Interview with Dale Levitski

AE: You and Ted seemed to have a nice rapport with one another. How did it affect you, as a gay man, having an openly gay judge in the competition?
DL: It was fine. We're both from Chicago, we're both gay, but we'd never met before the Season One/Season Two smackdown. We were at the same table. He's a super nice guy, but we don't have any interaction outside of what you see. There were some instances where he was very hard on me, then others where he was very complimentary. He was always very fair, though. I'd love to go get a martini with him after the competition is over.

AE: In the wider culinary world today, is it your sense that being openly gay can hinder a chef's career? Do you think there are many closeted gay chefs? Or are most gay chefs able to be out?
DL: I think everyone is able to be out. As a chef, if you believe in yourself and can motivate and believe in other people, no one cares. You can be purple with one leg and no one cares as long as you're a good cook and a good person. At least, that's how I'm going to look at it. There are definitely some kitchens here in Chicago that do not speak highly of me.

AE: Just because you're gay?
DL: It's another piece of ammunition for them to go after. It's easy for them to discount me.

AE You seemed to have made friends with the New Yorkers, and in one episode talked about visiting. Is that still something you're planning on doing?
DL: Absolutely. I'll definitely be making a trip to New York in the fall.

AE: Well, thanks so much for talking to us and good luck. We're all rooting for you.
DL: Thank you so much.

Top Chef: Miami's season finale airs tonight at 10 P.M. on Bravo. Our own Steven Frank will be liveblogging the whole thing!