The Next Iron Chef: Who will climb the ranks to culinary greatness? Sundays at 9pm/8c

The Cast

Chris Cosentino
Eliminated Week 5

Age: 35

From: Rhode Island (Newport, Providence)

Current hometown: San Francisco

Job: Executive Chef – Incanto

Marital status: Married

Children: Yes

Read Chris's full bio

Q&A with FoodNetwork.com

Why should you be the next Iron Chef?
Because this is something I've wanted since the original Japanese show.

You have an impressive resume, but so do your competitors. What makes you stand out from the others?
I have passion and love for cooking, and a belief that history is so important in food.

What is your culinary point-of-view or cuisine you're known for?
Sustainable Italian, offal cookery.

What is your signature ingredient?
Offal

What ingredient do you avoid?
Tofu and processed foods

What is your favorite meal?
Proper blood sausage, 12 Quilcene oysters, sizzled duck egg sunny side up, grilled bread and a Hitachino white ale

What is your favorite restaurant?
St. John, but it's hard to say just one since there are so many restaurants that are all great in their own way.

What is your favorite food destination?
London

Who are your culinary inspirations?
Jean Louis Palladin, Fergus Henderson, Marco Pierre White

What's your alternative dream job?
Professional mountain biker

What's your culinary secret weapon?
Single varietal olive oils and liver and kidney salts

Are you friends with any of the other contestants, or have any of you worked together before?
Traci Des Jardins and Morou were both my friends and former employers.