10 Questions With Chef Maneet Chauhan
At Music City Food and Wine 2016, I had the chance to talk with Maneet Chauhan, chef of Nashville's Chauhan Ale & Masala House, award-winning cookbook author, philanthropist, and television personality. She's currently a judge on Food Network's Chopped.
Chauhan is an industry role model worthy of emulating. She has two new restaurants opening soon in Nashville: The Mockingbird, focused on global cuisine; and Tánsuŏ, serving regional Chinese.
Here is a little peek into the life of this renowned chef:
The Daily Meal: What's something the general public doesn't know about being a chef?
Maneet Chauhan: It's in your blood.
You wake up at 3 a.m. and you're starving. What are you eating?
Mint dark chocolate truffles.
What is something you will not be doing in 10 years?
I will not be changing diapers in 10 years.
Do you have any nicknames?
Mannu — in Punjabi it means "mine." My parents would call me that.
What is something you've always wanted to do?
I'm doing what I always wanted to do. (Laughs) I literally just do whatever I want to do.
Do you have a Nashville food craving?
Hattie B's hot chicken. I'm obsessed. I like it medium.
If you could have entrance music or a theme song when you walked into a room, what would it be?
(Sings)" Heeey good lookin', what you got cookin'?"
If there were yearbook superlatives for chefs, which award would you win?
Class clown.
Dogs or Cats? Why?
Neither, unless you count a husband as a pet. Just kidding! I love animals, but I don't think I can have pets.
What is the food fad, or movement, or craze that you just don't get?
Bacon. Been there, done that, it's done!