NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A two-time James Beard nominee will represent the city of New Orleans in season 21 of Top Chef.
New Orleans resident Charly Pierre is the owner of “Fritai,” a Haitian-inspired restaurant.
A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Pierre was born into a cooking family. His father was a professional chef.
According to Bravo TV, he began working in the restaurant industry at the age of 15. While attending culinary school at Southern New Hampshire University, he worked at fine dining restaurants, raising enough money to open his own.
Pierre moved to the city in 2015 and opened “Fritai” with business partner Eva Churches in 2016. Bravo TV reports the restaurant has since won many accolades, including Zagat’s 30 Under 30 and Eater NOLA’s 2022 Restaurant of the Year.
Pierre told the network that through his passion for his community and the welfare and treatment of his workers, he values training and providing them with endless opportunities.
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