Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive with...
"TARA CIANNELLA"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions...
HAILEY: What was your favorite thing about your hometown in New York?
Tara: My favorite part about growing up in my small town was actually my godparents farm next door to me. I was able to play on 7 acres and have access to fresh farm grown food everyday. All of my friends loved playing in the open fields and visiting the chickens daily!
HAILEY: How did you feel about competing in the battle of the ages?
Tara: I absolutely loved competing on the show! Competition is in my blood! I was really excited to compete against chefs that were trained by some of the best chefs in the country. I come from a self taught background so that was intimidating but also exhilarating!
HAILEY: What's an ingredient you like to use that most may not?
Tara: Hmm that is a hard question. I am not sure if this ingredient is one that is not used by most but maybe more that people are scared to use it or do not know how to correctly cook it. I really enjoy working with octopus! It tastes delicious when cooked correctly and can be paired with so many other delicious ingredients.
HAILEY: Tell us your favorite memory in the dorms?
Tara: Some of my favorite memories in the dorms were the conversations with the other contestants. We all came from different backgrounds and had so much to learn from each other.
HAILEY: What is your least favorite thing to cook?
Tara: Chicken Scarpiello..I had to cook it every Wednesday for over a year for one client. I have PTSD from it...haha
HAILEY: What was your favorite challenge in Hell's Kitchen & why?
Tara: My favorite challenge was the carnival challenge. It was getting later in the season and we all needed to have some fun. I played Whack a Mole which let me take a little frustration out by whacking plastic heads. Chef Ramsey was in his element laughing with us the whole time. We got to see a different side of him and I think everyone let their hair down for this challenge. I beat Vlad at Whack a Mole so I was stoked about that. After we got to play we then had to make dishes with a beautiful cut of steak. I got the rib cap which is so tender and tasty. I loved the dish I made; I called it a walk through my garden. It really showcased me as a farm to table chef.
HAILEY: Can you tell us what your worst injury in the kitchen was from?
Tara: I actually sliced off my my left pinkie knuckle along with the cartilage. I was taking the skin off of a pork shank, to make chicharron, and looked up for a second and whoops, there goes my knuckle and cartilage. I was out of work for about a month and it took me a whole year to be able to bend my pinkie again.
HAILEY: What dish were you most proud of that you made on Hell's Kitchen?
Tara: There are a few dishes that I was really proud of, but the one I was most proud of was actually the last dish I made. It was the last black jacket challenge dish using a double cut pork chop. I used all the knowledge I gained from the show along with my point of view and I believe it was an absolutely beautiful and delicious plate of food. Chef Ramsey couldn't even choose between the contestants because we all put out heart and soul on a plate!
HAILEY: Who are 3 people you've always wanted to cook for, dead or alive?
Tara: 1. My grandparents: I grew up in awe of my grandmother's food! She was absolute perfection in the kitchen. I looked up to my grandma and grandpa; they were always in support of everything I did. When I changed careers from fashion to culinary, they were the ones who threw the most support into my decision. Unfortunately they both died before I became the chef I am now. Not a day goes by that I don't wish they were here to see how far I have come.
2. Bob Dylan: His music helped me get through hard times in my childhood. I wish I could show him my appreciation and love through my food.
3. Anthony Bourdain: Every chef, actually every human being should want to cook for him. He was not only a chef, but a mentor to so many. He was the soul of how kitchens used to run and why so many have changed the way they are run. He struggled with depression his whole life, which many chefs can relate to. He was a tattooed, fun loving, world traveled, sarcastic, funny, and extremely talented chef.
HAILEY: What’s on your playlist while you cook?
Tara: Each day in the kitchen brings a different playlist. I love so many different types of music from 60s doowop, classic rock, jam bands, rock, alternative, bluegrass, country and hip hop. Music is such a huge part of my life as is food; each day you want something different!
HAILEY: What wine is your favorite to cook with & why?
Tara: For reds its a dry, spicy full bodied like a cabernet or a rioja. For whites I like a drier, crispier wine that pairs well with most foods. I like to cook with other alcohol like bourbon (I use Bulleit), sambucca, cognac, prosecco and beer. All of these different types of alcohol can add so much flavor to sauces for your meats, pastas, and seafoods. I only cook with what I drink, especially with wine. You should ALWAYS taste your wine when cooking with it!
HAILEY: What is something chef Ramsay taught you?
Tara: He taught me to NEVER give up. When we had our one on one chats with him he told me I was tenacious and one of the most perserverant people on the show. He talked to me about his upbringing and how similar ours were. His dedication to his craft, his persistence and drive are why I look up to him. Never give up on yourself no matter how many obstacles come in your way. Its something I have told myself my whole life. He pushed you further than you thought you could go. His motto was Let Nothing Stand in Your Way. If I am feeling down, or stressed from the job, I keep going because I will never give up or let anything or anyone stand in my way.
HAILEY: What are your social links?
Tara:
Instagram.com/cheftaraciannella
and
Instagram.com/tarasitaliancucina
Facebook: Tara Ciannella
Tiktok: @cheftaraciannella
HAILEY: Anything else you'd like to include?
Tara: I have overcome a major injury in my life. I was wrapped around a tree and broke my ribs, collarbone and sustained a traumatic brain injury. I lost a month of memory as well as lots of memories in my life. I had to relearn many parts of my life. Being in the kitchen was what truly saved my life. I left the fashion industry literally a day before the accident. I hated the industry and GOD had other plans for me as well. He literally had to kill me to get me away from an abusive boyfriend. I had to move back home to go to brain rehab and get healthy. Part of me getting healthy was being in the kitchen everyday, all day. It gave me purpose, helped me to use my brain again, and made me smile. I never thought my calling was in the kitchen, but it called and I answered. Everyday since that accident I live my life as it is suppose to be lived.
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Thanks so much for your time!
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