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The Food Network chose 707, located at 707 Chestnut St., for an open casting call to view potential contestants for "The Next Star of the Food Network." Embarking on its fourth season, the show looks for chefs with skill, personality and the ability to make it all seem easy. The winner gets a six-episode cooking show, with the possibility of subsequent seasons.
Restaurant owner Ryan Margolis has a family member who knows a casting director at the Food Network. After scoping out the young, hip vibe of 707, the Food Network picked the restaurant for its Philly open casting call - welcoming pros and amateurs alike.
Denise Fike, an avid cook with no expert training, decided to audition for the show after a little encouragement from her family.
"I was told by my family that I'd be a fool if I didn't audition," Fike said.
She teaches fashion design at Drexel University and Moore College of Art & Designand learned to cook from her mother, who was born in Rome. Fike specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, and has a knack for baking. She bakes biscotti for Di Bruno Bros., at 1730 Chestnut St.
Fike passed her mother's recipes on to her two sons, and shares her traditional yet innovative culinary flair by hosting house parties.
"I have about 10 parties a year," she said. "And food is essential."
Many of the participants were self-taught, including David Prince, a doctor of cardiac rehab at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.
"That's why I'm into heart-healthy eating," said Prince, who incorporates fruits and vegetables into his creations, rather than serving them as side dishes.
He learned to cook in medical school and by watching the Food Network.
His edge over other contestants? "I think that people are really into healthy eating, but it has to taste good."
If chosen for the show, he'll put his stethoscope to rest.
"I'll have to take some time off, but the hospital is really understanding," Prince said.
If he doesn't get the nod? "I have to be at work tomorrow."
Others came to the audition a little more seasoned.
Walter Staib, chef and restaurateur of City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd St., received professional training during his days of living in Germany. He's written three cookbooks and has done work for the Food Network before. He is also the Culinary Ambassador for the Governor of Pennsylvania.
"I'm here because they requested my presence," Staib said. "It was Monday morning and I had nothing else to do. Just kidding. I have a lot to do."
Staib said he won't be selected because he's too old and has an accent.
"I can speak slowly if I need to," he said.
He said he came to support the Food Network because of all that it's done for the restaurant industry.
"The Food Network revolutionized the whole idea of dining out," Staib said.
If the contestants appeal to casting directors, they'll shoot a demo and pass it along to network producers, according to Jennifer Dubin, casting assistant for the Food Network. Directors held auditions in Dallas, Boston and Miami before their final stop in Philadelphia. Eleven contestants will be chosen for this season's show, which doesn't yet have a scheduled air date. *
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