Who is Isaac Toups? 'Top Chef Amateurs' judge's family has lived in Louisiana for 300 years
For the 24 amateur chefs of 'Top Chef Amateurs', being a part of the show is the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only do they get free reign of the 'Top Chef' kitchen, but also the chance to work with some of the show's best chefs. Bravo's latest cooking show will see these chefs taking on some classic challenges, with a bit of help from the show's alumni, who will be cooking alongside them and providing them with the support they need.
If you're looking for other culinary shows to check out, you might want to consider 'MasterChef Legends', 'The Chef Show', 'Chopped Junior' and 'BBQ Brawl'.
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Who is Isaac Toups?
Born in Rayne, a small town in Louisiana, Isaac Toups is a chef, restauranteur and a TV personality who competed on Season 13 of 'Top Chef'. Known for his contemporary Cajun cuisine, Toups draws inspiration from his roots and upbringing, seeing that his family has lived in South Louisiana for more than 300 years.
His unique 'born and braised' style that he is known for is a result of his grandmothers' influence. He also has a decade of fine dining experience, having worked at Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans kitchens.
He is the owner of two restaurants
It is no secret that Toups takes great pride in his contemporary Cajun style of cooking. Having opened Toups' Meatery, Toup's next venture was Toups South, which highlights Southern cuisine. While talking to Nola, Toups explained why it was important for him to have different menus. "I want people to go to two different restaurants and have different food," he explained. "I don't want to poach my own dishes," he added
"I'm not going to put two pork chop dishes on the menu and have them battle it out," he said. Like the Meatery, the ambiance aims to be casual, with the food doing all the talking.
"Come in your jeans and come in your T-shirts, I don't care," he added. There is one item on the menu that's common across the board, however, and that's cracklins. "If I open a bar, we'll serve cracklins," he said. "If I open a daycare, I'll serve cracklins." Toups concluded.
On 'Top Chef Amateurs', Toups makes a comeback as part of the 'Top Chef' alum to help the amateur cooks as they race against the clock while tackling challenges.
He will also be a part of the judge's panel this season, alongside Eric Adjepong, Richard Blais, Shirley Chung, Stephanie Cmar, Jennifer Caroll, Tiffany Derry, Joe Flamm, Gregory Gourdet, Kwame Onwuachi, Melissa King and Dale Talde.
Catch Bravo's 'Top Chef Amatuers' on July 1, 2021, at 9/8c.
