I’ve always been a huge fan of the TV series, “The Next Food Network Star.” On the show, a group of talented cooks compete to host their own television cooking show on the Food Network. Each week the contestants have to endure different challenges that test their cooking and camera skills. I love the show not only because I wish I could be crowned my own corner of the Food Network but also because there is just something so entertaining about mixing competition with food. The obscure cooking challenges and fierce rivalries definitely keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Last month when I heard that Whitney Chen (Lehigh alumni 05’ and 5th place finalist on season 7) was coming to Lehigh, I didn’t miss a beat before reserving my spot at her event! Chen performed a cooking demo and spoke to students about the importance of following their passion.
After Chen graduated from Lehigh with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2005 she worked in New York City as an engineering consultant for four years. She then decided to quit her job to attend the culinary school, L’Academie de Cuisine, in Maryland. Once she received her culinary certificate, Chen worked the line at Thomas Keller’s restaurant, Per Se in New York City. She told the audience about her experience working the line at the top kitchen and created two dishes that she loved to eat in college, with a gourmet twist: grilled cheese with prosciutto and a vegetable lasagna called “vegetable tian.”
During her demo, Chen had the audience entertained and laughing the entire time. I couldn’t help but love her bright and relatable personality and her effortless way of cooking delicious smelling dishes. Take a look below at an interview between Chen and Lehigh 11′ Karl Brisseaux.
Also if you have time, listen to Lehigh Valley Live’s Five Questions with Whitney!
food and freckles 
