Photo courtesy of Bravo
Alexandria resident Anthony Jones is a contestant on "Top Chef."
When Bravo’s “Top Chef” premieres Monday, March 9 at 9 p.m. ET, local fans may want to root for one of their own. Among the incredible group of "cheftestants" competing on Season 23 in the Carolinas is Alexandria resident Anthony Jones.
Jones, who grew up in Sunderland, Maryland, said he was always surrounded by delicious food growing up. "I think those memories help me even now to create and express myself," he said. "I always loved the holidays, not because of the gifts, but due to the meals attached to them. Thanksgiving was definitely a favorite."
As executive chef at Marcus DC, a restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson at the Morrow Hotel in DC's NoMa neighborhood, Jones said he tries to "bring in influence from the Black Diaspora and interpret it from my view point and experiences; so there are Latin, Southern and some West African influences on the menu."
He considers Marcus a close friend, "but more of a mentor. He knows me pretty well and at this point, we know how to work with each other and the strengths and weaknesses of the other."
Jones' signature dish is a rice dish. "Mel's Crab Rice is a dish for me that embodies summer," he said. "I always had a love for rice growing up whether it was sweet or savory. In the summertime boiling and eating crabs on the picnic table outside was the best reward we could get for being good."
Photo courtesy of Bravo
Alexandria resident Anthony Jones competes on Season 23 of "Top Chef" debuting March 9 on Bravo.
Jones was the chef de cuisine at Restaurant Eve in Alexandria for the last year of its running, in 2018. "Sadly I wasn't there when the Obamas came in" for their anniversary date at the restaurant, back in 2011.
Among Jones' accolades — he is a 2026 James Beard Award semi-finalist. He found out he is in the running the morning the nominations were announced, when a friend sent him a congrats message through Instagram. "At first, I didn't know what it was for, but later checked and found out. It is a great honor for me to be amongst my peers in this standing and a goal I have had for a long time."
Jones has a few favorite spots in Alexandria. "I have a lot of restaurants and bars I like to visit in Alexandria. Bob & Edith's for those after work late-hour meals, King's Ransom for cocktails or date night and Chadwicks to watch a game and have beers. I love the city. It has hidden gems I'm still learning about."
Photo courtesy of Bravo
Anthony Jones of Alexandria (left) competes on "Top Chef"
Jones said he is "beyond thrilled" to be a contestant on "Top Chef."
"I went through the interview process most people go through to audition for shows like 'Top Chef.' We are all used to working under pressure as chefs. It's a normal thing for us, but on 'Top Chef' surrounded by all this insane talent, the pressure is even higher. I bonded with all of the chefs, actually, from my season. They are an amazing group of people and chefs."
When asked what tips he would give young adults considering a career in the restaurant business, Jones advised: "If you want to pursue a career in the culinary field, you have to be prepared for the sacrifices that come along with it. Our holidays and time off are not the norm. You will miss a lot of important events in life sometimes, but the ability to feed people and influence their lives with your food and your craft is a true gift."
Fans can get a head start on the new season with early access to the premiere episode, available (which began Tuesday, March 3 on Peacock, Bravo’s YouTube channel and VOD).
Bravo’s Emmy, James Beard and Critics Choice Award-winning series “Top Chef” returns Monday, March 9 with host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons as they venture south to the Carolinas. Season 23 will be centered in the emerging and eclectic culinary hub of Charlotte, N.C., with several episodes in Greenville, S.C.
Beginning Monday, March 16, the series will move to its regular timeslot at 9:30 p.m. with episodes available the next day on Peacock. All episodes of season 23 will be "supersized" to 75 minutes.
The winner will take home the grand prize of $250,000 provided by Graza Olive Oil, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, an appearance at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, headline their own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York and have the opportunity to present at The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago, Ill. Along the way, the chefs will have the chance to win immunity, advantages in the competition or cash prizes with more than $150,000 in total up for grabs.
