Valerie Bolon was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.  This 32-year-old woman took up Culinary Arts at the Kendall College.  For nine years, she worked in a number of popular Chicago restaurants including the Spring and Hot Chocolate.  Valerie loves to travel to different places because this is where she gets to discover various elements from all over the world.  She enjoys incorporating the diverse influences in her style of cooking.  Her favorite simple spring recipe is pork pot stickers.  For her, balance of elegance and simplicity is an important key in cooking.  Valerie is currently working as a personal chef.

Valerie is a contestant for Top Chef Season 4. She was the second chef eliminated.

Exclusive Interview with Valerie Bolon

(Photo courtesy of Bravo)