Sam Talbot

Date of Birth: December 27.1977
Astrological Sign: Capricorn
Current job: Executive Chef
Cooking experience: 12 Years
Restaurants you have worked at: Black Duck, Williamsburg Café, Punch (NYC)
Restaurants you would like to work at: Would love to work internationally
Chef(s) you admire: Wylie Dufresen, Tom Douglas, James Burns, Suzanne Goin
What cooking shows do you watch? Top Chef, No Reservation with Anthony Bourdain
Your top three favorite cookbooks are: El Bully, Spoon, Think like a Chef, It's by Tom Colicchio
Your must-have kitchen accessory is: Vita Mix
What is your go-to ingredient? Vinegar
How many courses should a meal have? 4
What's your favorite course? Appetizer
What famous person, living or dead, would you like to make a meal for? Lauren Connolly
And, what would you serve them? Whatever she wanted
What's your favorite style of cooking? In the moment cooking.
What's your favorite meal of the day to prepare? Dinner
Who has been your greatest inspiration in the kitchen? All chefs across the world inspire me daily
What is your favorite comfort food? Ranch Dressing
Do you ever eat fast food? If so, what? Asian Style Lo Mein
What restaurant do you want to eat at that you haven't eaten at yet? El Bulli
What do you serve at Thanksgiving dinner? Oyster and pickle stuffing, Fried Turkey
What's your favorite dessert? A diabetic delight
Are there wines or liquors that you cook with? Sambuca, Gin, Brandy, Bourbon, Pinot Noir, Bitters Anything I can get my hands on. IU love incorporating the bar into the kitchen
How much time do you spend cooking a meal just for yourself? 3 minutes
What would be your dream job as a chef? Traveling the world and bringing back the flavors to my own intimate restaurant, leave for three months, cook for three months.
Do you have a lucky charm of any kind during the competition? My Grandfathers' WWII dog tag, my Tibetan prayer beads, and Tibetan cuff bracelet, and my lucky alligator belly cuff.
How do you handle the pressure of competition? I get Zen
Who was your favorite Chef from Season 1 of Top Chef, and why? I liked Miguel. He was completely himself.
What ingredient(s) do you avoid/dislike? Salmon
What's your secret splurge at the grocery store? Diet Sunkst
What's your favorite midnight snack? Anything with Ranch dressing!