Chef Sau Del Rosario

"You know I always think of that when I’m watching,” says Chef Sau del Rosario when asked about how he would take on the challenges of a cooking reality show like “Top Chef.”

Considered one of the most in-demand chefs in Manila, Chef Sau has cooked in kitchens around the world honing his skills and learning new tricks. He has launched restaurants in Shanghai, Paris and Singapore and is currently the consultant chef of M Café, and Chelsea. His newest venture Le Bistro Vert showcases dishes using produce from local farmers.

Only a chef of his expertise and experience can judge a master which is why 2nd Avenue, the Channel for “Today’s Urbanite” exclusively gave Chef Sau an advanced screening of “Top Chef: Masters” (Wednesdays at 10 p.m.). As 24 master chefs from acclaimed restaurants around America vie to be the first Top Chef Master and take home $100,000 for their chosen charity.

Have you always been a fan of “Top Chef”?

Every season I watch every episode. My judgment is always good as my favorites always end up the winner. I like underdogs.

What is your opinion on cooking reality shows?

For me it’s a good test to show how good you are. It tests how you handle pressure and at the same time it tests your skill. Not all chefs can work under pressure, its very challenging. But I would like to do that I would like to see how I would do in the contest.

Are you a fan of any of the chefs taking part?

Well I’ve seen the pilot episode and I really like Chef Hubert Keller not only because he’s French but because I’ve known about him since way back and I look up to him. I like his style, simple but elegant and the food that he makes has a story to tell. I like his personality you can see it in his food.

We see the chef Tim Love makes the mistake of putting his ingredients in the freezer. If you found yourself in the same situation what would you have done?

I will freak out probably. You know it could happen, these gods in the kitchen are human after all, and they make mistakes. I also do my own boo boos in the kitchen he proves that no matter what if you make a mistake you can do something about it. Chef Love showed his flexibility proving that he is a master chef.

What can you say about Chef Hubert Keller cooling and warming his pasta in the shower?

That was funny, it was awesome. If I was one of the judges I would be shocked. It took so much personality and character and that’s what makes him so great. I would give him a score for that, for his technique and his quick thinking.

Which master chef impressed you most and why?

I liked Keller as I know him from way back and he also has a French style of cooking. When he did the dessert I was like wow he’s amazing he really knows exactly what those girls wanted. Then with the shower, it makes me excited for the chefs to come.