Anastasia Surmava – Below Deck Mediterranean

By starrymag | July 15, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) It was touched on a bit during the show, but how did you get your start working on yachts?

 

A) I met my ex-boyfriend while I was bartending for a fine dining restaurant in a ski resort. He was ski patrol and would come in all the time for a beer. We got to talking and it turned out he was a captain in the Mediterranean for the summer season. One thing led to another and I ended up with him on a sailing yacht in Greece that summer.

 

Q) Talk about your background with cooking. 

 

A) I have been cooking ever since I was allowed to hold a knife. The heart of my home is the kitchen. My mom was always cooking for our family. She also worked two jobs, so if I wanted to spend time with mom when she got home from work then I needed to get my butt in the kitchen. I have always preferred to cook for myself, rather than go out and pay for food. I was always cooking for my friends in college and once I started working on yachts, I was able to hone in on my skills.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of “Below Deck Mediterranean?”

 

A) My mom was actually a big factor in this decision. She was a huge fan of the show and always told me I should try and get on it! I was working on boats so I never had TV and was not too familiar with the show. However, every guest I ever had would always ask me if my life was like “Below Deck!”

 

Q) Had you been a fan of the show or familiar with it before joining the cast this year?

 

A) After making the choice to pursue joining the cast I binged on all of the seasons of “Below Deck” and “Below Deck Mediterranean…” I wanted to know what I was getting myself into!

 

Q) Were there certain parts of your life you deemed off limits to the camera?

 

A) Not really…I’m an open book. I am very upfront about things and am very honest with my opinions.

 

Q) Talk about working with Captain Sandy.

 

A) Capt. Sandy is certainly one of the most easy-going captains I have ever worked with. She shows everyone respect and gets it in return. She is easy to talk to and I always felt like I was supported.

 

Q) Hannah and the guests were quite complimentary of your cuisine. What were some of your favorite dishes you prepared?

 

A) I loved the squid ink pasta dish with champagne Parmesan sauce…That one was yummy! I also liked being challenged with new ingredients, like sea urchin! Also, you know how much I love baking a cake! [smiles]

 

Q) There was a lot of controversy with Mila this season. What was your experience like working with her?

 

A) Honestly, I felt for her. It’s not easy to take second seat to a third stew. But she brought it upon herself. She could have been a lot ruder to me but she wasn’t. I did what I had to do and I think she understood that.

 

Q) Set the record straight. Was she Cordon Bleu trained?

 

A) There is no way to tell. But she had all the CB swag so maybe??

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Below Deck Mediterranean?”

 

A) I loved most of our crew nights out and just having down time with everyone…chilling on the dock, talking crap, and laughing. The moment when I was told I was going to be chef for the rest of the charter season was also pretty memorable…

 

Q) Who have you stayed in contact with and become friendly with from the show?

 

A) I stay in contact with my badass girl squad, Aesha [Scott] and Hannah [Ferrier].

 

Q) We would love to see you back for a second season. Any interest?

 

A) I would love to come back for another season!! There were a lot of ups and downs, but I had such a great time and got to meet incredible people.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to episodes? 

 

A) I love interacting with all of the fans. I didn’t realize how big the “Below Deck Mediterranean” fan base was! Social media can be terrible sometimes, but the best part is being able to connect with all the amazing people out there who are cheering for you and just want to share positivity.

 

Q) What do you want to be sure fans know about you and your time on “Below Deck Mediterranean?”

 

A) I want them to know that we work our f***ing asses off! We are all genuine real-life people…Remember that when you are judging or putting hate out on the internet!

 

 

 

TUNEIN: Catch Anastasia Surmava on “Below Deck Mediterranean” Mondays at 9PM ET/PT on Bravo.