Interview with Dale Talde

A big shout out and thank you to Dale Talde for taking the time to answer these questions. The season premiere is coming up soon and we are all excited to see how many all-stars you can take out!


Interview Questions:

• What was your favorite Quickfire or Elimination challenge from Season 4? 
• Dale: My favorite Quickfire was the skills challenge, to meet Daniel [Boulud] and to show my true technical ability was an honor and really fun.
• What was the one thing you learned in your first season that you worked on and carried over as an advantage into Season 8?
• Dale: I really just worked on making tasty food, seasoning food well, and trying to be more well-rounded as a chef. I think [in my] season, I was the chef that only did Asian food. My training was in Classical French and when not cooking professionally, I love to make Italian, Spanish, and Indian food. So I really wanted to work on those cuisines before going back.
• If I remember correctly, cheftestants are allowed to bring several "secret ingredients" with them to the competition. What did you bring for Season 8?
• Dale: I brought Franks Red Hot sauce, which is a super versatile ingredient that has a nice acidity and isn't too spicy.
• After being asked to be a part of Season 8, how long did you have to prepare before the season started to shoot?
• Dale: I had a couple of months before I went back.
• From watching the other seasons, who were you most looking forward to cook against?
• Dale: I am really excited to cook with Jen from Season 6 and Angelo from Season 7.
• Any past cast members that you expected to be a part of All-Stars that you think got snubbed?
• Dale: I don't think it was a snub, but I would have liked to see Eli from Season 6 so he could go against [his mentor] Richard Blais. I would have also liked to see Andrew or Jen from Season 4. I've got a little Season 4 bias.
• I'm sure your under a strict NDA, but can you vaguely describe something that fans can look forward to in the upcoming season?
• Dale: Without a doubt this was the hardest season, but expect us cooking in a lot of strange places.
• Fill in the Blank: I would've been blown away if they brought __________ in as a guest judge.
• Dale: I know to expect anything from the Magical Elves [production company], but Michael Jordan.

Lightning Round:

• Favorite ingredient:
• Dale: The lonely egg, my favorite and most versatile ingredient.
• Harshest judge: 
• Dale: Tom. A straight shooter that tells you exactly what went wrong and has the experience and knowledge to back it up. 
• Favorite guest judge: 
• Dale: Padma. Nothing against anybody else but can you blame me? She's just so beautiful!
• Biggest regret from your first season: 
• Dale: Those stupid butterscotch scallops.

Final Question:

• Who wins in an arm wrestling contest, you or Michael Chiarello?
• Dale: Micheal would probably woop me in an arm wrestling contest, but I'd love to see him on the basketball court.

Make sure to tune in and cheer on Dale during Top Chef Season 8: Reaching for the Stars! Also, make sure to stop by and try Dale's food at Buddakan next time you are in New York City.