Top Chef

On Top Chef, Jennifer Carroll’s Calm Demeanor Belies Her Actual Emotions

Photo: Courtesy of Bravo

The Delaware News Journal scored an interview with Top Chef contestant and 10 Arts chef Jennifer Carroll and there are several revealing anecdotes. Like how it’s been great for business at 10 Arts as more people than ever are coming in for dinner. Or how she’s being recognized and flagged down as she walks the streets of Philadelphia. Below, see what Carroll had to say about the cheftestants’ living quarters, her nerves, fellow Top Chef contestant Jennifer Zavala and more.

On Jennifer Zavala:


Carroll says she was excited that another Philadelphia chef was on the show. “I was hoping we were going to become best friends, and, well, it didn’t turn out that way.”

On her apparent calm nerves under fire:


Carroll jokes that her calmness is all an act. “I’m shaking inside.” And she says the “Top Chef” quickfire and elimination challenges are much harder than they look.

On the living quarters:


“I don’t know about you, but I’ve never lived with 16 other people my entire life. It’s definitely weird. I can’t remember the last time I slept in a single bed,” says Carroll.

On how she’s been depicted on the show so far:


Carroll says she is happy with her portrayal: “It’s true to the way I am.”

On Eric Ripert encouraging her to try out for the show:


“I was hesitant and nervous about messing up or making a fool of myself. But he just let me know it would be great PR. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could compete against some of the best chefs in the country.”

On her newfound celebrity:


“I was walking down the street the other day, the same street I walk every day, and I heard my name being called. I thought it was a friend, but it was a couple walking that I didn’t know. I turned around and they looked at each other and began dying laughing,” she says.

“A lot of people want to get my picture. Or some are in shock and just stare at me. It’s awkward and weird. But it’s a good weird. It’s fun to have people coming in [the restaurant]. And most people are saying ‘Good luck.’ I’m seeing a lot more younger crowds, kids are coming in with their parents.”

Foodie show has given Philadelphia’s Jennifer Carroll a taste of celebrity [Delaware News Journal]

On Top Chef, Jennifer Carroll’s Calm Demeanor Belies Her Actual