Several weeks ago (just before I got a job and still had time to do these sorts of things on a Tuesday afternoon, let alone write about them in a timely fashion), I went to a cooking demonstration by two stars of Bravo’s Chef Academy: Suzanne Winn and Leo Goodloe.
I meant to watch an episode or two before the demo, and ended up watching the whole series in three days or so. It’s easy to become addicted to any reality show, but when the people you’re watching are likable and deserving of the spotlight (Jersey Shore crew, I’m not talking about you), you don’t even feel guilty about it.
Leo was focused and professional throughout the show. He rarely had anything bad to say about anyone, and though he was always at the head of the class, he wasn’t cocky. Suzanne, love her, has a Real Housewives of Orange County look (because she’s a mother in the real OC), but the woman didn’t go that route. Instead, she enrolled in an intensive culinary program and subjected herself to some rigorous kitchen work. Ok, yeah, she got in trouble for wearing too much lip gloss and for meeting with a tailor in the middle of a lesson…but how much of that is orchestrated by producers anyway? She didn’t seem like a ditz to me. She seemed smart and funny and incredibly charismatic. I really wanted this woman to do well.
And you know what? Leo and Suzanne made an even better impression in person. After the demo, I waited to talk to Suzanne, who was talking to a group of women already. “Come join the circle, sweetie,” she said, motioning me over. Then she hugged me and thanked me for coming. Leo was equally gracious and easy to talk to. Both were so encouraging and forthcoming with stories and advice for me.
The food didn’t disappoint, either. Dark chocolate pots de cremes with rock-your-socks butterscotch sauce and vanilla bean whipped cream. French bread slices layered with goat cheese, freshly made tomato sauce and melted fontina. Either of which I could die happy after. (Some recipes from the demo are here.)
My point is, I don’t want this to be the last I see of Leo or Suzanne. Give them a book, a TV show, a catering/party-planning company…I’d support any of it.
You can find Chef Academy reruns on Bravo, iTunes or here. Check out Suzanne’s Meals in Heels demonstrations on YouTube.
buy a speech
And watch my favorite clip of Suzanne on Chef Academy here at the 6:08 mark.
