This Is TASTE 719: Scott Conant Doesn't Just Play a Chef on TV
Jan 23, 2026
Scott Conant, a James Beard Award-winning chef and TV personality, discusses his culinary journey and recent projects. He recounts his early days in New York, especially the acclaim of Scarpetta and its iconic spaghetti. Conant shares the inspiration behind launching his sauce line, Martone Street, emphasizing clean ingredients and family roots. He reflects on the dynamics of cooking shows, prioritizing food over contestant drama, and the balance of his two decades in television versus the fast-paced restaurant life. Plus, he reveals personal stories of hospitality that leave a lasting impression.
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Entrepreneurial Wake-Up Call
- Scott Conant had a wake-up moment when Rao's sold for billions and decided to start his own sauce brand.
- He leveraged his Scarpetta brand-building lessons to become the face of Martone Street until it could stand alone.
Restaurants Reflect Personal History
- Scott described new restaurant openings including Loyola in the Bahamas and relaunched Americano in Atlanta.
- He ties restaurant names and concepts to personal memories and early career nicknames.
Family Roots Shape The Brand
- Martone Street is rooted in Conant's family history and Italian-American home cooking.
- He emphasizes food as an expression of love and cultural continuity.
