Interview with Lorena Bolanos – Cast member of MTV’s House of Food
House of Food is a food drama on MTV. It features eight aspiring chefs who are challenged by three very popular chefs: Casey Lane, Brendan Collins and Brooke Williamson. The show is in a classroom style setting and every week they learn a new task and compete in challenges. At the end of the show only one cast member will win an apprenticeship to work at a restaurant with one of the chefs.
Raphaelita of All Things Caribbean Cuisine: Where are you from and what is your nationality?
Lorena Bolanos: I was born and raised in Long Beach CA. I’m first generation born in the United States, both my parents are from Mexico.
Raphaelita: House of Food reminds me of “The Real World”. What were your expectations coming onto the show?
Lorena: I really had no expectations because I didn’t know what was going to happen, I was just ready to learn more about cooking and take advantage of this opportunity.
Raphaelita: On the show you talked about your grandmother, she seems to be your “food muse”. Tell us a little bit about her?
Lorena: My grandmother was a great influence in cooking for me. She was a line cook when I was younger and I would always be in the kitchen with her watching her work, and made me fall in love with the culinary arts. My father was a cook as well and he was an influence to me when he criticize the food I cook for him so I can improve the dish more. Finally both my grandparents sold Mexican food on Sunday mornings and I would help them around. I loved seeing the satisfaction after and while people were eating. And how much they enjoyed the food.
Raphaelita: What was it like working with Casey, Brendan and Brooke? Do you have a favorite?
Lorena: It was amazing! Each and every one of the chefs had their different way of teaching. We all benefited from having lessons with them at the house and having those one on one moments with them. I love and respect all of the chefs we worked with.
[pullquote]I’ve tried snake sausages, frog legs on a stick, crocodile jerky, escargot, etc.[/pullquote]
Raphaelita: What was your favorite and the most challenging dish to make on House of Food?
Lorena: My most challenging dish was the “personality on a plate “. It was hard because it was the first time we were actually cooking for the chefs and this was pretty much our make it or break it as the first impression.
Raphaelita: What was the most exotic food you’ve ever eaten?
Lorena: I’ve tried snake sausages, frog legs on a stick, crocodile jerky, escargot, etc. I’m really into trying new food, so as long as it doesn’t kill me I’ll try it. Hahaha.
Raphaelita: Is there a chef you admire the most? Who and why?
Lorena: I admire every chef that takes their time and teaches me something, like they’re passing on knowledge to help me succeed and I really respect that.
Raphaelita: Was there anything that you thought you wanted to do before you started cooking?
Lorena: I was always an artistic child so maybe something with art.
Raphaelita: What foods are you craving the most right now?
Lorena: The pulled pork sandwich from Chef Brooke’s restaurant “the Hudson house “. Its soooo gooodddddd
Raphaelita: What is your go to meal that you make for yourself every week?
Lorena: Mainly Mexican food. It’s what I cook constantly at home.
Raphaelita: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Lorena: I hopefully see myself as a sous chef, then hopefully as an executive chef. Also I see myself expanding my catering business.
Raphaelita: What is your favorite Caribbean meal to make or eat?
Lorena: I’ve gone to Turks and Caicos and I really loved the fried conch with rice and peas!
Raphaelita: What is the one place in the world you would love to visit?
Lorena: Paris, France! Think about the food! YUM
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.