How being Pinoy helped this chef succeed in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD – Filipino celebrity chef Khristianne Uy, better known as "Chef K", is having a big year.

A private chef and owner of a catering company, Chef K became the first winner of "The Taste," a reality television cooking show, back in March.

She credits her Filipino background for the unique way of cooking that brought her success in Hollywood.

"I think it's the Filipino way of eating. Since I'm a chef, it's always that family ties that regardless what's going on, you never lose that essence. It's always crowding around food. My mom made it really apparent so it carried on with my cooking," she said.

Her client list includes Charlie Sheen, director James Cameron, and many other celebrities.

"You have to ease it in. Maybe just a little bit of adobo, you can't do dinuguan, you'll scare them away. First impression always lasts so I'm doing like 'lumpia,' they love that," she said.

This year, she also met the love of her life, Brittany Wiener. The pair met through another reality show, "The Millionaire Matchmaker". The couple plans to start a family in the near future.

"I'm so proud of her. She deserves it," Wiener said.

Chef K said being a female gay chef comes with its own challenges and rewards.

"Before, people didn't quite accept it. But after winning 'The Taste,' people are more accepting. Now even lolas and titas are like, 'okay, maybe being lesbian isn't so bad," Chef K said.

When asked about her feelings being the person to open their eyes, Chef K replied, "I can't believe it, 8,500 people. Here I am standing, a Filipino lesbian, you know. My mom is really proud, she' still crying".

Chef K immigrated to the US 17 years ago but dreams of going back to the Philippines soon to share her knowledge and expertise with kababayans.

Currently, she's writing a book about cooking and preparing for the launch of "Chef K Knives" and another TV show next year.