These are the official bios of the Top Chef season 3 contestants according to Bravo TV.
BRIAN
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Bend, Ore. – currently resides in San Diego, Calif.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room
CULINARY EDUCATION: Western Culinary Institute
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Cold Beer, Cold Wine & Cold Seafood
A native of Oregon, Brian grew up inspired by his grandmother's cooking and by all the fresh seafood and produce the area offered. He soon set his sights on California, where he was recently voted 2007 Best Chef in San Diego for his work as Executive Chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. He's in constant competition with everyone in San Diego and makes it a point to do everything bigger and better in his restaurant. At the top of his game, Brian's high-energy makes him a whirlwind in the kitchen. Stay-tuned to see just how long he can live by his motto, "Love, peace and happiness."
CAMILLE
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Elizabeth, N.J. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.
PROFESSION: Owner/Chef, Paloma
CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary School, Academy of Culinary Arts
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Mixed Greens Salad with Baby Grains
Camille hails from Puerto Rico, and is the proud owner of Paloma Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. She incorporates Latin spice into her kitchen, and is all business when it comes to her cooking. Camille has a 5-year-old daughter, and attempts to stay positive and balanced by meditating with a 100-year-old Zen Master. She has worked in all aspects of the restaurant business, and often surprises people by her occupation. Camille says the world would be a better place if everyone knew how to cook.
CASEY
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Cedar Hills, Texas – currently resides in Dallas, Texas
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Shinsei Restaurant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Big Burgers
The executive chef at Shinsei Restaurant in Dallas, one of the most successful in the state, Casey's cuisine incorporates Asian and Mexican cultural influences. This rising star lives by her simple yet time-tested cooking philosophy - serve food that people want more of. Casey names tartare the most romantic dish because it's raw, risky, ice cold and delicious. Her outgoing and confident manner will "serve" her well in the competition.
CHRIS
AGE: 31
HOMETOWN: El Toro, Calif. – currently resides in Venice, Calif.
PROFESSION: Private Chef
CULINARY EDUCATION: Associated Culinary Arts (CSCA)
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Marinated Tomatoes with Beef and Cheese
A true Californian at heart, Chris is a private chef who has worked for the likes of author and columnist Arianna Huffington and the Marciano Family of the Guess Corporation. An ex-volleyball player standing at 6'8" – it seems everyone looks up to him. Chris is motivated to live life to the fullest having overcome testicular cancer. He has a competitive spirit and the utmost confidence in his culinary skills.
CLAY AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: Northern Mississippi – currently resides in Santa Barbara, Calif. PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Santa Barbara University Club CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
Clay says he is just a good ole' boy from Mississippi. Self-taught, Clay developed his skills from working his way up the ladder in various kitchens and truly feels he has an innate talent. Now living in Santa Barbara, he is a sous chef at the renowned Santa Barbara University Club. Clay has enjoyed bringing his southern style cooking to California and will definitely bring some different flavors and styles to the judge's table this third season.
