The new season of Top Chef: Just Desserts is fast approaching and this blog already has a favorite contestant. As a D.C. based blog we are obliged to cheer for Matthew Peterson, aka the executive pastry chef at CityZen and Sou'Wester, both located inside D.C.'s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I had the chance to catch up with Matthew recently to learn more about D.C.'s latest Top Chef contestant:
The D.C. area is full of outstanding chefs. What are your favorite spots to hit up for delicious meal?
It certainly is. Some of my favorites are Pho 75, Bob and Edith's, and Guapo's. But most of the time my wife and I cook at home with our daughter.
What is your favorite all-time dessert?
I love ice cream, any kind, any time, anywhere. We just got a paco jet at the restaurant so it's like I'm learning how to make it all over again; it's exciting.
Were you a Top Chef fan before participating on Just Desserts? Do you have a favorite contestant?
I have watched Top Chef since the beginning and always said that if they did a pastry spin off I would try out; well here we are. I would have to go with Jen Carroll; my wife and I rooted for her in both of her seasons.
How did you prepare for the show?
I studied my recipes and watched every episode from the previous season with intense scrutiny.
Will you be incorporating any of the desserts from the show into the menu at the Mandarin Oriental?
Probably not.
Do you have any tips for those of us whose pastry skills are limited to making a cake out of a box? Is there any hope for us?
Patience is a virtue and pastry is a science. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them, it's an important part of learning this craft. It's rare that something will be what you want on the first or even the second try, but keep at it because on the third try it will be great. There is always hope; I try to be an optimist at every turn.
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