As the executive chef of the New York City hotspots Butter and The Darby, Alex Guarnaschelli is all too familiar with testy taste buds, finicky foodies and discerning patrons. So it's fitting, given her experience, that she's a judge on Food Network's "Chopped: All Stars," debuting March 6, in which 16 celebrity chefs go head-to-head to win $50,000 for their favorite charity.
Below, TooFab put Guarnaschelli in the hot seat for a gastronomical-inspired chat:
What's your favorite restaurant in New York?
Hearth (on 12th Street, in the East Village)
What's your favorite restaurant in Los Angeles?
Joan's on Third without a doubt.
What is it likehaving a big celebrity following?
I'll let you know when I have one!
C'mon, Butter and The Darby attract a lot of celebrities!
It's cool. I wouldn't describe it as a following. Ireally wouldn't, but it's really neat when you have various accomplishedartists come and eat at the restaurant. It's a very gratifying feeling. Notjust for me obviously, but also for the staff. It makes things exciting.
What would you haveat your dream dinner party?
I wouldmake a lot of really classic American dishes, a big clam and oyster bar. AndI'd make a lot of specialties. Definitely a big dramatic dessert. I wouldinvite Isaac Mizrahi. I like him a lot. I would invite Bobby Flay because Ithink he is great.
Who would you love tocook for you?
I don't know. I've had the privilege of having a lot ofamazing people cook for me. Anyone who would want to, as odd as that mightsound.
Who is the pickiestcelebrity eater that you've ever dealt with? I haven't had a pickycelebrity eater yet. I'll get back to you on that one. We've been lucky withthat I guess.
Do you eat fastfood?
I like to take a day off andenjoy fast food for what it is. I have to say that in New YorkI'm really partial about taco trucks. I mean I really can't handle it. There issomething about catching all those ingredients piled on top of each other itputs me in a tizzy. I love it. I'm kind of a taco truck junkie.
