ATC Interview with Chef Sheldon Simeon, Continued

ATC:  This is Laura Kluvo with All Top Chef and I'm on the phone with Chef Sheldon Simeon.  Hi Sheldon.

SS:  How's it going?

ATC:  Did you watch the episode last night?

SS:  Yes I did.  I got to relive the moment.

ATC:  Your family is adorable, tell us a little more about your girls.

SS:  That's what I was most proud of.  We got to showcase Maui and my family.  In the end that is what I am all about.  I have three girls, Chloe, 6, Peyton, 3, and Quinn, 18 months.

ATC:  And your wife is beautiful!

SS:  Yes, I am very fortunate to have the most beautiful and supportive wife I could ever ask for.

ATC:  It looks like you have become a celebrity in Hawaii.  How does that feel?

SS:  Everyone has been so nice.  It is definitely weird to be recognized in the street and to be posing for photographs.  But I was the same way.  I mean I have been a fan of the show and I was giddy whenever I saw any of the chefs. I enjoy meeting new people and it has really been fun.


ATC:  Were you surprised to see Kristen as the winner of Last Chance Kitchen?

SS:  No.  Not at all.  Everyone knew that she was a frontrunner.  It was a surprise when she was eliminated.  I had a feeling she would be back.


ATC:  What new opportunities have been presented to you as a result of your appearance on Top Chef?

SS:  Well first of course Star Noodle has been extremely busy.  It has really taken off.  There have been opportunities to open a restaurant on my own.  I am not sure where it will be.  I am carefully considering my options.  Of course I will make the best decision for my family.  Hopefully you will soon see a new restaurant a la Sheldon.

ATC:  If you could go back, is there anything that you would do differently in the last challenge?

SS:  That's a tough one.  After listening to the critique, maybe I should have done more of what I had been doing all season, but honestly in that moment, that was what my heart felt.  I have no regrets...maybe I would have executed each dish a little better.

ATC:  Have any of the other chefs been out to Hawaii to visit you and to eat at your restaurant?

SS:  Yes, Carla has been out to Maui!  She came out and hung out at the restaurant.  It was cool because everyone here got to see what a sweetheart she is.

ATC:  Who is your best friend from the cast?

SS:  I think everyone saw my friendship with Josh.  I talk to him about every week.  He is like family.  We have talked about him coming out to Maui and maybe cooking together.  I also keep in touch with Chrissy and just about everyone.

ATC:  Tell us about Star Noodle.

SS:  Star Noodle is a small little 58-seat restaurant in Lahaina, Maui.  It is a Ramen Shop.  We have tons of small shared plates. It is kind of the best of all Asian foods, Korean, Chinese, Japanese and a lot of Hawaiian influence.

ATC:  What is the most popular item on the menu?

SS:  Definitely our Pad Thai Noodle.  It is different from the traditional Pad Thai, the bold flavor, and the different texture.  It's really good.

ATC:  It is amazing to note that a chef from a noodle shop in Hawaii made it all the way to the finals on Top Chef.  What advice can you offer to future contestants on the show?

SS:  If you go out for the show, just be yourself.  Be who you are.  Don't try to cook for the judges, just cook from your heart and live it up.  Enjoy every moment.

ATC:  Sheldon, we are almost out of time, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?

SS:  Everyone has been no nice.  Please continue to keep up with me #chefwonder on instagram and Facebook.  There are a lot of things coming up.

ATC:  Thank you Chef Sheldon.

SS:  Aloha!