One of the final three chefs on Top Chef Season 22, Chef Shuai Wang understood that succeeding in the competition was only one aspect. As many chefs have come to appreciate, that opportunity to be showcased on a big stage has an impact long after the credits roll.
Although he did not hear the words, “You are Top Chef,” Chef Shuai surprised viewers this season. In the first couple of episodes, stayed in the middle of the pack. Towards the middle of the season, viewers saw him on the brink of elimination. Although he survived a few rounds of bad luck, Chef Shuai avoided Last Chance Kitchen. Then, a personal moment seemed to change his trajectory.
During a conversation prior to the Top Chef Season 22 finale, Chef Shuai shared the moment when everything changed. He said, “that one morning, I read the letter that my wife wrote me. It just clicked in my head.”
Chef Shuai admitted that he questioned if he would make it that far. Specifically, he said that he hoped to just make it to Restaurant Wars. After reading those words, he changed his approach. It was the moment in the season where he won his first Elimination Challenge. From there, he seemed to steam roll into the finale.
Chef Shuai explained, “after I read that letter, I felt that I was worrying for no reason. Basically, I was spending more time worrying and having this idea about losing versus what I really love to do. I love cooking for people and having fun while I cook.”
“It immediately clicked for me. I had already made it so far, that even if I had been eliminated, I would be proud of myself.”
From that point on, Chef Shuai focused on having fun. That change in perspective could be seen in every dish that he presented to the judges. Each one conveyed the passion and love that he has for food.
While going far in the Top Chef competition is an accomplishment, being part of that unique community has benefits long after the show wraps. Chefs, and the filming destinations, appreciate the Top Chef impact.
When asked why he wanted to be part of the Top Chef family, Chef Shuai said, “I decided join the competition to make sure that our businesses, our restaurants that my wife and I have, have a solid future. That type of exposure” brings people to sit at those tables.
That statement can be seen the world over. People have, and will continue, to seek Top Chef alumni dining destinations. As people stream the episodes on Peacock, it creates a longing to enjoy a taste of the food tempting them on the screen.
Luckily, for Top Chef fans, Chef Shuai does have a dish on his menu that was seen on Top Chef Destination Canada. It is the scallion pancake. Also, there was a version of one of the salads that he made in a Quickfire on a summer menu.
Specifically, he said, “my wife has been saying that we should do some versions of the dishes that were cooked on the show. I have to remember exactly what the dishes were, but I look forward to putting a version of them on the menu to showcase what I did.”
Only time will tell how those Top Chef inspired dishes will arrive on the menus at Jackrabbit Filly or King BBQ. Luckily, there are plenty of other delicious options to enjoy in the meantime. Top Chef fans will be ready to sit down at his table and enjoy a taste of his creative recipes and welcoming hospitality.
Top Chef Season 22 is available to stream on Peacock. Jackrabbit Filly an King BBQ are located in North Charleston, South Carolina.