 ways to do something with it.

(Top Photo: Warming Glow; Bottom Photo: Bravo)