San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
‘Top Chef ’ contestant from Texas has no crown, still walks away a winner
“Top Chef: Houston” ended with tears June 2. Tears of heartbreak and happiness.
If fans of Evelyn Garcia, Houston’s only chef contestant, are disappointed by the outcome of season 19 of the hit Bravo show, they needn’t be sad for Garcia. She’s not. In fact, she couldn’t be more proud of her performance on the 14-episode “Top Chef Houston.”
It made her a star. She leaves the experience not only wiser, but richer — in fans, in name recognition, in skills, in possibilities. “It was the last episode but it’s not the ending. It’s the beginning,” she said after the finale.
In the end, Garcia and Sarah Welch were bested by Buddha Lo, who was named Top Chef and went home with the $250,000 prize. Garcia, staying true to the classy demeanor that made her a fan favorite, feels she’s a winner too.
Here are some of her thoughts after the finale:
Q: What are you feeling? A:
Overall the feeling is just gratitude and proud of how far I went. I’ve said it before, I did put extra pressure on myself, but I channeled it in a
good way. I’m extremely proud and humbled.
Q: What was it like standing before the judges as the finalist was announced?
A: It’s like you kind of want to puke. You’re excited, you’re scared. I was proud of what I put out and I was OK with that. It was “whatever happens, happens.”
Q: What was in your heart, win or lose?
A:
I knew standing before the judges whatever outcome or whatever was about to
is life-changing. The feeling is I’m so grateful.
Q: Were you thinking of your family?
A:
They were in my headspace all the time, in my every move. They supported me 100 percent. I knew they were going to be proud no matter what.
Q: Two years in a row Houston has had a chef in “Top Chef” finals. What does that say to you about the city?
A: It means that we have an
amazing culinary scene here. It’s moving so fast, you can’t look away. We are taking these possibilities and putting it on the map. We are showing off.
Q: What did the show being set in Houston do for you in terms of confidence for each episode? Did it help or was it a burden?
A:
It wasn’t a burden. For me it was the only comforting thing. I know my city. Everything else was a question mark. At least I knew I was home and that gave me comhappen fort. And it gave me a boost of energy to go harder, to focus, and make sure I was doing things correctly.
Q: What did you learn about yourself through this journey?
A:
I pushed myself creatively. I definitely learned a lot. There were a lot of things I didn’t know I was capable of.
Q: I’m sure you’ve talked with other “Top Chef” alums about how your life will change. Are you ready for it?
A:
I’m ready. With this platform it means I have to work harder, I don’t want to waste it. I want to show this was worth it. I’m going there. I’m ready for it all.
Q: What’s next for you, Evelyn?
A:
Working out the restaurant. Hopefully that is coming this fall. That’s my first baby. But I have a couple concepts in mind and I’m excited for the first one. Our product line is going strong, and I want to grow it. So many things are coming about. I’m taking advantage of every opportunity coming my way. This has opened a whole new world.