Radhika “Rad” Desai, executive chef at Between Boutique Caf & Lounge, is the next Chicagoan to compete on “Top Chef.” (Bravotv.com)
Last season, the winner of “Top Chef: Chicago” was a top chef in Chicago, Stephanie Izard. When the next season of “Top Chef” starts Nov. 12 (this time from New York), another aspiring Chicagoan will be trying to bring the bacon home to Chi town once again.
Of the newly announced cast of 17 contestants, our Chicago competitor this time around is Radhika “Rad” Desai, 28.
Her Bravo bio: “Radhika currently works as the executive chef at Between Boutique Caf & Lounge (1324 N. Milwaukee) in Chicago. A first generation Indian American, Radhika was born in Ohio and raised in an eclectic Indian-tradition home. Trained in classic French and Indian cuisine, she has worked alongside notable chef Vikas Khanna and has staged at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. She has traveled the world over learning new techniques and flavor profiles and brings spice and bold flavors to the table combined with grace and restraint. Her favorite dish to prepare is spicy chicken and potato curry with cumin scented rice with clarified butter and mint. She describes her cooking style as globally eclectic with a huge spoonful of love.”
Extra details from today’s press release: “This season introduces new judge Toby Young, food critic and best-selling author of the book How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, which was the basis for an upcoming film. In what will prove to be the most challenging season yet, some of the biggest names in food, music and entertainment including Martha Stewart, Foo Fighters, Jean-Georges, Eric Ripert, Rocco DiSpirito, Wylie Dufresne, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Natasha Richardson will be featured this season on ‘Top Chef: New York.’ ”
