Napa's new Top Chef? By Erica Presser Love or hate shows like Bravo’s Top Chef and the celebrity chefs they create, there is no denying their impact on the culinary world and the successful careers they launch. Napa Valley is up to its ears in culinary wonders and infamous chefs (good luck dieting), yet local Elizabeth (i.e., Lizzie) Binder differentiates herself through undeniable determination, kindness, and a sprinkle of celebrity. Lizzie made it to the final four on Top Chef Season 10 (February, 2013), and after leaving as a fan favorite, plans to open a restaurant in Napa! I watched every episode of Top Chef Season 10, and this happens to be my first official interview… so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous to meet her. And despite feeling I knew her from the show, I couldn’t resist images of ruthless Chef from Hell’s Kitchen sneaking into my mind. Plus, I know many chefs can have… well… a certain arrogance about them. But my worries quickly faded away into Lizzie’s charming South African accent, sweet smile, and genuine personality. Being on Top Chef has undoubtedly given Lizzie a celebrity chef status and put her in a new league. In a city like Napa (and frankly, a state like California), where celebrity chefs are found on every other street corner, it’s hard to differentiate yourself in a positive way as many foodies perceive these “Hollywood” chefs in a negative light. However, Lizzie is taking the title in stride and is using it to challenge herself in the kitchen and in her next venture. She’s thankful for Top Chef for making her “food world bigger, which is one of the great things about stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something new.” Plus, she’s traveled the world sampling cuisine as few others have, and has an impressive track record of posts at infamous restaurants including the French Laundry, Jardiniere, Chez Panisse, and Bar Bambino. Lizzie was born and raised in Durban, South Africa at a time when it was hard enough to find a job as a chef, much less a young, female chef in a famous restaurant like Blue Mountain Lodge. There, she led the kitchen with her culinary skill, and led her team towards racial equality by piling the hotel’s entire black staff into the back of her Beetle to vote in their first free election in 1994. Since that day, Lizzie has traveled around the world, finally laying roots in Napa with her husband Mike, in a home engulfed in citrus trees. They have two children, Ben, the seasoning king, and Zaidie, the cheese aficionado. Lizzie’s sweet exterior should deceive no one; she’s a hardworking, passionate chef whose upbringing, family, and opinions continue to drive her in the kitchen. Thankfully for all of us, Lizzie is working to capitalize on the excitement of the show (and our epicurean city) with plans to write a cookbook and open her own restaurant in Napa in the very near future. After hearing her life story, watching her thrive on Top Chef, and learning that we share many of the same favorite local restaurants, I can’t wait to see what she opens up. Speaking of… Zuzu or Oenotri sounds pretty good right now! INK 5
NVLife_MayJune_2013
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