by Gina Scarpa

Her fellow female contestants can say what they want about Top Chef's Beverly, but she held her own and won as many or more elimination challenges than they did. On this week's episode, her dish simply wasn't wicked enough for Evil Queen Charlize Theron and the judges, so she was sent to Last Chance Kitchen, where she impressively defeated five-time champion Nyesha. We talked to Beverly in an exclusive interview to hear more about her thoughts on her fellow contestants, and her bittersweet (and simply sweet) moments in the competition.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: On last night's episode, Paul mentioned that you had the most cooking experience of anyone left in the house. What is your cooking background?
A. Beverly: My first step into the professional kitchen was at the Ritz Carlton when I was 16. I went to culinary school and seriously, I've worked since then. I've never stopped. I'm 32 and I've worked at Trotter's , I've done catering, Red Light Opera, I've even worked at Whole Foods! I've done everything and anything. I made it to aria and that's where I am right now. I think people, because I look young, didn't realize I was older than them and have a lot of experience.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Several people gave you a hard time, including Heather, Sarah, and Lindsay. What do you think their major issue was?
A. Beverly: I think the major issue was... maybe it was my perfectionism, like with that shrimp fiasco! Basically, I was so focused on making sure things were perfect. If we all focus on doing our jobs well, that makes a cohesive dish. I think that's a smart way to go. They thought I was taking too much time and I think because I stand out, I'm different... I've sort of been this way my whole life. I'm quieter and focused and serious. I think that has a lot to do with it. I'm a very gentle spirit, I think. I'm competitive but it's more in a quiet way, and I let my dishes speak for me.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There were other people like Ed or Grayson, who did speak highly of you. Did they defend you to the others while you were there?
A. Beverly: Actually, I learned a lot watching the interviews. I was really amazed that they totally had my back. Actually, Grayson stood up for me a lot. I think that we all respect each other and I think the competition, the stress of it... people react differently.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You had some really good moments in the competition. Was your favorite when you won Restaurant Wars? That's a pretty big deal!
A. Beverly: Actually, that was one of my favorites. It was such a bittersweet moment for everyone. We should have been celebrating that we won, but yeah. I think I wasn't expecting to win honestly. You saw the drama. In the back, it seemed like it wasn't going smooth. But I think that the dish that I made was true to who I am and was a smart dish to make, pickup wise. It was definitely a moment of truth that I have a lot of talent. It was a really sweet victory for me.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: This week, you landed in the bottom group and Tom said your flavors were too familiar. Looking back, did you agree with that assessment of your cooking?
A. Beverly: Um... you know, I think he really enjoyed the dish. I think pineapple was used about but sometimes, pineapple is the only thing I can see or find in the kitchen. I think that instead, I could've gone more wicked. Maybe that's why they felt it was more safe. Instead of trying to prove that I can do something different, I think it always helps me when I stay close to who I am.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: At Last Chance Kitchen, no one picked you to win over Nyesha and yet, you did! That victory must've felt great!
A. Beverly: Yeah! Oh, I was in heaven! I was in heaven with the idea that I could go back again. I was in heaven being able to cook again. I let myself go at that point. I had nothing to lose. Nyesha is an amazing chef and I think the challenge was just very interesting in that we had to switch each other's ingredients. That's simply the luck of the draw. She did really well, she beat five chefs, and that's probably why they were all rooting for her. That's the way I see it. It was just a really awesome moment.

Top Chef: Texas airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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