Who is Alisha Elenz? 'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant is a two-time James Beard-nominee who runs her own events company
PALATINE, ILLINOIS: 'Top Chef' Season 21 is just around the corner! In Bravo's upcoming cooking show, 15 talented chefs from across America compete against each other to become the 'Top Chef America.'
The latest season of the popular show will be hosted by Kristen Kish, with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons as the judges.
Alisha Elenz has been selected as one of the talented chefs who will be vying for the title of 'Top Chef' in the upcoming 21st season of the cooking competition.
Elenz, a highly accomplished culinary professional, has been recognized for her exceptional talent and skill. With two James Beard nominations and a prestigious Jean Banchet Award under her belt, she has undoubtedly proven herself as a culinary force to be reckoned with.
Currently, Elenz has embarked on a new and exciting venture, establishing her own private chef and events company named 'Whisk the Night Away.'
Through this innovative endeavor, the two-time James Beard nominee aims to bring the essence of a fine dining experience directly to the comfort of her clients' personal spaces.
Elenz's unique culinary approach is characterized by her ability to effortlessly combine seemingly disparate flavors, resulting in an explosion of complexity on the palate.
Her mastery lies in the art of creating unexpected and delightful taste sensations that leave a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing her culinary creations.
Alisha Elenz was reluctant to apply for 'Top Chef' Season 21
Elenz has showcased her culinary skills on various cooking shows, including the popular Food Network program 'Chopped.' While having a chat with the Daily Herald, she revealed that she initially hesitated to participate in the show when approached by its producers.
“After the last one, I literally said ‘I’ll never do this again.' Just the anxiety and the stress and the preparing. And I thought, ‘I’m just not really a competition chef. I don’t think TV is really for me,'" she told the media outlet.
The timing of the request was not ideal for Elenz, as she had recently decided to step away from the restaurant industry and launch her own business called 'Whisk the Night Away,' specializing in private chef services and event planning.
Despite inventing numerous justifications for not participating and being convinced that she would not be selected to appear on the program, her mother imparted some wise counsel to her.
“She told me to suck it up and just do the application. So I did, and here we are," Elenz said.
When did 'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Alisha Elenz begin working as a chef?
Alisha Elenz, who hails from Palatine, began her career in the restaurant industry at 18 years old when she took on the role of cashier at her uncle's restaurant, Pete's Pizza, located in Rogers Park.
Her passion for the culinary world led her to pursue opportunities for hands-on experience, eventually leading her to work as an unpaid intern at bellyQ in the West Loop.
Fast forward ten years, and Elenz returned to the same location, this time as the chef de cuisine at Bambola, a new restaurant that opened on the site where bellyQ once operated.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Alisha Elenz became an Executive Chef at 23
Elenz drawing on her expertise in Spanish cooking, has a particular talent for crafting dishes with Mediterranean influences.
With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, she achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the position of Executive Chef at the young age of 23.
For the past 12 years, she has dedicated her career to the restaurant industry, gaining valuable experience and expertise along the way.
Her dedication to her craft and passion for creating exquisite Mediterranean flavors have earned her a reputation as a talented and innovative chef in the industry.
'Top Chef' Season 21 premieres on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 9 pm ET on Bravo.