Top Chef's Josie Smith-Malave

Smith-Malave told Bravo that she is a lesbian right in her application, and she says they had no problem with it. “They were very welcoming. It's a very open-minded network. I mean, Queer Eye and everything. They're into pushing the envelope.”

Her only concern with being “the lesbian contestant” is that she doesn't want it to become the main focus of who she is on the show, particularly for the viewers. “I was wondering, would it be a focal point? I am who I am; they're going to love it or not. … I don't think that should be a reason anyone watches or doesn't watch. Josie is Josie. … I have love for everyone. I hope that's what I project, and that people respond to me without barriers.”

Top Chef features 15 contestants vying for culinary honors and $100,000 in prize money. Smith-Malave says that none of her fellow contestants had a problem with competing against a lesbian, but Season 2 will have its share of personality clashes. “We're 15 very talented people in a situation that is real,” she says. “At the end of the day, we always were professionals. … But we had our moments. They were surreal, extraordinary circumstances. A few people didn't gel with me … but I've made some friendships that will go on forever.”

Top Chef earned its reputation as the thinking person's reality show in its first season, where its almost-exclusive focus on the food instead of the private lives of the contestants earned it a loyal following. Food is where it's at for Smith-Malave, too. “I'm Puerto Rican/Italian/Filipino; food is a big part of everyday life for me,” she says.

Season 2 of Top Chef was filmed in Los Angeles and has already wrapped, but so far no rumors of who won or lost have leaked out. Smith-Malave isn't talking, but her upbeat attitude and recent career changes don't suggest she walked away a big loser. She is now doing consulting work for Marlow and Sons and other restaurants, as well as working on her own line of condiments and a television idea of her own.

Given her participation in a dizzying array of activities and interests, where do food and the restaurant industry fit in for her? “Being a chef ranks pretty high,” she says. “It's what takes me to the next level.”

The restaurant industry isn't for the faint of heart. “It's hard as a woman,” she admits. “You have to be focused and determined. Hard work and a good attitude can take you far.”

Does she think reality TV is a good place for potential queer contestants? Absolutely. “I highly recommend going for it,” she says. “Anyone who has an urge: Don't be afraid. Have confidence in yourself.”

Top Chef's second season premieres Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006 , at 11 p.m. EST on Bravo.