by Gina Scarpa

 

When Kristen Kish was one of two chefs to have her concept chosen for Restaurant Wars on Top Chef, she felt both a boost in confidence but an added pressure. If her restaurant was not on the winning end of things, she would most likely take the fall for it - and unfortunately, that's exactly what happened. Though some fans felt she could have put up a bigger fight against Josie at Judges' Table, Kristen ultimately felt that everything happens for a reason and went on to defeat CJ in Last Chance Kitchen. We talked to her today about her popularity with fans, favorite dish that she served, and why she didn't argue more to stay in the competition.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: As John pointed out, when I interviewed him, there are a lot of young chefs on the show. What made you want to do Top Chef at this point in your career?

A. Kristen: I guess the reason I wanted to try out was just because I wanted to do something different. I get bored and I wanted to do something different. I didn't think about how it was going to impact my future. Now, I realize it's impacting it quite a bit.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were you intimidated by any of the other chefs or did you try to just focus on yourself?

A. Kristen: I just mainly wanted to focus on my own thing and remember why I was there. I just tried to focus on my business.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It really seemed as if you were a major contender to make it to the finale. Did you feel like a frontrunner?

A. Kristen: Yes and no. I mean, only because I kind of won some of those elimination challenges but I never expected anything. Every day is just a challenge and every week, there was a chance of me going home. There was no expectation.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was there one dish that you felt really represented who you are as a chef?

A. Kristen: I love the egg dish for the Bite of Seattle. That's how I like to eat. The only thing I wish I could've done differently is put it in a real vessel instead of a cup.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: While it's great that your concept and dish were chosen for Restaurant Wars, that puts a lot of pressure on you as well...

A. Kristen: I was definitely feeling a lot of pressure. The premise of that dish was taking a bistro salad and making it and presenting it different. I think I shot myself in the foot trying to make so much of the theme as opposed to focusing on the food.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Josie really threw you under the bus at Judges' Table after your team lost Restaurant Wars. Are you upset about that?

A. Kristen: No hard feelings whatsoever. No bad taste in my mouth. I think everything is happening the way it should and I didn't perform as well as I should have. Yeah...

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Even you looked surprised that you were eliminated!

A. Kristen: Yeah, I mean, I was surprised but I realized my mistakes as well. I was so tired at that point. I was like, "I need an answer because I'm either going to pass out or throw up." Disappointed to go? Definitely, but it's okay.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I've been asking everyone what it takes to beat CJ in Last Chance Kitchen, and then you did it. Did that give you a confidence boost?

A. Kristen: Definitely! It makes me want to make it that much further. That's a weird place to be in, but it's pushing me to want to succeed.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Top Chefs fans can vote to save their favorite contestant and you've certainly had a lot of love from viewers. What's that been like for you?

A. Kristen: Oh my god! Since they announced it up until this point, I never would've guessed the outpouring of support and kind words. I couldn't be happier... but I kinda feel bad for Josie because the things people are saying is really brutal.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Before you left, Stefan told you that he loved you and it seems that you two got very close. What is your relationship like with the other contestants?

A. Kristen: My relationship with them is fantastic, especially Stefan and Brooke. I talk to them on a fairly regular basis. Same with everyone else!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's next for you and what is your big goal?

A. Kristen: I guess at the end of the day, I'd want to open up my own restaurant. Just the fact that I'm being recognized for my food... before this, I was fairly anonymous other than my small bubble in Boston.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa