Boston-based chef Tatiana Rosana of Outlook Kitchen and Lookout Rooftop at the Seaport's Envoy Hotel is set to appear on an upcoming episode of Food Network's Chopped.
Premiering Tuesday, September 11th, the episode, titled "Under the Cuban Sun," will feature four Cuban chefs. “I grew up in a traditional Cuban family where food always took center stage and the country’s food has continued to inspire me throughout my career,” Rosana told the Boston Globe in a statement. “I was thrilled for the opportunity to channel my Cuban roots and participate among the other talented chefs on Chopped.”
Speaking to Boston's Morning show with Kim & VB on WRKO-AM, the 31-year-old chef explained what it means to appear on the televised culinary competition. "It was an incredibly rewarding experience. I grew in leaps and bounds just in the short time I was on the competition," Rosana said. "I was so appreciative that they called, that they asked me to be on the show. I learned a lot about myself on there."
How did the young chef prepare for the fast-paced atmosphere of Chopped? With three mock ingredient baskets presented to her by friends and colleagues, and a detailed study on the palettes of every possible judge. "I can tell you before going on the show I studied each and every judge," Rosana explained. "I watched a lot of episodes of Chopped and I learned their quirks."
While the Cuban connection to the other competing chefs led to a sense of camaraderie, Rosana still has a competitive spirit. "We didn't talk too much trash because at the end of the day we felt like we were family, but you want to win," she said.
"Under the Cuban Sun" will air on the Food Network Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9 p.m. EST.