Impressing both the judges and the fans, Chef Tristen Epps endeared himself to viewers on Top Chef Season 22. While he earned high praise in the face of personal tragedy, it was more than finding a way to manage the intense demands of the culinary competition. In a recent interview, Chef Tristen revealed that his support system always seasons his cooking.
In the restaurant world, chefs celebrate hospitality and what it means to welcome people to the table. Beyond the expertly executed food and the creativity on the plate, it is the person who brings that vision to life that creates a special connection.
On Top Chef, the screen is both an invitation and a barrier to the food lover. As each beauty shot reveals all the textures, layers, and precise plating, viewers long for the ability to pick up the fork and dig in.
Throughout Top Chef Destination Canada, Chef Tristen has brought his passion for food, culture, and history to the plate. Each challenge was more than just a test of his ability to adapt. It was an opportunity to challenge his perspective in even the most unlikely situations.
During a conversation ahead of the Season 22 finale, Chef Tristen offered his thoughts on why he was determined to add his particular point of view to every challenge. Tom Colicchio continually praised that scenario, and it was one of the factors that earned Chef Tristen a spot in the finale.
When asked why it was important to infuse a little piece of himself in every dish, Chef Tristen said, “I spent most of my life cooking other people’s food. I was hiding behind who I thought I was supposed to look like. I was good at it. But, when I finally was able to do food that I could relate to, it became really important to me to dive into that.”
“Coming into the competition, my only goal was to show who I was as part of a bigger picture. It was important to pay tribute to everyone who has supported me, given me that freedom, that autonomy to be myself, and has supported me. It is an important part of my cooking. That ingredient seasons my cooking.”
While Chef Tristen had many highs through the competition, his lows were minimal. Even the dishes which missed with the judges were not horrible. Those moments when he was in jeopardy were because his execution had faltered in the moment. The purpose in those dishes was still clear, and the judges always saw the potential of what could be.
Many Top Chef Destination Canada fans would love to have the opportunity to enjoy one of his tantalizing dishes. Personally, during Season 22 episode 5, I was part of the taping and was able to enjoy Chef Tristen and Chef Bailey’s octopus dish. The impressive flavors were better than the on screen descriptions.
Is that dish on Chef Tristen’s menu? Unfortunately, it is not. He candidly mentioned that nothing he made on the show has found its way onto one of his menu. But, he did reveal that some concepts were rooted in some previously used recipes.
For example, Chef Tristen said that he did a dish similar to his dish in the patty challenge. The dish was similar, but not exactly the same. He was unsure if that option counted.
Also, he mentioned that his mushroom escabeche was similar to a dish that he previously did. But, for the most part, all of his dishes were original to the competition. That statement proves Chef Tristen’s willingness to put himself onto the plate, adapt to the challenge, and give everyone a glimpse into the man who is the built on the love, support, and convictions of the people who have supported him along the way.
Will Chef Tristen hear those three coveted words, “You are Top Chef?” Tune into the Top Chef Season 22 finale Thursday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.