Top Chef Josie Smith-Malave: VIP Only

November 16, 2006

Love at first site. Okay, maybe love-at-five-minutes in to season two of “Top Chef.” That’s when we first caught a glimpse of Josie. Punky-hair cut, cool grin, infectious laugh, and crazy cargo pants.

We could ask for her home number. And we got her work number. Close enough. Josie picked up the phone and continued to make us laugh for an hour. If this interview had sound effects: imagine a laugh track.

Where are you? And is that Spanish I just heard you speaking?

Yeah, and I’m at work, sort of. I’m assisting in the opening of a Mexican restaurant in Fort Green (Brooklyn). The owners brought me in to systemize the kitchen. The restaurant’s called Bonito. I’m really working just as a consultant. The chef will be Maria Rizzo.

What about the Spanish? That didn’t sound like kitchen Spanish.

I’m Puerto Rican-Italian from Miami where I learned to speak Spanish. I was born in North Carolina, but grew up in Miami – my parents moved there when I was five. All my friends were Cuban so I learned Spanish. So it’s better than “kitchen Spanish” but not perfect.

Being on TV isn’t for everyone. Luckily, you’re great at it. But it can change your life. Do you wonder now: What was I thinking?
Well, obviously I have some confidence. I watched last season and thought there was some talented chefs on there. Harold was one of my favorites from the beginning. I liked Tiffany’s food, too. Her attitude, well, now that I’m on this side: it was surely effected by the editing. I loved Dave and Lee Ann. There were some talented chefs, although I think there are more talented chefs this year.

One thing that came up in the first few minutes of the first episode was when you said goodbye to your girlfriend. Did you plan that moment?

I think it was part of my audition tape. And it was edited in.

Were you happy with that?

Yeah, it was cute. I’ve been with my partner for six years. She’s a very integral part of my motivation.

Hey, if we have to see Michael sleep with his wife’s underwear, we can see you say goodbye to your girlfriend.

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