Yeah, yeah--pretty damn juvenile of us...not to mention downright sexist.
But, damn it, if Danica Patrick can embrace beauty as well as hard nose racing skill, then we're allowed the occasional foray into 'babe-licious' territory.
Now, it wasn't an easy process. After much hemming and hawing, we had to pass up the quite cute Julia Lopez of Alo. We considered including Jill Bates (one of Fearing's crew) based on name--sounds a lot like Jail Bait--as well as looks. Ultimately, however, she was sliced. Could have included Katie Brown of George Catering and Robin Gill Lacy, formerly at Cliff Cafe, as well.
Instead, here are the hottest things standing in Dallas area kitchens:
10. Tiffany Derry
The chef of Go Fish Ocean Club near the Galleria is as nice as her smile. We like that about her, of course--but she's also willing to take reservations, show guests to their seats, anything to make her restaurant a success.
9. Sarah Johannes
The recent arrival from Minneapolis has made Five-Sixty one hot spot. She directs a kitchen capable of remarkable finesse. There's a hint of two of humor on her menu, as well. Take, for instance, her General Tso's Quail.
8. Tracy Miller
The chef and owner of Local makes her mark quietly. Sometimes you forget about the place. When you remember, though, it's worth the trip.
7. Sharon Hage
York Street's superstar was fresh long before the rest of Dallas. Now almost every new restaurant seems to follow her seasonal, local, organic mantra as much as possible.
6. Carol Ritchie
She's exposed her recipes in print (cookbooks) and on screen (hosting cooking shows). Famous for her work with NBC 5 and Cookin' with Carol.
5. Katie Natale
The young Natale brings appropriate subtlety to Cafe on the Green. In fact, the Four Seasons has found a chef and team that consistently provide one of the area's finest dining experiences. No picture, just trust us.
4. Dunia Borga
Popular and pretty good in the kitchen, her pastries helped make La Duni famous--and the Colombian-born chef has demonstrated baking skills for audiences such as the French Culinary Institute. Now that's hot.
3. Casey Thompson
OK, so she left Dallas when she hit the almost big time, which in this country means appearances on Top Chef. The former chef at Shinsei now lives in San Francisco, though she stirs the pot here every once in awhile.
2. Mickie Crockett
The former Trader Vic's chef abandon the kitchen in favor of the GM role. She now directs operations at Cadillac Ranch in Irving. Although we put her in the second slot, she's number one in our hearts.
1. Blythe Beck
A naughty chef in the top spot? But of course. Besides, Teresa Gubbins told us if we didn't put Central 214's fun, frolicking chef in this slot, she'd never speak to us again.
