It’s one thing for an experienced chef to prepare food methodically, making sure everything is just so, and another to have precisely 30 minutes to do so, with experts judging you, three others competing against you, and a national television audience watching you.
New Canaan chef and town resident Silvia Baldini, founder of the local culinary group Strawberry and Sage, took the challenge, and will be a contestant on ‘Chopped,’ the Food Network’s hit series. On March 31, at 10 p.m., Baldini will go against three chefs who are all challenged to prepare an appetizer, entrée and dessert in 30 minutes each, using identical ingredients from mystery baskets. You’ll have to tune in to see the result, as those on the show are not allowed to disclose the result before the broadcast.
In an interview with the Advertiser, Baldini said the show was a lot of fun… and pressure. It all began over a year ago when she received an e-mail from ‘Chopped’ producers, asking her if she would be interested in taking part.
“I sent my bio and went on a casting call,” she said. “Once there you introduce yourself and talk about your food passions. It’s a regular interview, but very secretive.”
Baldini was no newcomer to high stakes competitions. Before realizing her lifelong dream to become a chef, she had a notable career as a Madison Avenue art director, where she created award-winning ad campaigns. She brings the same drive, focus, creativity and passionate eye for beauty to her cooking.
“When I was cast I was nervous and scared, but decided to just go for it,” she said. “Once I walked into the ‘Chopped’ kitchen I relaxed, stuck with recipes I knew by heart, and presented all my food beautifully.”
Baldini, 46, has lived in New Canaan with her husband, Michele, and their children, Augusto, 8, and Velentina, 6, for three years. After her art directing years, Michele’s career as a mathematician took them to London. Always a lover of food and its preparation, Silvia enrolled at the famous Le Cordon Bleu, graduating at the top of her class. Subsequently she continued her education at the Cornell/French Culinary Institute restaurant management program in New York.
Her experience includes working at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in London and Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, before returning to the U.S. to found Strawberry and Sage, an innovative culinary group offering catering and food preparation for select clients, event management, strategic partnerships in the food and media industry, and much more.
Baldini’s wide-ranging expertise paid dividends on ‘Chopped.’
“I did what I love; cooking chic, comfort food with passion,” she said. “The day of the show I ended up having a blast. I cooked for 12 hours straight, and my experience in the kitchen came through.
“I kept thinking: turn on the stove, think ahead, keep it simple and beautiful. Don’t be scared to take a little risk, and don’t get distracted by judge Marc Murphy talking to me in Italian,” Baldini, a native of Turin, Italy, said with a laugh.
It was important to her to represent women chefs on ‘Chopped,’ as well as all the women who cook at home for themselves and their families. “It’s a bit of a boy’s club out there, and I feel this should be the year women break some rules,” she said.
Baldini said she and her family are delighted to be New Canaanites.
“We’re so happy we settled here,” she said. “We were looking for good schools. I had friends who grew up here. We fell in love when we saw the town and stayed. Our kids play all the sports. We love the YMCA, I work with the library, and often am involved with events at the Carriage Barn arts center.”
The winner of each episode of ‘Chopped’ gets $10,000, but Baldini managed to keep the show’s result a secret. Looks like the Advertiser staff will have to watch along with everyone else on March 31.
Silvia Baldini