Mike Isabella offered a few words of wisdom to the cheftestant hopefuls. Photograph by Jeff Martin
Jason Maddens of Central sees the show as an opportunity to make a bigger name for himself. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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
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 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
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
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
If Jeremy Law, a North Carolina chef, makes it, he will have to close his restaurant while he competes. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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
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
