This is the sequel to this article.  Here are a few more profiles of the teams that tried out in DC. I had a lot of fun talking to these enthusiastic possible future restaurant owners and/or television personalities.

Paul and Antonio are an example of a team where it is obvious which team members are the front and back of the house.  Paul came off as very serious and said that they “Are looking to display professionalism and a fun atmosphere while using proper (French) techniques to create simple and spectacular food.  This would be farm to table, sustainable, and non GMO, with a Charlie Palmer atmosphere and attention to detail.” Antonio is very personable and positive and described himself as having an “electric personality,” saying that he would “endear himself to the customer and has an understanding of what it is like to be in the patron’s shoes.”

Carmen would be the front of house and Chris would be back of house, although both are chefs.  Their six year old son Ashton is in the picture with them.  It is their dream to have a restaurant, and they want to give back to the community.  They have an Asian fusion concept and their signature dish would be miso salmon.

JB and David are friends.  JB would be front of house and is active duty military, while david would be back of house.  JB said that they “work hard and want to make money doing it.”  They are both Texans, and their concept would be mixed-region barbeque with various sauce options.  Their signature dish would be brisket.

Burt (front of house) and James (back of house) are good friends, and they had a good vibe about them.  Friends introduced them too each other since they have similar goals and interests.  Burt was going to open a restaurant called “the Big Easy” and James was working at Taste of Carolina on U Street.  Their concept is sophisticated southern/creole, and their signature dishes would be “Millionaire Mac N’ Cheese” and banana pudding cupcakes.

Jen (front of house) and Caitlin (back of house) are roommates who have worked in restaurants for 16 years. (Maybe they mean in total?)  Their concept is home style comfort food (sort of like Paula Deen), and their signature dish is chicken a la king.

It was great getting to talk to all these teams, and I wish them luck in the competition.

-JAY