Top Chef Canada runs out of Luk
New episodes of Top Chef Canada air Monday at 8 p.m. on Food Network Canada and rerun throughout the week.
Top Chef Canada combines the slick production and cutthroat culinary challenges of its U.S. counterpart with a distinctly Canuck feel — chiefly in the form of some talented Canadian competitors, including Xavier Lacaze, executive chef at Calgary’s Muse restaurant — so it’s no wonder the show is back for a second season. Each week, the National Post’s Rebecca Tucker speaks with the chef who didn’t make the cut.
Today, 38-year-old Curtis Luk of Ottawa.
Question: Have you ever had a tuna casserole before?
Answer: Contrary to common belief, I have! My mom used to make this thing for us when we were kids, called Tuna Helper ‹ it’s not QUITE tuna casserole, but it’s not a long shot.
Q: How did you think of the deconstructed dish you ended up creating?
A: I was iffy about tuna cas- serole to begin with because one of the other contestants had gone with it in an earlier challenge and got in trouble for it. I just wanted to do something that pushed boundaries a bit.
Q: When you were cooking the dish, did you at any point feel like it might send you home?
A: I didn’t actually think it was that terrible! But it really comes down to what the other contestants make. So if you happen to be on the bottom of the barrel because everyone else did something really great, then that’s it.
Q: You were probably the most inexperienced chef on Top Chef Canada. How did that affect your approach to the competition?
A: Obviously we’re all trying to come out on top, so I was like everyone else. I think I’ve worked in some really great restaurants, for some really great chefs, so I might not have the experience in years that the other guys do, but I think my skill set is comparable.
Q: What was the atmosphere like at the hotel for you?
A: There was a really strong sense of camaraderie. A we’re all in this together sort of thing.
Q: Are you still in touch with your fellow competitors?
A: Oh definitely. I met some really great people on the show.