TV is great and can open up doors, but if you aren't there to cook because you love it, don't go. Don't go to Top Chef just to be famous. It's annoying to our profession and what we all love to do. You want to compete against like-minded people.

One day I may commit to a city and settle down and do the restaurant thing - when I'm ready and however and whatever the definition of a restaurant means to me and how I want to cook for people. Many lessons to be learned that are probably long overdue for me and I'm finding them through all channels of exploration and keeping all my doors open.

With more exposure comes more recognition. I can honestly say I wouldn't have gotten a lot of things had no one seen me on Top Chef, win or not. It cast a very wide net for me. And fortunately in a great way. I love that I have been able to cook side by side with so many of my idols.