'Top Chef' wanna-be? Wow the producers

One other Long Islander has competed on "Top Chef."

Uniondale native Richard Blais competed and lost on "Top Chef" Season Four, but he redeemed himself by winning "Top Chef All-Stars" in 2011. Blais, a longtime resident of Atlanta, Ga., owns several restaurants and three Flip Burger boutiques, in addition to his most recent venture, HD1, a high-end hot dog eatery.

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Think you and your knives have what it takes to snag the "Top Chef" title? Then listen to what Nick Gilhool, casting director at Magical Elves, the production company behind the show, has to say about the ideal cheftestant:

"Each season we get hundreds of applicants that want their chance at becoming the next 'Top Chef.' We look for chefs that have been recognized by the community in their cities/states for outstanding food, skills or techniques. Since 'Top Chef' covers many genres of cooking, it's important that chefs have a basic understanding of several different flavor profiles in order to be stronger competitors in current seasons.

"Also, because this is a TV show, we look for people who can articulate what they are creating while under pressure so that the audience feels more connected to the overall experience. When selecting contestants, we also look at their food presentation and flavors. Not only do they need to know how to plate a pretty dish, have inventive on-the-fly skills, but their food must wow us."