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

The Cast

Donatella Arpaia

Age: 34

From: Long Island. I grew up in Atlantic Beach.

Current hometown: New York City in Midtown East. I conveniently live near my two restaurants.

Married: No

Children: No

Culinary education: Other than growing up in a restaurant, I've also studied at the French Culinary Institute.

Restaurant experience: The restaurants I have owned include: Bellini, Ama, davidburke & donatella, Dona, and Anthos.

Current job: I divide my time between my two midtown restaurants, davidburke & donatella and Anthos.

Read Donatella's full bio

Q&A with FoodNetwork.com

What is your favorite meal?
I love simple, fresh food, like sushi and ceviche.

What is your favorite restaurant?
It definitely depends on my mood, but I love Esca. And for special occasions, Per Se.

What is your favorite food destination?
Italy, of course!

Who are your culinary inspirations?
My family is full of amazing cooks. All of my aunts are talented bakers and all make their own pasta and other incredible dishes! I love watching them and learning all that I can.

What's your alternative dream job?
I know being an actress is very hard, but I have always wanted to be one.

What are some of your interests, beside cooking?
I love design, decor, and fashion as well as physical activities like dancing (tap and I'm going to take ballroom lessons) and swimming. I also love eating!

What are you looking for in the next Iron Chef?
An Iron Chef needs to have their fundamentals down well enough to be able to push the envelope. I want to be surprised and see creativity. I also think an Iron Chef needs to be a great leader and have organizational skills.

What's the hardest part about being a judge on The Next Iron Chef?
Eating all of that food.

The best part about being a judge?
Eating all of that food.

Would you want to be an Iron Chef?
No. The judges are way too harsh!