Carlos Fernandez

Date of Birth: December 15, 1969
Astrological Sign: Sagitarius
Current job: Chef/ Co-owner of Hi-Life Cafe
Cooking experience: 10 Year Restaurant Owner
Restaurants you have worked at: NY-Isabella's, Le Bar Bat, Chez Josephine, Caramba's
Restaurants you would like to work at: French Laundry
Chef(s) you admire: Julia Childs, Graham Kerr
What cooking shows do you watch? Top Chef, Ret, Set, Cook
Your top three favorite cookbooks are: Food and wine, Top Recipes,Vincent Price Treasures
Your must-have kitchen accessory is: Cuisinart
What is your go-to ingredient? Steak Blend Spices
How many courses should a meal have? 3-5
What famous person, living or dead, would you like to make a meal for? Eva Peron, Bill Clinton
And, what would you serve them? Pastaless Lasagne, Camarones Enchiladas, Orange Coconut Pie.
What's your favorite style of cooking? Grilling, Caribe Bases, French Sauces
What nationality of food do you like the best? Belgium
Where do you find inspiration when creating a new dish? It's very organic, It comes from within, then I shape it and test it..
Who has been your greatest inspiration in the kitchen? Besides Graham Kerr and my family, I would say myself, I'm self taught, and will never stop learning.
What is your favorite comfort food? Fried Chicken Sandwich
Do you ever eat fast food? If so, what? Yes. Burger King, McDonalds, Pollo Tropical
What restaurant do you want to eat at that you haven't eaten at yet?
Do you have a favorite partner that you cook with? Joseph JoJo Doyle
What do you serve at Thanksgiving dinner? Roasted Turkey with mojo sauce. Oyster casserole, green beans with homemade onion crisps, mashed potatoes, corn pudding, grilled marinated filet, grilled asparagus, ceasar salad.
What's your favorite dessert? A creamy, thick, chocolate shake
Are there wines or liquors that you cook with? A deep red win like Marques de Riscal, crsip white wine- sauvignon blanc, then brandy or cognac.
What would be your dream job as a chef? Menu planner, event coordinator, organizer
Do you have a lucky charm of any kind during the competition? My father's corkscrew
How do you handle the pressure of competition? When I have a plan – smooth. If not, I'm a little panicky, then motion, then completion.
Who was your favorite Chef from Season 1 of Top Chef, and why? Lee Ann, she had the complete package, the chops, the talent and the temperament.
What scent in the kitchen do you love – what ingredient smells the best? Truffles
What ingredient(s) do you avoid/dislike? Tripe
What's your secret splurge at the grocery store? foie Gras
What's your favorite midnight snack? Chocolate Soy Milk