Chicago native Dale Talde is a sous chef at Buddakan, a restaurant based in New York City.  This 29-year-old was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where he helped open the Jean Georges Vong, a renowned restaurant.  He also worked with well-known chefs like Carrie Nehabedian and Shawn McClain.  Dale graduated from the Culinary Institute of America.  His Filipino background is influential in his focus on Asian flavors.  He explained his preference by saying, “I love the balance that Asian cuisine offers. The salty, sweet, bitter and sour and the textures it provides for different experiences in every bite."  A dry aged kobe rib eye is one of his favorites.  Cooking meat is his most wanted activity in the kitchen.  He also believes that his techniques on proper searing and basting a lamb or steak show a lot of love.  What continues to drive Dale is his motto: “Expect perfection, because if you fall short, you're left with greatness.”

Dale is a contestant for Top Chef Season 4.


(Photo courtesy of Bravo)