Chris Santos on Chopped Baskets, Boxing & Smash Burgers

Introducing Food Network Obsessed: Introducing Food Network Obsessed, the official podcast of Food Network. Each week, host Jaymee Sire sits down with one of Food Network’s finest for a conversation where nothing is off the menu as they dish on all things food, the latest shows, go-to guilty pleasures and the delicious trends they’re watching closely. So make sure to subscribe now and get ready for exclusive stories and insider scoop you’ll definitely want to hear! by Food Network Obsessed

2 min listen

Antonia Lofaso on Bringing Restaurants to Life & L.A.’s Culinary Melting Pot: This week on Food Network Obsessed, Antonia Lofaso chats with host Jaymee Sire about growing up in an Italian-American family in Long Island and the cultural shift she experienced moving to the West Coast at an early age. She talks about balancing being a restaurateur and mom, and her personal parenting philosophy. Antonia shares her process of conceptualizing the culture of a restaurant and her globally-influenced cooking style. She talks about how her life and businesses pivoted during the pandemic and documenting it all on video. Then she dives into the latest season filming Tournament of Champions and why it’s the hardest competition she’s ever participated in. Plus, the best and worst dishes she’s ever tasted. by Food Network Obsessed

45 min listen

Tyler Florence on How to Make the Perfect Omelette & Filming The Great Food Truck Race in Alaska: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire answers a few listener questions before diving into conversation with Tyler Florence. Tyler talks about what it was like to film in frigid Alaska for the latest season of The Great Food Truck Race and the process behind developing the intense challenges. He talks about why small towns are the best to film in, and the hospitality the crew experienced in Alaska. Tyler shares his favorite moments from the show after 14 seasons, keeping in touch with past contestants and the importance of mentorship in the restaurant industry. He reminisces on his 25 years with Food Network and why he had a feeling food television was his future. He also talks about his own digital content hub, Wolf it Down, and the exciting things he has on the horizon in 2021 and beyond. Finally, Tyler breaks down how to make the perfect omelette. by Food Network Obsessed

48 min listen

Valerie Bertinelli on Working with Kid Bakers & Fostering Kittens: On this week’s episode, host Jaymee Sire talks with Valerie Bertinelli, television legend and host of Kids Baking Championship. Learn how Valerie got her start on the network, what the heck an “ITK” is and the story behind Valerie’s Home Cooking. Valerie describes what it’s like working with kids and not having the heart to eliminate any contestants, and we hear about her true loves - her son Wolfie and her many cats - and how many kings are in her family tree. Finally, she discusses making peace with food and herself. by Food Network Obsessed

32 min listen

Kalen Allen on Judging Celebrity Cakes & Going Viral: On the first episode of Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire chats with YouTube sensation and Food Network judge Kalen Allen. Find out how he started making viral food recipe reaction videos that took him from full-time student to full-blown star in a matter of weeks. Kalen gets honest about staying true to your dreams, being an activist in the digital space and how he stays positive in light of it all. He also dishes on what filming was like for his new show Cakealikes and which celebrity judge had him starstruck. Finally, we hear about his five-cheese mac and cheese, his gateway vegetable and the food he would erase from the planet forever. by Food Network Obsessed

31 min listen

Anne Burrell’s Advice for Bad Cooks & Finding Love on Bumble: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire sits down with Food Network star Anne Burrell to talk all about Worst Cooks in America. Find out if the cooks on the show are really that awful and what it’s like working with her new co-host, Carla Hall. Anne describes her approach to coaching cooks and advice for how to get back to basics if you’re a bad cook. Then, Anne talks about how her love of cooking began and how she lives for what she calls the “head bob.” Finally, she talks about her experiences working in Italy, reveals the pickup line she used to snag her fiancé and insists she started the cat obsession among Food Network stars. by Food Network Obsessed

37 min listen

Maneet Chauhan On Her Tournament of Champions Win, Chopped & Chaat: This week on Food Network Obsessed, world-renowned chef and Food Network star Maneet Chauhan talks about her recent Tournament of Champions win. Maneet shares what it’s like being a woman in a male-dominated profession and what really makes a chef, a chef. Maneet also talks about her spice cabinet must-haves and the comfort dishes that take her back to her childhood in India. Then, she shares what it’s like to go into business with your husband, and being a restaurateur in Nashville. And finally, Maneet talks about her beginnings on Food Network, being a regular judge on Chopped and her favorite parts of filming on set. by Food Network Obsessed

48 min listen

Food Network Obsessed: Snack Break: This week, the answers all of your July 4th food questions on a special Snack Break episode. Jaymee is joined by Ginevra Iverson, Director of Food Network’s Culinary Test Kitchen, to give you insider grilling tips, plus tricks for grilling everything from the best burgers, crispy fish, and some exciting veggie and fruit options in the mix (grilled cabbage with lime is a big hit). Plus, yummy zucchini recipes, how to best meal prep for a BBQ party, and the best icebox cake recipes. by Food Network Obsessed

25 min listen

Josh Capon on Beat Bobby Flay & TikTok Dances: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire chats with Josh Capon — successful chef, restaurateur and seven-time NYC Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash winner. Find out his burger secret weapon is, and get his advice on how to be a good chef (spoiler: it has nothing to do with food!). Josh also talks about his virtual series Cooking with the Capons, how social media has brought him closer to his family and fans and the challenges of running a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a few tears, Josh shares his greatest wish when it comes to food and what his perfect food day would look like. by Food Network Obsessed

30 min listen

Alex Guarnaschelli on Almost Turning Down Chopped & Crying On Set: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire sits down with Alex Guarnaschelli, esteemed chef and host of Supermarket Stakeout. The Iron Chef talks about her humble start on Food Network and how she overcame a few early missteps by pumping up the charisma. She describes how her first interaction with Bobby Flay ended in tears and gets real about on-set jitters. Alex takes us back to her first days on Chopped and her favorites memories from the iconic show. Then, she gives all the details on her show, Supermarket Stakeout, and the wacky items found in peoples’ shopping carts. Finally, Alex talks about how a delicious dinner led her to love and the story of her proposal. by Food Network Obsessed

45 min listen

Robert Irvine on Cooking in Extreme Conditions & Why He Exercises Every Day: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire shares the foods she’s currently obsessed with before diving into a conversation with Food Network star, Robert Irvine. Robert is the host of Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible and Dinner: Impossible, and talks about how his experience filming is a direct reflection of his lived experience. He talks about the extreme conditions that would actually make dinner impossible and how his passion for the military comes before his passion for food. Robert also shares memorable moments on Restaurant: Impossible that viewers haven’t seen, and why he keeps in touch with every person from the show. Finally, Robert talks about how he met his wife, Gail, while filming and how he wrangled a team of Food Network stars to coordinate a surprise wedding for her. by Food Network Obsessed

42 min listen

Jet Tila on His Questionable Tattoos & Asian Representation in Food Culture: Jet Tila shares his childhood in the first Thai market in the US in LA, Tournament of Champions experience, and the stories behind his many tattoos. This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire sits down with Jet Tila to talk about their brief time as floor reporters on the Iron Chef franchise and the time he avoided an awkward encounter with Jaymee. They dive into the unique challenges of Tournament of Champions and why it’s the show Jet wants to win the most. He talks about his favorite Food Network memories (and people) and the chef’s tattoo that almost was (but that he ultimately didn’t get). Jet dives into his childhood growing up in the first Thai restaurants and markets in Los Angeles, the staple ingredients he always grabs at an Asian supermarket, and what it means to him to represent and elevate Asian cuisine in the food world. by Food Network Obsessed

41 min listen

Kardea Brown on Her Gullah Roots & How an Ex Landed Her a Cooking Show: Host Jaymee Sire sits down with Kardea Brown to talk about everything from her Gullah background to having a television crew move into her backyard in South Carolina. Kardea shares what it means to her to keep her Gullah traditions alive through food and the importance of sharing those flavors and recipes with others. She also talks about the power of persistence and her unconventional path to landing her own cooking show, Delicious Miss Brown. Finally, she shares what it was like to be a judge on the upcoming season of Spring Baking Championship and teaches Jaymee the art of “princess bites.” by Food Network Obsessed

36 min listen

Buddy Valastro on Family Business & Cake Vending Machines: Buddy Valastro shares the story of taking over his father’s bakery at 17 and overcoming a career-threatening hand injury. He talks about how reality television flipped his family’s life upside down and skyrocketed his family bakery to becoming a household name. Buddy shares the history of Carlo’s Bakery, the humbling life lessons his father taught him, and the importance of carrying on his father’s legacy. Buddy reveals some exciting new concepts in the works for Carlo’s Bakery (did someone say cake vending machine?!) and growing the Cake Boss empire. He talks about his genuine friendship with Duff Goldman and how heated the competition gets with him on Buddy vs. Duff before giving advice to aspiring pastry chefs and his keys to success. by Food Network Obsessed

36 min listen

Jeff Mauro on Raiding Strangers’ Kitchens & Whether Hot Dogs Are Sandwiches: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire talks about trying the TikTok tortilla hack and what’s on her menu for the big game. She chats with the Sandwich King and larger-than-life personality, Jeff Mauro, about his new show, Kitchen Crash, and the unique challenge the contestants face when raiding strangers’ kitchens for ingredients. Jeff gives advice on upping your sandwich game, his game-day predictions and settles, once and for all, whether hot dogs are sandwiches. Finally, he surprises us with an original Food Network Obsessed song! by Food Network Obsessed

45 min listen

Chopped's Scott Conant on the Secrets to Restaurant Success: Host Jaymee Sire chats with chef and Chopped judge Scott Conant to talk about his 35 year industry career. Scott talks about how crucial travel has been in influencing his cooking style, his next dream destination, and his admiration for his wife’s Turkish culture. He talks about the change of scenery from New York to Arizona and what excites him about the food scene in Phoenix. He shares his secrets to restaurant success and needing to love what you do and have fun in such a tough industry. Scott also talks about his memories and experiences as a longtime judge on Chopped and the most common kryptonite basket ingredient. by Food Network Obsessed

38 min listen

Guy Fieri Talks His First Audition Tape & Tournament of Champions: On this week’s episode of Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire plays a fun game in honor of guest Guy Fieri. He joins the podcast to talk all things Tournament of Champions and who actually is in charge of the diabolical randomizer. They discuss the cutthroat, sports-style bracket challenges and how they developed the show to stand out from the rest with blind taste testing. Guy then talks about his philanthropy, raising millions of dollars this past year for the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, and the resilience of the restaurant industry. He also tells the story of the audition tape that got him on the network and showing up to the set of Food Network Star in a yellow leather jacket and flip flops. by Food Network Obsessed

52 min listen

Michael Symon on The Browns, BBQ Brawl & BFF Bobby Flay: This week, chef Michael Symon chats with Jaymee about his culinary career in Cleveland and how the food scene has evolved over the past two decades. He talks about how the various European influences of his childhood shaped him as a chef and the first thing he learned to make. Michael explains his “meat-centric” style of cooking, why pork is his favorite protein, and how to cook absolutely anything on the grill. Plus, Michael dishes about filming BBQ Brawl with best friend Bobby Flay, and his strategy for making a comeback after last season’s disappointing loss. by Food Network Obsessed

36 min listen

Carla Hall on Best Baker in America & Her “Yes” Philosophy: Carla Hall talks about her personal “yes” philosophy, her journey to Food Network, and how she manages to stay positive. This week on Food Network Obsessed, chef and TV personality Carla Hall joins host Jaymee Sire to start off their chat with a dance party. Carla talks about going from accountant—to model—to chef and how growing up in the South shaped her love of food. Carla shares how she manages to cultivate her positive, optimistic outlook on life and get through difficult times. She talks about her experiences filming with Food Network and her most memorable moment before a rapid-fire round with Jaymee where she reveals her favorite Nashville hot chicken spot. by Food Network Obsessed

48 min listen

Hawa Hassan on Creating In Bibi’s Kitchen & Her Spice of Life: Somali cook and food journalist Hawa Hassan shares the importance of stories and the inspiration behind her award-winning cookbook. This week on Food Network Obsessed, Hawa Hassan talks to host Jaymee Sire about how her Somali roots have shaped her food perspective and the path she planned to get to where she is today. Hawa shares the process of developing her own line of sauces, influenced by traditional Somali recipes, and how that provided a springboard for her to dive into creating her cookbook, In Bibi’s Kitchen. Hawa shares the process of gathering research, recipes and photography for the cookbook and why she decided to take a maternal point of view to share the foods and dishes that remind her of home. She talks about filming her new Cooking Channel show, Spice of Life, and what spice of life personally means to her before sharing her favorite New York spots to get African cuisine. by Food Network Obsessed

35 min listen

Cliff Crooks on Brutal Honesty, Dumb Luck & Chef Boot Camp: This week, host Jaymee Sire talks to chef and restaurateur Cliff Crooks about his experience opening more than 20 restaurants and how the landscape of restaurants has changed over the course of his career. Chef Cliff talks about his tough love approach to mentorship, the most challenging elements of restaurant management and what he has learned over the years. Cliff reveals his favorite culinary spots and neighborhoods in his home of New York City. Cliff talks about his tough love approach on his new Food Network show, Chef Boot Camp, and how he handles the sometimes tense moments of getting struggling chefs into shape. by Food Network Obsessed

37 min listen

Ted Allen Talks Chopped & Queer Representation in Media: On this week’s episode of Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire shares her thoughts on Food Network’s forecasted food trends for 2021 before diving into a conversation with Chopped Host, Ted Allen. Ted goes in-depth about the process of filming Chopped and how, after hundreds of episodes, the team has it down to a tight 10 hour day. Ted talks about the elusive Chopped basket and how, contrary to popular belief, it’s anything *but* random. Jaymee asks whether Ted prefers to be a host or a judge and how he stays at the top of his game in such a cut-throat industry. Ted also shares what it was like to be a part of the original cast of Queer Eye, his thoughts on the reboot, and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media. Finally, Ted describes his home kitchen and the weirdest ingredient in his fridge right now. by Food Network Obsessed

43 min listen

Justin Warner on Rebellious Cooking & Flavor Laws: Rebel chef Justin Warner shares his journey from winning Food Network Star to his quest to become the ultimate Bon Vivant. Justin talks about starting his own podcast and pursuing the things that make life good. He talks about how he first learned to cook and the resources he used before the internet became what it is today. Justin reveals the various influences that have shaped his culinary point of view and his appreciation for Japanese culture before sharing why he and his wife decided to settle in South Dakota and open a ramen restaurant after traveling the country in an RV. He shares what no one ever tells you about owning a restaurant and what he misses most about New York City. Justin talks about his favorite flavor combinations and cooking motto and then his memories with Alton Brown as his mentor on Food Network Star. Justin talks about his experiences on Guy’s Grocery Games and how he manages the pressure as a floor reporter by Food Network Obsessed

43 min listen

A Day In The Life Of Food Network Magazine Editor-In-Chief Maile Carpenter: On this week’s episode of Food Network Obsessed, Jaymee Sire talks to Maile Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Food Network Magazine and The Pioneer Woman Magazine. Maile talks about what it takes to create each issue for Food Network Magazine and the process behind choosing the cover story (including what the worst-selling cover of all time was). Maile also chats about predicting trends for upcoming issue themes, and about TikTok’s influence on food culture. Plus, what it’s like to work with Food Network stars like Ina Garten, Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay. Finally walks through a typical day as an editor-in-chief and how it’s the opposite of what you might expect (and bonus: her go-to takeout food). by Food Network Obsessed

34 min listen

Zac Young on His Epic Piecaken Creation & Halloween Baking Championship: Pastry chef Zac Young talks about how he became Sprinklemaster, his whimsical dessert creations and Halloween Baking Championship. Zac chats with host Jaymee Sire about his epic Piecaken creation, how it created a pumpkin puree shortage in New York City, and what would be in an ideal “Zacaken.” He shares his sources of creative inspiration, how he conceptualizes new and playful ideas, and what he does when he is in a creative rut. Zac shares his relationship with sweets as a child growing up in a vegan household and the treat he would always sneak on his way home from school. Jaymee and Zac indulge in their mutual love of Zac’s home state, Maine, and how it has evolved as a food destination. He shares his memories of cutting his teeth in New York City and the dessert that won over Alex Guarnaschelli. Zac gets into his favorite moments and costumes from Halloween Baking Championship, why he loves working with co-ho by Food Network Obsessed

41 min listen

Amanda Freitag on Saying No to Iron Chef America & Her Favorite Chopped Dish: Chef Amanda Freitag talks about approachable cooking, her collection of menus, and love of culinary education. This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire chats with chef Amanda Freitag on what it means to be “Amanda AF.” She talks about the teacher who encouraged her to become a chef and her own love of teaching. Amanda talks about her mission to demystify cooking and connect with people through food with her series “Easy AF.” She shares her obsession with collecting restaurant menus, her favorite menu of her collection, and how she got her hands on all of them. Amanda reveals how she said “no” when first approached for Iron Chef and if she would compete on Tournament of Champions again. by Food Network Obsessed

37 min listen

Giada De Laurentiis on Filming in Italy with Bobby Flay & Her Decade-Long Health Journey: Giada De Laurentiis talks about her new cookbook, Eat Better, Feel Better, her career and her decade-long health journey, and filming ‘Bobby and Giada in Italy’. Giada talks about the personal health issues that inspired her latest cookbook, and her favorite nutritious recipes from the book (Plus, what she typically eats in a day unless she’s traveling, when all bets are off). Giada also talks about her childhood, and how growing up in a family of filmmakers influenced her career in both food and television. And Giada shares her most memorable moments filming with Bobby Flay in Italy and the things Bobby does that drive her crazy. by Food Network Obsessed

38 min listen

Ali Khan on Eating Fearlessly & Austin’s Surprising Ramen Game: This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire plays a game of Would You Rather and dives into a conversation with host, food writer, blogger and influencer Ali Khan. Khan talks about his lifelong obsession with food and his journey into food media (plus how much the food media landscape has changed since he started). He also shares the craziest challenge on the latest season of Spring Baking Championship, and why he would never compete on Chopped. Finally, he talks about why he decided to settle in Austin, and his top recommendations for eating your way through the city. by Food Network Obsessed

53 min listen

Vallery Lomas on How She Went from Lawyer to Full-Time Baker: Vallery Lomas shares how she made the career pivot from lawyer to baking superstar. Vallery, also known as the Foodie in New York, reveals her go-to spots in the city and her definition of a “foodie.” She talks about her earliest food memories growing up in Baton Rouge and the first delightful dessert she learned to make. Vallery talks about how the recession and loss of a promised job after law school sparked her move to Paris to explore the culture and pastries. She talks about learning through failure and how the work ethic and communication skills she learned in law school have helped her as a baker. She talks about the recipes that inspired her latest cookbook, the experience of filming her own Food Network series, and what’s next for her. by Food Network Obsessed

36 min listen

Christian Petroni on Garlic Bread, Gabagool & His Food Network Family: Chef Christian Petroni shares his life growing up in the Bronx and his journey to being a member of the Food Network family. This week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire chats with chef and restaurateur Christian Petroni about his Bronx-Italian heritage and his signature sweaters. He talks about his Gabagool lifestyle brand and gives Jaymee a vocabulary lesson before diving into his garlic bread obsession that inspired a tattoo and the TV-inspired names of his chickens. He talks about how he was approached for Food Network Star and the gratitude he feels for his Food Network family. Christian shares the story behind his trusty pepper grinder bat and his experience on Tournament of Champions. by Food Network Obsessed

39 min listen

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Chris Santos on Chopped Baskets, Boxing & Smash Burgers

Chris Santos on Chopped Baskets, Boxing & Smash Burgers

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