JWU Culinary Alumni Find Success on Television

Alumni from Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts are no strangers to the pressures and rewards of a kitchen, but many are achieving considerable success on television.

Alum Wins “Hell’s Kitchen”
Last week, JWU’s North Miami Campus welcomed Paul Niedermann '07, the latest winner of the hit FOX reality show “Hell’s Kitchen,” for a viewing party of the season finale. Paul celebrated his victory with 130 friends, family and JWU students at a private on-campus gathering. Paul will be stepping into his new role as chef of New York City’s world-renowned BLT Steak.

Starring Roles for Alumni
In addition to television legends and JWU grads Emeril Lagasse '78, '90 Hon. and Tyler Florence ’94, ’04 Hon., numerous JWU alumni have been visible on television, including several from the university’s North Miami Campus.

From “America’s Next Great Restaurant” to “Top Chef”
When Kevin Sbraga '03 (pictured) won Season 7 of “Top Chef,” host Tom Colicchio called his 4-course tasting menu “the best we’ve had in any finale — ever.”

Michelle Bernstein '94, '03 Hon. has co-hosted the Food Network series “Melting Pot” and successfully battled Bobby Flay on “Iron Chef America.” A guest judge on “Top Chef” and host of the long-running PBS series “Check Please!,” Bernstein has shown that a degree from JWU opens the doors to opportunity.

Since she traded her law papers for a culinary degree, Lorena Garcia '00 has gone on to become one of the leading Latina chefs on television. She has secured numerous roles as a host or investor on a variety of shows, including “Vida Gourmet,” NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” and “America’s Next Great Restaurant.”

Channeling Expertise on the Small Screen
Other alums recognized on the small screen for their culinary talent include:

• Shehu Fitzgerald '94, winner of “Chopped”
• Rahman “Rock” Harper '96, winner of “Hell’s Kitchen”
• Chris Cosentino '94, star of Food Network’s “Chefs vs. City” and competitor on “The Next Iron Chef”
• Ben Roche '00, host of “Future Food” on Planet Green
• Scott Leibfried '93, host and participant on “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Food Network Challenge”
• Easton Cyrus '10, sous chef on “Ludo Bites America: Denver”
• Amber Brewer '11, Paul Walls '11, Kay Taylor '12 and Graham Foster '12, subjects of Cooking Channel documentary “Cooking School Confidential”