Bravotv.com: Are you a big beer connoisseur?
I am more a beer drinker than connoisseur. I love a fine hand-crafted microbrew but I also enjoy a cold PBR.

Bravotv.com: Wine pairings are a huge part of current dining, how important is beer pairing? Is it becoming more popular?
Beer pairing has been a trend for some time now and with more great beers available, people are certainly enjoying it more.

Bravotv.com: Which beer would you have chosen?
Hoegaarden because it is a mild beer and thus can complement a lot of foods.

Bravotv.com: What would you have created to keep it simple?
A sausage dish of some sort.

Bravotv.com: A few of the chefs actually cooked with the beer, was this a good strategy?
I think that was the point of the challenge.

Bravotv.com: Ultimately, Jennifer won with her beignettes. Why were these so successful?
They were light and flavorful and a good complement to her beer. Bravotv.com: You were recently named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs (Congrats!), how was that experience and how was the event the other week to celebrate?
It was thrilling and such an honor to be include in a tradition that has such a celebrated history. I was so surprised and so grateful.

Bravotv.com:Can you tell the viewers a little about working with Chef Kahan and Avec?
Paul and I have worked together for long time and he has always supported me in my career. He is a very collaborative chef and really works hard to help his people grow.

Bravotv.com: Traveling all over the world as you have, what draws you to Chicago cuisine?
You know, it has a little of everything and the culinary community is very tight knit and supportive.

Bravotv.com: Are you a Top Chef fan? If so, do you have any favorites?
I would be, I know, but I don't have cable.