Durham’s Oscar Diaz is one of 15 “cheftestants” on the newest season of “Top Chef,” and he’s got a homefield advantage. Our friends at GVLtoday + CLTtoday got to speak with Diaz at the show’s Charlotte premiere about representing the Triangle and his favorite local spots.
“I’m excited for everyone to see North Carolina being brought up,” Diaz told GVLtoday + 6AM City at the season 23 premiere. “Having not been from the South, I know sometimes it gets skipped over. We’re just as multicultural and a melting pot as any other part of the country.”
If you want to eat like a “Top Chef” competitor, Diaz recommended Taco Market — especially the tripe tacos — and Durham’s Nanas + Pizzeria Toro, which is opening a Raleigh location at The Common Market.
Season 23 of the popular cooking show is all about the Carolinas, with episodes taped in Charlotte and Greenville, SC. Plus, on the first episode, Ajja chef + co-owner Cheetie Kumar made an appearance as a guest judge. No spoilers, but Diaz made us proud in the first episode.
The first episode is available now on Peacock before its Monday, March 9 premiere on Bravo, but you’ll have to wait for March 16 for episode two. Go Oscar!
