Kevin Scharpf, chef/owner of Brazen Open Kitchen, Dubuque, Iowa, USA, demonstrated his cooking skills on the latest season of Top Chef.

TL&CC Collective restaurant Brazen Open Kitchen had cause to celebrate when its chef/owner, Kevin Scharpf, was selected as one of fifteen chefs to compete in the current season of Top Chef.

This season – which is the sixteenth in the Top Chef series – is set in Kentucky. Scharpf, who successfully made it through the first few episodes, says that being on the show was a dream come true. “I’ve watched the show since season one and have always dreamed of competing on Top Chef, but while living in a small Midwest town, I never really thought it was possible,” he told FOOD&WINE.

The experience was invaluable, he added. “I learned so much about myself on Top Chef! The first and most important thing you learn is to be confident in who you are as a person and a chef. You realize that you're there for a reason and you need to believe in that.”

Scharpf, who trained in New York, Chicago and Minneapolis, opened Brazen Open Kitchen in the town of Dubuque in 2015. The restaurant focuses on using local ingredients and creating everything from scratch. It celebrated its fourth birthday on 11 February 2019 with a special anniversary brunch, featuring bottomless Bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

News: other things you need to know

• We are pleased to announce the launch of a new feature on the TL&CC website. Our new MAP feature allows users to directly find restaurants when they are visiting a profile, by simply clicking the map symbol and connecting to Google Maps.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA TL&CC member restaurant Campo at Los Poblanos is hosting a special dining series throughout February and March. Called Chef’s Table, the event features a personalized eight-course dining experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients. Diners can also choose from suggested wine, beer and spirit pairings, or select from the restaurant’s extensive drinks list. Due to the intimate nature of the event, seating is limited to five people per night. For more information and to book, click here.