Marlene is a unique contestant on Sweet Genius, not simply because of her age, but also because she specifically cites her passion for music as a major influence on her culinary endeavors. What catches her ear? “I listen to a lot of different genres depending on my mood, but I mostly listen to anything that falls under the punk, garage rock, indie, alternative, electro, classic rock genres. Currently, I’m listening to a lot of female-fronted bands like The Kills, Be Your Own Pet, The Coathangers, Crystal Castles, Sleigh Bells, and The Distillers. Check them out!”
With the show finished filming, she’s free to return her sights to her future ambitions. “I would like to eventually open a hip, urban dessert bar on the West Coast, serving small plates and artisanal cocktails made with local ingredients,” she told me. “Since I’m still young and not even out of school yet, I still have many years of experience ahead of me before venturing out on my own, but ultimately, this is my dream, and it has been for years.” Certainly, the exposure she’ll get from the national audience of Sweet Genius will help her toward that goal.
Chef Ben-Israel added that the bevy of cooking competitions has definitely changed the culinary field. “Chefs are now willing to take risks and even fail in front of the TV audience in order to be recognized and win a prize,” he told me, but admitted that he wouldn’t be one of them. “I like to be in control over my environment, and I’m set in my ways. So I guess I won’t be a good contender, and therefore not eligible for the large cash prize. One has to play in order to win!”
Of course, you can’t interview chefs without asking them for food recommendations, so I asked Chef Ben-Israel and Marlene to point me in the direction of a few of their favorites. “My favorite desserts indulgences are served by Chef Johnny Iuzzini at Jean George Restaurant in NYC,” said Chef Ben-Israel. Added Marlene, “I live in Providence right now, and there are so many amazing restaurants in the area, it’s ridiculous! I would definitely recommend CAV and Al Forno to anyone in the area. Both are award-winning restaurants, and the food is amazing. CAV is more contemporary with international influences, and Al Forno serves traditional Italian cuisine. I also strongly urge any vegans or vegetarians to check out Julian’s, as they have some delicious meat-free options!”
Sweet Genius rolls on, tonight at 10 PM ET/PT on Food Network.
Clacked by Brittany Frederick 
on Sep 29, 2011 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
