Edible TV Talks with John Besh
Posted by Cate O’Malley on Edible TV.
Besh, the Executive Chef of Restaurant August, Besh Steak, Lüke and La Provenceis, is still in the running for Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef competition, and Edible TV had the pleasure of interviewing him recently, along with all the other contestants. Read on for what he had to say.
All the contestants have had wonderful culinary careers thus far, what made you decide to take the leap into competing in The Next Iron Chef?
Due to all we have been through after Katrina, rebuilding, I wanted the opportunity to promote the city and region in a great light.
Who do you feel was your biggest competition in The Next Iron Chef?
Aaron Sanchez.
What sets you apart from the other competitors?
I am from a different area and came up a different way. I was a warrior in the Marine Corp, to a cook in the Black Forest, to a husband and father in southern Louisiana, to a chef/restaurateur in New Orleans.
What surprised you most about the whole experience?
The behind the scene effort that goes into film production.
Who has been your biggest cooking inspiration?
My grandmother Grace Walters
What is the strangest thing we’d find in your refrigerator?
Lamb tongues
What did you have for dinner last night?
Beef Tripe Pho.
What’s next in your culinary career?
Trying to make a living.
How did your background in Louisiana culinary traditions help you during the competition?
It gave me inherent richness and a respect for cultures and the people that make those cultures rich.
Between your restaurants, work as a spokesperson for the Louisiana Seafood Council and various Board member activities, how are you able to juggle it all?
I have the most wonderful people surrounding me.
Miss our other Next Iron Chef contestant interviews? You can check them out right here.
Photo courtesy of Food Network.
John Besh was robbed!!! He should have been the Next Top Chef. I like Mike’s style, but Besh out cooked him in my opinion. PKA