Paul Qui is definitely living the American dream. The Phillipines born chef based in Austin Texas was last night crowned Chef of the Year by Esquire magazine. The former Top Chef contestant and winner was lauded for his creative approach to cooking and his leadership skills in the kitchen.
Paul Qui received Esquire's chef of the Year award with his wife by his side. The chef is familiar to Top Chef viewers after he won Top Chef season 9 back in 2009. So talented was the chef that the show's producers had a hard time dumbing him down so it wouldn't be obvious he was taking home the bacon. Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio even went on to state that Qui was the most talented chef they'd met. "Paul Qui, who won that season, I think is the most talented chef that we've ever had on the show," he said.
Esquire praised the chef for his ingenuity in the kitchen. "Qui is a true sui generis talent, and none of his work-currently on display in his fantastic new restaurant, called Qui-is easily classified," Esquire writer Josh Ozersky stated. Josh also praised Qui for being an exemplary lead chef to his cooks, stating that Qui allowed his cooks to work alongside each other in synchronised harmony, rather than breathing down their necks as they worked. He was also praised for his unconventional creativity in the kitchen that led to his brilliant recipes.
This year was the first for the expanded Esquire Food and Drink Awards. Esquire has always had a big food and drink issue. It features top restaurants and top chefs around the country.
Paul Qui runs Qui restaurant which can be found in Austin, Texas. He also runs East Side King in the same region. His awesome recies can be sampled at the locations.
