'Top Chef' Winner to Appear at Market District

Paul Qui, winner of Season 9 Top Chef and the executive chef at Uchiko restaurant in Austin, Texas, will make an appearance at the  in Bethel Park on June 2.

Qui’s 4 p.m. appearance is free to the public. Details and advance reservations can be made at marketdistrict.com.

Qui will also visit the Wexford Market District at 11 a.m.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Qui trained in classic French and Japanese cuisine, and developed a no-boundaries approach toward food and his cooking. His passion for food began as a child working for his family’s grocery store.

Qui fell in love with the sweet smells of freshly baked breads in the morning, and the diverse culture of the Philippines.

Qui received his Associate in Culinary from Le Cordon Bleu Austin. During his collegiate career, he waited on tables at different restaurants and his experiences as a waiter fueled his passion in the culinary arts. Eventually this passion led him to his big break at Uchi Contemporary Dining.

"I was intro­duced to Uchi by a friend," he said in a statement. "I was so impressed with my meal there that I asked if I could work in the kitchen for free."

Through Qui’s training as a chef he has learned to adapt traditional Japanese dishes with a mix of local flavor. He also is sure to incorporate the influences of South East Asian and European cuisine.

He used his no-boundaries approach to challenge himself in the Top Chef competition held in Texas.

Following his recent win on season nine’s Top Chef, Qui received the 2012 Starchefs.com Rising Stars Award. 

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