Colorado Chef Manny Barella is gearing up for his upcoming wedding in Lyons, but his recent experience on Bravo’s “Top Chef” season 21 has added some unexpected guests to the celebration. Despite being eliminated from the competition, Barella has formed lasting friendships with his fellow contestants, such as Kévin D’Andrea, whom he still keeps in touch with daily. The bond between the chefs extends beyond the show, with Barella planning a collaboration dinner with chef Dan Jacobs in Wisconsin, where the season was filmed.
Although Barella’s journey on “Top Chef” came to an end after a disappointing elimination, he managed to impress the judges and secure some wins along the way. His background working at esteemed restaurants like Frasca Food & Wine and Uchi has helped shape him into a more confident leader in the kitchen. Despite the challenges he faced during the competition, Barella’s experience has pushed him to focus more on flavor and creativity when developing his menus.
Even though he didn’t take home the top prize, Barella is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his Mexican heritage and culinary skills on a national platform. His time on “Top Chef” has not only honed his cooking abilities but also taught him valuable lessons in resilience, pressure, and time management. As he looks ahead to his new role as culinary director at Camp Pickle in Denver, Barella is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of his creativity and culinary expertise.
Barella’s dedication to his craft and his positive attitude in the face of challenges serve as an inspiration to aspiring chefs everywhere. While his time on “Top Chef” may have come to an end, his culinary journey is just beginning, with new opportunities and adventures on the horizon. As he prepares for his wedding and future endeavors, Barella’s passion for food and his commitment to excellence continue to shine through in everything he does. Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.