The only thing hotter than Koch Brothers' parties are the kitchens behind closed doors, where their team of extraordinary New York talent makes magic happen. E!'s newest series, Playing with Fire, takes us behind the scenes of the New York culinary scene and into the lives of five high-powered tastemakers within the industry. Don't miss the premiere on Sunday March 17 at 10/9c!
Derek & Daniel Koch
Born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, identical trouble-maker twins Derek and Daniel Koch came to New York after being discovered by Oscar Reyes at Trump Management. While indulging in print modeling, runway work, acting, and directing, they developed refined tastes and a love for extravagant nightlife. Realizing early on that there was more to life than the pages of a magazine, the twins set out to leave their mark on the hospitality industry.
After cutting their teeth in the cut-throat New York restaurant scene, the twins formalized a partnership with Michael Wainstein in 2008 by creating Dual Groupe, a luxury boutique hospitality company. The twins then catalyzed the industry by bringing a wealthy hedonistic crowd to their new concept for day-time brunch parties: Day & Night. Their restaurant ventures across the globe have quickly become THE place to hang for supermodels, publishing magnates, and celebrities.
2013 does not show any sign of slowing down with no less than two new venues on the books to open by summer. Creativity is in no short supply with the Kochs.
Follow the brothers on twitter @danielmatthewk, @derekmichaelk, and @DerekandDaniel.
And get on board with all of their business ventures @dualgroupe, @MPDNYC, @dayandnightlife, @TOYnyc, @ChateauNYC, and @clubfamenyc.
Julie Elkind
Executive Pastry Chef Julie Elkind brings an innovative, passionate, and fiery approach to crafting delectable pastries reflecting both classic and contemporary dessert trends. As a result of growing up with a family full of incredible home cooks and bakers, Elkind developed a romance for the beauty of food and a talent for cooking at an early age.
After graduating from culinary school in 2007, Julie moved to Manhattan and began her culinary career in some of the top kitchens in New York, including Le Cirque, La Fonda Del Sol, Convivio, and Alto. When she was just 25 she took on her breakout career role as Corporate Executive Pastry Chef for Esquared Hospitality and BLT restaurants. During her time there Elkind received the 2012 Zagat 30 under 30 award.
Follow Julie on twitter @julieelkind.
Anna Maria Boiardi
Anna Maria Boiardi, granddaughter of the founders of Chef Boyardee, was born and raised in Piacenza, Italy. Anna's education and skills came from learning the old fashioned way – cooking at home with her mother and grandparents who passed down family recipes from generations before.
Anna's cooking class, "Cucina Academy" has been profiled by CNBC, The Today Show, NY Post, Vogue, and Style.com. She recently penned her first book, Delicious Memories Recipes and Stories from the Chef Boyardee Family, a cookbook/memoir, in which Anna shares long kept family stories, photographs & secrets, and gives readers her own twist on classic dishes with time-saving tips for today's on-the-go lifestyle. Anna will also be debuting her cookware collection on QVC in Spring 2013.
Follow Anna on twitter @aboiardi.
Candice Kumai
Former model-turned-food-writer and full-time professional flirt, Candice Kumai is the author of Cook Yourself Sexy, Pretty Delicious and is a co-contributor to the NY Times #1 Bestselling cookbook, Cook Yourself Thin. She is a Top Chef alumni, and was the host of Lifetime's Cook Yourself Thin and TLC's Home Made Simple. Candice has been featured on The Doctors, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Access Hollywood, and Cooking Channel's Unique Eats. Candice is currently a judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America and a contributor to Men's Health and Women's Health.com.
Follow Candice on twitter @CandiceKumai.