Mary Lou Davis, a former contestant on Hell's Kitchen, is now the executive chef at Ida Claire in San Antonio. After traveling in Southeast Asia and working in California restaurants, she aims to infuse Southern cooking with Southeast Asian influences. Her experience on Hell's Kitchen encouraged her to explore different cuisines, enhancing her culinary skills and confidence. Davis's journey reflects her dedication to learning and growing as a chef, ultimately shaping her return to her hometown and her new role at Ida Claire.
I really enjoy Southeast Asian foods, and I try to incorporate them into the food that I do now. I like to say that I am Southern cooking with a Southeast Asian flair.
When we were having our competitions, I would see somebody make something I would have never thought of, like different curries, different Italian dishes. And I was like, 'Oh my gosh, Mary, get out of your town. You need to go somewhere and learn.'
One of the best chefs in the world is telling you that you're doing a good enough job and that you have what it takes to run his kitchen. It just really helps build you up.
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