Mika Brzezinski: Keep it Light!

Bravotv.com: What were you expecting when you sat down at the table?
I had no idea what to expect. But everyone I spoke to was awestruck that I was doing an episode of Top Chef! I’m really glad I brought my appetite because I ate a lot.

Bravotv.com: When you think of a successful “power lunch” dish, what comes to mind?
For me it’s something light and full of protein that leaves you feeling comfortably full. Power lunches aren’t what they used to be,     and I think restaurants should be more conscious of that. Power lunches don’t last three hours anymore – it's eat, get it done, and run.

Bravotv.com: What do you usually eat for lunch? Both power and otherwise?
Salad and yogurt

Bravotv.com: What were the most memorable dishes for you? (both for good reasons and bad)
Worst one was the dish that looked like an ugly mountain of food. And most of the dishes were just too big and played into exactly what worries me about the way we eat!

Bravotv.com: What do you think the biggest mistake the chefs made was?
Too big and too much salt and other crutches used for flavoring – Americans need to develop a higher-level palate for really good, healthy food.

Bravotv.com: What are you favorite “power lunch” hotspots in NY, D.C., etc.?
Capital Grille in NYC – They have a wonderful, really light steak salad.

Bravotv.com: How was the overall experience?
It was a lot of fun. Andy Cohen is brilliant – he has a real sense of what he wants. I hope the show continues to grow and bring in dimensions of healthy eating in the future.

Bravotv.com: You said that you don’t want to “feel gross” after power lunches. Does that mean you usually prefer lighter things? What do you usually have?
 I don’t want to feel gross after any meal. I wish chefs would look for ways to create meals that taste great and make you feel good too. It’s so much easier to just put butter on everything.