Meet Chef Katelyn Rickert, starring on Top Chef Jr.
It was Katelyn Rickert’s compassion and huge heart that fueled her love for cooking and led to the inception of her culinary journey. While her mother was sick in bed one weekend, 7 year old Katelyn decided to cheer her up by making her favorite breakfast – a scrambled egg sandwich. “I remember she enjoyed it, at least that’s what she said. It felt great to make her something that brightened her day,” said Katelyn.
Her passion in the kitchen was further ignited when she began watching cooking competitions on television. Katelyn watched so often that her parents were afraid she was watching too much TV. After seeing the young chefs on television, Katelyn was determined to compete on a cooking show one day!
As Katelyn’s passion for cooking grew, so did her talent in the kitchen. Now 11 years old, Katelyn has achieved one of her dreams by competing on Top Chef Jr. But this is just the beginning for Chef Katelyn. From egg sandwiches to her signature dish - salmon with lemon butter caper sauce - this young chef has even higher aspirations and she’s ready to conquer the world!
GET TO KNOW CHEF KATELYN
How often do you cook at home?
During school, I only have time to cook a couple days a week, besides making pasta. I do that every day! In the summer, I cook several meals throughout the day.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Food shows, cook books, and family. I love Giada de Laurentiis, so I enjoy getting inspiration from her. She says P-A-S-T-A in the most amazing way! I need to learn Italian.
Who is your mentor?
A few years ago, my Mom had to adopt a gluten-free and cow dairy-free diet. My parents hired our family chef, Jewel Robinson to help keep up with her dietary restrictions. I’m not sure Chef Jewel realized that teaching me how to cook would end up a daily activity. From the first day she started, I was in the kitchen watching her culinary mastery. I asked tons of questions and had her show me knife work. Chef Jewel is my mentor and has taught me most of what I know today.
What is your signature dish?
I would probably say salmon with a lemon butter caper sauce. I make it often for my family. It is simple to make and everything tastes great with lemon butter and capers!
Why did you decide to audition for Top Chef Jr.?
It was actually a surprise. My Mom got a call when I was at school from Chef Kwame Onwauchi (Chef Jewel’s son) asking if he could recommend me to Top Chef because they were working on the first Top Chef Jr. Chef Kwame knew I loved to cook. I was his Sous Chef when he came in town and prepared dinner at our house. Of course, my Mom said yes and the next thing I knew I had an interview the next day. It was such a thrilling experience to audition and even more exciting to make it on the show.
What did you learn from Top Chef Jr.?
In addition to improving my culinary skills, the show really confirmed my love of cooking and my desire to be a Chef when I grow up. I realized that I love to compete and I want to return to Top Chef Jr. and try my skills on other cooking competitions. When I am grown, I really want to go on Top Chef.
What is your biggest dream?
I would like to be recognized as a world-renowned chef and restaurateur. I want to travel to Italy and exotic places to learn about different cuisines. Then I want to develop a menu incorporating all my experiences. My core will be to offer dishes of Northern and Southern Italy, but I sense a fusion of some kind to make it more interesting.
What are your other hobbies besides cooking?
When I am not cooking, I love to dance, sing, and hang out with my friends. I have been dancing for six years, mainly concentrating on ballet, jazz, and lyrical. I am on my school dance team and attend a local studio. I dance 4 days a week!
What is your favorite quote?
Be a Pineapple: Stand Tall. Wear a Crown. And Be Sweet on the Inside.