“It’s a blessing and a curse” to be a judge on the national culinary competition series: Wall of Chefs, explained renowned Richmond chef Alex Chen.
As a judge, you have the opportunity to “share your knowledge,” but you also have the responsibility of breaking some hearts, said Chen, the National Canadian Culinary Champion (2018) and Vancouver Magazine’s Chef of the Year (2018).
“In the selection process, some feelings are going to be hurt,” added Chen.
The new show, hosted by Noah Cappe, will feature talented home chefs competing in three high-adrenaline challenges in front of 12 chef judges.
The winner will win $10,000.
Although participants aren’t professional chefs, all of them are brave enough to put themselves out there to be judged by millions of viewers, added Chen.
“It’s not as easy as the dish is good or not. It’s also the body language, the passion you see and the stories they share.”
When not filming the show, Chen is overseeing his team at the Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar in Vancouver.
Chen grew up in Penang, Malaysia but immigrated with his family to Steveston at age 13. He attended McRoberts, McNair and Richmond secondary schools.
Chen credits both his early years in Malaysia, with all its vibrant street food, as well as his time in Richmond, where he still lives, for helping him develop his culinary passion.
“The most important thing is to celebrate what’s around you. We are surrounded by oceans full of beautiful seafood, mountains full of wild mushrooms, and local farmers giving us the best ingredients in the right season,” said Chen.
He added that he feels happy that he could make Richmond proud by joining the show and showcasing what a chef’s day-to-day job looks like for his children.
Wall of Chefs’ second season will premiere on Jan. 3 at 10 p.m. on Food Network Canada.
