Who is Rasika Venkatesa? 'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant won StarChefs’ Rising Star Award in San Francisco
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Rasika Venkatesa is a contestant on Season 21 of the reality cooking competition show, 'Top Chef'.
Chef Rasika Mythily Venkatesa has had the opportunity to be mentored by the esteemed Chef Mourad Lahlou who runs one-Michelin-starred Mourad. It is recognized to be the first Moroccan restaurant in the United States to receive a Michelin Star.
During her work there, she achieved the esteemed title of Chef de Cuisine in 2022, becoming one of the youngest CDCs in the culinary industry.
Her outstanding talent and dedication have earned her plenty of recognition, including the 2022 StarChefs' Rising Star Award in the San Francisco-Oakland area.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Rasika Venkatesa's fondest memories are cooking with her grandmother
Chef Rasika Venkatesa holds dear memories of her upbringing in Chennai, India, particularly the moments spent cooking alongside her greatest influence, her grandmother.
Her culinary journey began when her father, recognizing her passion, encouraged her to pursue a bachelor's degree in hotel management from Manipal University in India. It was there that she fell in love with the practical aspects of cooking and realized that she was on the right path.
During her education, she did her internship at Taj Hotels, Chennai in 2016 and also ventured to San Francisco for an internship at Alexander’s Steakhouse under Chef Marc Zimmerman.
She later spent six months interning at Hugos in Sydney, Australia. Inspired by the fast-paced environment of the kitchen, Venkatesa returned to Northern California after graduating in 2019, this time to Yountville, where she joined The French Laundry.
Her time at The French Laundry was transformative, instilling in her the virtues of patience and humility essential for kitchen leadership.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Rasika Venkatesa was promoted to Chef de Cuisine at just 24 years old
In December 2019, Venkatesa found her place at Mourad in San Francisco, initially working at the fish station.
She quickly felt at home in the Moroccan fine-dining atmosphere, cherishing moments like preparing butter chicken for family meals. During the pandemic, she remained active, contributing to charity efforts by preparing 400 meals daily for Family House alongside Executive Chef Mike Daley. She also lent her skills to the line at Rich Table.
When Mourad reopened in 2021, Venkatesa returned to the team, this time as a sous chef. Her dedication and talent were soon recognized, and in 2022, at just twenty-four years old, she was promoted to the role of Chef de Cuisine.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Rasika Venkatesa aims to reinvent Tamil cuisine
Venkatesa concluded a five-year tenure at the one-Michelin-starred Mourad in downtown San Francisco in November 2023. Now embarking on her next culinary adventure, she has set her sights on reinventing Tamil cuisine with her own restaurant concept.
Currently, Venkatesa is immersing herself in the local communities of Tamil Nadu, gathering inspiration and insights to shape the evolution of her culinary vision. This period of exploration and learning marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her culinary journey.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Rasika Venkatesa has collaborated with chefs nationwide in various culinary events
Venkatesa has showcased her skills and creativity by collaborating with chefs from across the country in numerous culinary events, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the culinary world.
Additionally, her culinary talents were recognized with the prestigious StarChefs’ Rising Star Award in the San Francisco/Oakland area, underscoring her exceptional contributions to the local culinary scene.
As an LGBTQ+ chef, Rasika's journey embodies more than just her culinary accomplishments; it reflects her courage to live authentically and her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the culinary sphere.
She wholeheartedly embraces her identity, and her narrative serves as a powerful testament to the significance of passion, resilience, and authenticity in both personal and professional endeavors.
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'Top Chef' Season 21 premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, March 20 from 9 pm ET. The episodes will be accessible the next day on Peacock.