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  • Bettina Applewhite

Bites With Applewhite Creator Competes on 'Top Chef Amateurs'

A little while ago I did a major thing! I competed on "Top Chef Amateurs"! Now I can share it with you.


Bettina Applewhite of Bites With Applewhite and Superhero Lunch Lady competes on Bravo's Top Chef Amateurs

I have been obsessed with "Top Chef" on Bravo since about the second season. I had to catch up on the first season with reruns. I became totally hooked by the third season after seeing Chef Hung butcher a chicken in about 30 seconds. "Top Chef" is a culinary competition on Bravo where professional chefs battle to win the title of "Top Chef" and a monetary prize.


The chefs that compete on this show have already been nominated for and won James Beard awards. Many are executive chefs and have worked for and trained under highly skilled master chefs.


During the pandemic, there was lots of free time. I started re-watching all of the seasons of "Top Chef". As I was watching, I was thinking about how I'd love to be a contestant but it isn't possible since I'm not a professional chef. I've never gone to culinary school. I said to myself, "If they have an amateur version, I'd apply for that."


God works in mysterious ways. Shortly after these thoughts, it was my time to turn thoughts into action. I was chosen as a contestant on a new spinoff called "Top Chef Amateurs". In each 30 minute episode, two home cooks battle to win the title of Top Amateur and $5,000. Each home cook is paired with a "Top Chef" alum, and the teams are tasked to recreate a classic "Top Chef" challenge from the past.



The series premiere started on July 1, 2021. My episode airs on August 12th at 9 EST/ 8 CST on Bravo. Tune to see what I cook, who I'm paired with, and who's the big winner. Set your DVR and a reminder so you don't forget. You can even watch past episodes on Amazon Prime and YouTube.


This experience has been amazing. It was so much fun to be a part of such a big production. It was so magical to be in the "Top Chef" kitchen where many of my favorite chefs have cooked and won. It's something I won't ever forget. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I am part of the "Top Chef Family".



I couldn't take you with me on the journey but something that I want to do to commemorate this time is to give you something from me. It's my first eBook!


I'm a "lunch lady". Actually, I'm a superhero lunch lady. School is starting back soon and what everyone will need are some perfect after school snacks. To the rescue comes these 5 recipes packed with good nutrition to get you through the afternoon slump. These recipes have the protein needed to get through homework, study sessions, and lots of essays. They have fiber to keep you full until dinner. They are perfect make-ahead recipes that are good activities to make with your little ones. You both will be satisfied with your snacking throughout the week.


In order to access this free ebook, sign up to receive emails from this website. You'll get an email with the book attached. Enter your email in the box at the bottom of this page.


And make sure you watch my episode premiere on "Top Chef Amateurs" on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 9/8C on Bravo!

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