Getting to Know New Top Chef Contender Jorel Pierce

Last week, Bravo announced the cast of the new Top Chef Season 10, and Colorado found three of its chefs on that list: Eliza Gavin of 221 South Oak Bistro in Telluride, Jorel Pierce of Euclid Hall, and Tyler Wiard of Elway's in Denver. Eater wants to know more about them - now: Jorel Pierce.

Jorel Pierce, the 28 year old Denver-native chef who reigns over the kitchen at Euclid Hall, credits his passion for food to early home experiences where family always introduced new flavors and hunting and foraging were a given even for the youngest members of the family.

As he grew, Pierce became more interested in food and set himself off to master the techniques and foundations of great cuisine. He got a degree from Johnson and Wales University and gained a diverse array of kitchen experiences that ranged from Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, a luxury restaurant in Oxford, England to the corporate chain Willie G's.

Two years ago, Jorel Pierce landed on the line at Jennifer Jasinski's flagship restaurant, Rioja. He was sous chef in a matter of weeks and a mere eighteen months later, Jasinski entrusted him with the kitchen at her newest venture Euclid Hall. There, he made a name for himself cooking innovative food that remains grounded in tradition and pushing Denver eaters to be more adventurous in their choices. In Pierce's kitchen, signature items include a wide variety of hand-cranked sausages, rich schitzels, and poutines topped with everything from pork cheeks to foie gras.

For chef inspiration, Pierce looks at Marco Pierre White, Thomas Keller and Jennifer Jasinski, his mentor, supporter, and current boss. Pierce adopted Marco Pierre White's all out utilization of ingredients in his own cooking and always sought the perfection that Thomas Keller embodies. As for Jennifer Jasinski, she has been more than a culinary inspiration to Pierce, she has driven him to fulfill his dreams.

Jorel Pierce is married, he has a cat named Moxie and holds the honor of having been named "Best Rising Star Chef" in 2011 by Denver Westword.

· Three Colorado Chefs Will Compete on Top Chef [~EDEN~]
· All Euclid Hall Coverage [~EDEN~]