Q&A

Ashlee Simonka, foods and child development teacher, is embarking on a journey that most gastronomical geniuses can only dream. Simonka learned last week that she was selected as a competitor on the next season of Top Chef, the long-running cooking competition on Bravo.

The Colonel sat down with Simonka earlier this week to pick her brain about all things food.

TC: How long has it been your goal to get on Top Chef?

AS: Ever since I could hold a whisk in my hand. I’ve been studying cook books since I was three and I was a baby genius, so I made my first batch of chocolate chip cookies when I was 3 ½.

TC: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever cooked?

AS: A grilled cheese. I usually burn them 9 out of 10 times, so I have to make 10 grilled cheeses in order to get one good one. But that one is just pure perfection.

TC: What will be the coolest part about being on Top Chef?

AS: The world will get to see my custom tie-died chef coat with my name written in glitter across the back.

TC: Can you give us any hints for the location of Season 14?

AS: We will be moving. Maybe we’ll be cooking on a plane? Or on a train? Or in an automobile? I can’t say.

TC: Can you reveal any new, top-secret recipe you’re working on or any unusual ingredients you’ll be using?

AS: I could, but then I’d have to kill you. The competition is going to be intense, so I don’t want to give anything away.

TC: Good luck, Ms. Simonka. Bring home the win!

Katrina McKelvin, Advisor

Mrs. McKelvin is an English and Journalism teacher. When she’s not reading books and watching reality television, she enjoys cheering for The New England Patriots and eating as much chocolate as humanly possible.