1. One thing you don't know about me is that I was once paid by NASA.

2. If I could trade places with one chef it would be John Besh — the new king of New Orleans. I really admire him. His restaurant empire is growing and he keeps his head on straight. He has helped rebuild a city and they love him down there. He's surrounded by passionate, gifted people who all share a vision. And they live in the Big Easy!

3. One of my most memorable meals was at Alinea in Chicago. It was a couple of years ago and I hadn't experienced or even heard of a lot of these new techniques. What an amazing experience. Truly mind blowing!

4. If there was no bacon, I'd have no reason to live.

5. My go-to drink is Sapphire and Tonic or a Margarita (depends on my mood and the weather).

6. If I were on death row my last meal would be a BLT with big, thick bread, lots of mayo, a thick ripe tomato, crisp lettuce and tons of smoky, sweet, chewy and crispy bacon. In fact, I think I'll make one right now!

7. My worst culinary creation was scallops with coffee and pineapple. In theory the dish was perfect. In execution, well, I didn't hit the mark. We did the dish with soba noodles and lots of pineapple cooked two ways. It was too sweet, too bitter, and was impossible to eat. Live and learn.

8. If I could change one thing about me I would have traveled more while studying food. I should have lived in many more countries by now!

9. My favorite junk food is Chili Cheese Fritos.

10. If I wasn't a restaurant operator, I'd love to be a professional Texas No Limit Hold 'Em Poker Player!

Hosea Rosenberg, who has a bachelor of science degree in engineering physics from the University of Colorado, is the executive chef at Jax Fish House in Boulder, CO. He is also the Season 5 winner of the Top Chef competition, held last year in New York City.