When Bravo’s “Top Chef” premieres Monday, March 9 at 9 p.m. ET, native followers might want to root for one among their very own. Among the unbelievable group of “cheftestants” competing on Season 23 within the Carolinas is Alexandria resident Anthony Jones.
Jones, who grew up in Sunderland, Maryland, stated he was all the time surrounded by scrumptious meals rising up. “I think those memories help me even now to create and express myself,” he stated. “I always loved the holidays, not because of the gifts, but due to the meals attached to them. Thanksgiving was definitely a favorite.”
As government chef at Marcus DC, a restaurant helmed by superstar chef Marcus Samuelsson on the Morrow Hotel in DC’s NoMa neighborhood, Jones stated he tries to “bring in influence from the Black Diaspora and interpret it from my view point and experiences; so there are Latin, Southern and some West African influences on the menu.”
He considers Marcus an in depth good friend, “but more of a mentor. He knows me pretty well and at this point, we know how to work with each other and the strengths and weaknesses of the other.”
Jones’ signature dish is a rice dish. “Mel’s Crab Rice is a dish for me that embodies summer,” he stated. “I always had a love for rice growing up whether it was sweet or savory. In the summertime boiling and eating crabs on the picnic table outside was the best reward we could get for being good.”
Jones was the chef de delicacies at Restaurant Eve in Alexandria for the final yr of its working, in 2018. “Sadly I wasn’t there when the Obamas came in” for his or her anniversary date on the restaurant, again in 2011.
Among Jones’ accolades — he’s a 2026 James Beard Award semi-finalist. He discovered he’s within the working the morning the nominations have been introduced, when a good friend despatched him a congrats message via Instagram. “At first, I didn’t know what it was for, but later checked and found out. It is a great honor for me to be amongst my peers in this standing and a goal I have had for a long time.”
Jones has a number of favourite spots in Alexandria. “I’ve numerous eating places and bars I like to go to in Alexandria. Bob & Edith’s for these after work late-hour meals, King’s Ransom for cocktails or date evening and Chadwicks to watch a recreation and have beers. I like the town. It has hidden gems I’m nonetheless studying about.”
Jones stated he’s “beyond thrilled” to be a contestant on “Top Chef.”
“I went through the interview process most people go through to audition for shows like ‘Top Chef.’ We are all used to working under pressure as chefs. It’s a normal thing for us, but on ‘Top Chef’ surrounded by all this insane talent, the pressure is even higher. I bonded with all of the chefs, actually, from my season. They are an amazing group of people and chefs.”
When requested what ideas he would give younger adults contemplating a profession within the restaurant enterprise, Jones suggested: “If you want to pursue a career in the culinary field, you have to be prepared for the sacrifices that come along with it. Our holidays and time off are not the norm. You will miss a lot of important events in life sometimes, but the ability to feed people and influence their lives with your food and your craft is a true gift.”
Fans can get a head begin on the brand new season with early entry to the premiere episode, accessible (which started Tuesday, March 3 on Peacock, Bravo’s YouTube channel and VOD).
Bravo’s Emmy, James Beard and Critics Choice Award-winning sequence “Top Chef” returns Monday, March 9 with host Kristen Kish, head decide Tom Colicchio and perennial decide Gail Simmons as they enterprise south to the Carolinas. Season 23 might be centered within the rising and eclectic culinary hub of Charlotte, N.C., with a number of episodes in Greenville, S.C.
Beginning Monday, March 16, the sequence will transfer to its common timeslot at 9:30 p.m. with episodes accessible the subsequent day on Peacock. All episodes of season 23 might be “supersized” to 75 minutes.
The winner will take residence the grand prize of $250,000 offered by Graza Olive Oil, a function in Food & Wine journal, an look on the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, headline their very own unique dinner on the historic James Beard House in New York and have the chance to current at The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago, Ill. Along the best way, the cooks can have the possibility to win immunity, benefits within the competitors or money prizes with greater than $150,000 in complete up for grabs.
