Mike Isabella offered a few words of wisdom to the cheftestant hopefuls. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Jason Maddens of Central sees the show as an opportunity to make a bigger name for himself. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Anisha Jagtap, owner of Baltimore Burger Bar and Puffs & Pastries, drove down from Baltimore at the last minute for the audition. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Mar-a-Lago Club executive chef Aaron Janus flew all the way from West Palm Beach, Florida, to make the casting call. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
A producer called six chefs at a time for a group interview. In this portion of the process, it is all about making yourself memorable, according to show vet Mike Isabella. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Joseph Paire, chef de cuisine at the Hudson Restaurant and Lounge on M Street, is a Washington native who wants to help DC gain more attention in the national scene. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Personal chef Shawn Millard tried out for the show five years ago but did not make it. If he won the prize money, Millard would open a barbecue spot in the Washington area. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
If Jeremy Law, a North Carolina chef, makes it, he will have to close his restaurant while he competes. Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Michael Adams, currently unemployed, said he was not nervous about the process. “They are looking for a certain type of person,” he said. “There is nothing I can do now.” Photograph by Jeff Martin
A Casting Call at Graffiato
Wilbert Bailey III is not afraid of getting in front of the camera. “The publicity seems like a lot of fun,” he told us. Photograph by Jeff Martin