TASTY BITES: BLOGGING FROM THE CULINARY FRONTLINES

If you can’t stand the heat then stay out of the kitchen. Hugh Acheson knows this better than anyone. As he moved up the Top Chef ranks, from contestant to judge to host, he’s learned a thing or two about what makes a great chef and a functional kitchen. And he’s ready to share it with the rest of us.

The official Food Blogger for Bravo, Acheson dishes out the behind-the-scenes turmoil and success of TV’s most exciting cooking contests. Writing about food, health, and the cultural significance of various dishes, Hugh unwraps more than just a few ingredients on his blog. In this speech, he examines what it takes to become a top chef on TV and at home by using the right foods, and how he brings this message from the table to your tablet.

THE ART OF SOUTHERN COOKING: BRINGING CULTURE & TRADITIONS TO THE TABLE

A Canadian transplant living in the South, Hugh Acheson has made a conscious effort to immerse himself in all things Southern. Chef Acheson has learned all about the culture, lifestyle, and traditions behind his favorite recipes and values the time-honored history associated with the South and its cuisine.

KEEPING IT LOCAL: SUSTAINING YOUR COMMUNITY

Hugh Acheson’s mantra is: local first, sustainable second, organic third. He believes that food is the key to improving one’s community and making it sustainable. Chef Acheson advocates that taking small steps like shopping at your area farmer’s market, frequenting independent restaurants, learning to garden, and meeting the people who grow your food will make the world a better place, one community at a time.

GROWING RESOURCEFUL & HEALTHY CITIZENS

Hugh Acheson believes in bringing life back to basics. Starting in his own back yard, he's working to revive home economics across the country to help teach today's youth practical skills like how to can and preserve, sew a button, and balance a checkbook. Additionally, Chef Acheson's focus on smart dietary choices that include lots of local fruit and veggies is vital to our future generations. His overall vision aims to instill community development along with skill building to yield healthy, productive members of society. Using his own personal and professional experience, Chef Acheson discusses how small steps will help achieve this big goal and encourage stronger, smarter citizens of the world.

INSIDE "TOP CHEF"

Having made his through the ranks in the kitchen, Hugh Acheson moved on to be a fan-favorite contestant and judge on Bravo's "Top Chef." Currently the host of "Top Chef: Battle of Sous Chefs" and Bravo's official Food Blogger, Hugh shares stories from his well-rounded career in the kitchen, his rise to "Top Chef," and the full flavor of his talent and passion.

LIFE LESSONS FROM THE KITCHEN

At Hugh Acheson’s restaurant 5 & 10, there are no managers; every employee takes equal responsibility for customer experience and the restaurant’s success. As the visionary force behind the restaurant, Chef Acheson worked to build a trustworthy team, carefully staffing and training each position to encourage ownership and authenticity. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Chef Acheson explains his unique approach to management.