Bootcamp: Day 2

My second day at Top Chef Jr. Bootcamp was off to a good start.  I felt more comfortable in the kitchen.  We spent the morning learning how to use the equipment and sharpening our culinary skills.  I was in my groove. 

The first challenge was a team challenge, so naturally I tried to partner with one of my new friends.  It was going to be smooth sailing, until another girl asked her first.  No problem, I would find a new partner.  I’d better get used to working with everyone!  I found an empty station next to Fernando. 

We learned how to break down a whole chicken and behead branzino (a whole fish).  I certainly had never done that before.  It was disgusting, but if I’m going to be a chef then I need to get used to working outside of my comfort zone.

With eyeballs staring back at me, I raised the knife and cut off that fish’s head. Then I turned my attention to the cold, slimy chicken and did the same. I made sure not to let my knife slip.  The culinary team came around checking on our progress and I was proud to get a good report.  I kept thinking I'm one step closer to making the cast.

As if that wasn't enough adrenaline for the day, we went right into our first team challenge.  Fernando and I made a kale salad with grilled chicken and a feta vinaigrette.  A second team challenge was right behind the first.  For this round, I was partnered with Rahanna.  We communicated so well and were in sync in the kitchen.  

That evening, we were instructed to wait in our hotel rooms until further notice. Thebig moment as almost here. Was I going to be on the first Top Chef Jr?  It was the longest hour of my life!

Stay tuned to see if I made the cast!

SAVE THE DATE: Watch the premiere on Universal Kids on October 13 at 7pm Central.