The competition was fierce at the AT & T Plaza in Dallas today where nineteen ‘chef-testants’ competed for a chance to make their mark on the American Airlines Center’s menu.
Culinary school grads such as Louisa Garrett, who warned us that her competitors should “be aware and watch out,” and pastry chef Lauren Lee who entered “just for fun,” personify the diversity of contestants.
Others, such as Otto Borsich and Holley Dorethy have competed on TV reality cooking shows like ‘Top Chef’ and ‘Hell’s Kitchen.”
Contestants had to bum rush a table with ingredients on it at the start of the first thirty minute heat.
"Whoever rushed the tables first hoarded everything, and now I don't have any olive oil," said Lee.
Thus is the beauty of heated competition. Five finalists were named after the first heat, and the winner will get their dish on the AA Center's menu.
