Chefs audition for Top Chef and dessert spin-off in Dallas

For the first time in Top Chef history, casting directors for the popular cable television show arrived in Texas to audition for its next season (complete with cherry on top). Two weeks ago BravoTV announced the inaugural season of a Top Chef dessert spin-off, Just Desserts. On Tuesday, casting directors auditioned chefs for both television shows at Abacus restaurant on McKinney Ave.

With casting for its seventh season already under way, the number one-rated show on cable television is a far cry from some fly-by-night reality show about a washed-up celebrity and their kids trying to revive some shred of their career. Top Chef contestants vye for a six-figure grand prize, a feature in Food & Wine magazine and appearance at the Food & Wine expo in Aspen, Colo.

Dallas Food Examiner sat down with auditioning chefs (see In Pictures segment below) and Casting Producer Donna Lee and talked Texas BBQ, architecture and what-oh-what to do with the winning prize money.

Why Dallas and why now? We were excited to come to Dallas to cast because it's an untapped resource and a great central location in the South. With past Top Chef finalists and fan favorites Casey Thompson and Tre Wilcox both from Dallas, obviously we wanted to come see what the state of Texas had to offer. It came to a point when we asked ourselves how couldn't we go to Texas?

What are you looking for in chefs at the Texas audition? We're looking for everything - we really want a good solid Texas showing that are really passionate about food.

You've been casting for several seasons now. Do you ever reach a point when you think you've seen it all? Chefs are such unique people and passionate about what they do. I never feel like I've seen it all. Reviewing casting tapes and interviewing chefs is like a breath of fresh air - I'm continually surprised.

What did you have for dinner last night? Good 'ole Texas BBQ. We had ribs, brisket and potato salad. There's nothing like it. It's funny because I've always watched the food shows about Texas BBQ and never had the chance to experience it before last night.

What's the worse thing you've eaten? I don't like overcooked meat.

What do you think of Dallas? I was surprised about the architecture of the city. It's so pretty and the weather is nice. I've also been surrounded by some great Southern hospitality.

If you could hire any one Top Chef contestant to be your personal chef, who would it be? I really don't think it would be possible to choose just one. I've had the opportunity to see them all grow through the Top Chef process ... I just couldn't pick a favorite. I love them all.

How do they come up with the quickfire and elimination challenges? Our creative team handles all of that. We are given any specifications going into casting and are asked to start our search from scratch in finding the best of the best.

What should chefs expect during the audition today? Today was a meet and greet and an opportunity for casting directors to put a face with a name. Chefs were called back in small groups of three and four to casually chat with me about their culinary experience and point of view. It's really an opportunity to get to know people and have the opportunity to ask questions.

And then what happens with all those audition tapes? We'll leave here and review the audition tapes to see who we remember and who stands out. From here we pick out our favorites and start narrowing the list down.

What are you looking for in a Top Chef cast? We like people to be unique and show us who they are as chefs and as people in their videos. As the show gains in popularity and chefs realize the doors that open as a result of doing the show, the competition is more difficult.

What's the best thing about Top Chef? Chefs are amazing artists that are often overlooked. When you go into a restaurant, people don't usually think about who's preparing their food. Chefs put their heart and soul into every dish that they make, and I think Top Chef is able to reach the audience and show how hard the profession is. Top Chef is getting people excited about cooking and is putting the spotlight on chefs as a respectable profession.

What are some of the things people tell you they want to do if they win? A lot want to open their own businesses, travel the world, and even start a foundation centered around food. We hear a variety of responses. If I were in the winner's shoes, I would go on a culinary tour of the world.

Which chefs stood out at the auditions in Dallas? Click through the slideshow  below featuring chefs who auditioned in Dallas.

Mum's the word on details about season 7, so no word on the city selected for filming or the line up of guest judges. Want to be one of the first to know details about season 7 of Top Chef and Top Chef's Just Dessrts? Subscribe to Lea Lashley’s Dallas Food Examiner blog.

Read more stories about this audition
Calling all chefs: Bravo TV to audition Top Chef season 7 hopefuls at Abacus restaurant in Dallas

Preview: Up and coming chefs audition in Dallas for Top Chef and dessert spin-off