Chef Ludo on Top Chef Masters and LA Dining

Updated 11:30 AM PST, Mon, Jun 29, 2009

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Making his debut on Top Chef Masters, LA-based "Ludo" Ludovic Lefebvre faces off against Rick Bayless, Cindy Pawlcyn, and Wilo Benet in a quick-fire challenge where each must create a dish based on a color. Later in the episode, the four compete in an offal-cook off, but who will win? Eater recently caught up with LudoBites' Chef Ludo for a quick Q&A.

You're on Top Chef Masters. Who do you think is your biggest competition on the show?
Hubert Keller by far.

What can you tell us about the show that most people don't know. Any secrets?
We are bound by confidentially agreements, so there is not a lot I can share. But, I can say that 30 minutes in Top Chef Masters time is much less than 30 minutes in the real world. Seriously though, it was a very challenging experience. Also, there is no shortage of craziness. Without the "bleeps," it might not be PG-13.

Any ingredients you would dread to work with?
Unfortunately, the one I got. You will have to tune in to see what it is. In real life and at LudoBites I am open to trying everything, just don't make me cook it in the middle of an amusement park.

As far as LA restaurant go, where do you like to eat when you are not cooking?
There is always something interesting to try. Unfortunately, many of the good restaurants just can't seem to stick around though. I had a great "off-the menu" meal at Bond Street last night. Very surprising. The chef had some great technique. I would push them to put some of it on the real menu. I always like Sushi Roku, and Typhoon is great. I want to try Paul Martin's American Bistro, I hear they are doing some interesting things.

Have you been to In-N-Out Burger?
In-N-Out is my favorite!!!! If I can't have some home roasted chicken and potatoes on my day off, I go for a double double with fries. Yummmm.

So, you have Ludo Bites temporarily in LA. What's next?
Still figuring it out. LudoBites is a labor of love. It is not about money. I just want to cook!! It is my passion. I hope to be able to continue to provide a culinary experience and opportunity for people to try different things.

[Rumormongering: We heard that Ludo plants to open up his own permanent restaurant in LA after LudoBites.]