What is life like after Top Chef? The show has done wonders for some of the past winners' careers (the Voltaggio Bros, Richard Blais, Stephanie Izard) and also for some fan favorites (Carla Hall, Fabio Viviani), while many others have faded away.
Last night's Top Chef Desserts premiere got us thinking of past Miami Top Chef contestants and what they're up to now. We checked in on with four former contestants who call Miami home to see how life is going post-Padma.
Jeff McInnis - Season 5 (NYC)
Elimination dish: Cucumber Mojito; Fried Oyster with Arugula and Homemade Sausage; Crawfish Pot de Crème with Shiitake Mushrooms and Scallions
What's he up to now? Jeff's upcoming Yardbird Southern Table and Bar on South Beach is supposed to open in the fall after some delays. Expect to see this surfing enthusiast hittin' the beach this weekend assuming Irene kicks up some waves.
Micah Edelstein - Season 3 (Miami)
Elimination Dish: Italian-style Meatloaf with Smashed Garlic Potato and Roasted Pepper Sauce
What's she up to now? Other than fighting with our own Lee Klein over restaurant names, Micah has opened up neMesis in the Park West/stripclub-nightclub alley neighborhood, serving small plates inspired by her South African homeland.
Howie Kleinberg - Season 3 (Miami)
Elimination Dish: Asparagus and Prosciutto "Cigars" with Parmesan Cheese; Mushroom Duxelle on Puff Pastry
What's he up to now? Howie is hangin' out in North Miami, serving up burgers and barbecue at Bulldog. The name comes from his personal nickname, obviously representative of his look and attitude. Howie always wanted to open a barbecue joint, so its good to see that this former Top Cheffer, who made it to Episode 11, is livin' his dream.
Andrea Curto-Randazzo - Season 7 (D.C.)
Elimination Dish: Pan-Seared Swordfish with "Risotto-Style" Couscous, Asparagus and Vanilla-Mustard Beurre Blanc
What's she up to now? Andrea is perhaps best remembered from episode six, when she was judged by her "rival" Michelle Bernstein (check out this video of her talking about the rivalry). Since the closing of Talula, the SoBe restaurant she owned with her husband Frank and our 2011 Best restaurant to Bite the Dust, Andrea CR has been running her catering company Creative Tastes.
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