Meet the Cast of E!'s Playing with Fire

E! is serving up a new reality show, and for a change this one won't be following anyone named Kardashian. Playing with Fire (premiering Sunday at 10/9c) is keeping up in the kitchen with a five of NYC's finest foodies, and their drama-filled lives. Also heating up the series are world-renowned restaurateur Todd English and actress-turned-gluten-free baker Jennifer Esposito, who will make appearances throughout the season. TV Guide Magazine dished with the cutthroat, culinary cast — here's a little taste.
Anna Boiardi
The heir to Chef Boyardee (say her last name slowly), the Italian socialite is working to brand her own business, but is currently the brand ambassador of her family's canned company.
TV Guide Magazine: What's your go-to dish?
Boiardi: Penne pomodoro.
TV Guide Magazine: What's your favorite ingredient?
Boiardi: Extra-virgin olive oil — I use it everyday.
TV Guide Magazine: If you had one last meal on earth, what would it be?
Boiardi: My mom's handmade tortelli. And for dessert, a chocolate soufflé with vanilla sauce.
Candice Kumai
You might recognize her from Top Chef's freshman season. Though she packed her knives early, the calorie-conscious chef has since sat on the judging panel of Iron Chef America and has lead cooking demos on The Dr. Oz Show, Today and Access Hollywood, in addition to hosting Lifetime's Cook Yourself Thin.
TV Guide Magazine: What's your go-to dish?
Kumai: What I cook truly changes with my mood, season and location. Currently, I've been channeling my Japanese heritage, made a bit modern — miso glazed salmon over a spicy peanut soba noodle salad.
TV Guide Magazine: What's your favorite ingredient?
Kumai: Sriracha. I have at least a dozen varieties of hot sauce in my fridge at home. I just can't get enough, and yes it goes on everything. Some like it hot!
TV Guide Magazine: If you had one last meal on earth, what would it be?
Kumai: Damn, this question is so unfair! Mom's homemade gyoza. Ricotta gnocchi from The Smith in New York City. A big bowl of $5 pho noodle soup doused in Srirachra with a side of lime, sprouts, basil and peanuts from some authentic, hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese place. A glass of champagne and I'm happy. Then again, a medium-rare burger and fries at midnight from Dumont in Brooklyn is kinda awesome too. I'm totally salivating now.
Daniel and Derek Koch
The identical twins are conquering Manhattan's social circuit as co-owners of Day & Night brunch parties, among other hot-spot eat-outs. Former models, the brothers serve a heaping portion of drama this season.
TV Guide Magazine: What's your go-to dish?
Daniel: Cajun Chicken.
Derek: Poulet Cajun.
(So twins do think alike. One might be just a little more cultured — or promoting their French-cuisine restaurant, based in NYC.)
TV Guide Magazine: What's your favorite ingredient?
Daniel: Salt.
Derek: Anything spicy. Tabasco — the hot, legendary pepper sauce.
TV Guide Magazine: If you had one last meal on earth, what would it be?
Daniel: Peking duck.
Derek: Steak frites.
Julie Elkind: The type-A powerhouse runs almost as many restaurants as years she's been cooking — the 25 year old is the Executive Pastry Chef for all of NYC's popular BLT establishments.
TV Guide Magazine: What's your go-to dish?
Elkind: Any seasonal variation of my cheesecake. It is super light and fluffy, easy to prepare and so delicious. Great crowd pleaser!
TV Guide Magazine: What's your favorite ingredient?
Elkind: It is hard to say when there are so many amazing items to design my desserts around. If I can use anything, it is local seasonal fresh fruit, micro greens and flowers. They can highlight any dessert base with their bold and complex flavor profiles.
TV Guide Magazine: If you had one last meal on earth, what would it be?
Elkind: Fresh handmade pasta with a rich, rustic meat ragu, lots of parmesan cheese, sea salt, rosemary, olive oil and focaccia bread. Yum!
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