

Staying Ahead of the Curve With Tom Colicchio
Nov 14, 2024
Tom Colicchio, renowned chef and head judge of Top Chef, joins the discussion to share insights from his culinary journey and his new book, 'Why I Cook.' He reflects on his experiences in elite kitchens and the evolution of New American cuisine. The conversation highlights the importance of cooking with confidence, addressing anxiety in the kitchen, and the transformative power of mentorship. Colicchio also passionately discusses the challenges of food insecurity in America, calling for political advocacy and personal involvement in the fight against hunger.
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Episode notes
Chang's Pursuit of Colicchio
- Dave Chang sought to work for Tom Colicchio after reading about him and his restaurants.
- He was drawn to Colicchio's connection to Thomas Keller and his focus on American cuisine.
Colicchio's New York Ambition
- Tom Colicchio believed New York's culinary scene was unforgiving and required preparedness.
- He worked at various New Jersey restaurants to hone his skills before applying to New York establishments.
Machine Gun Tom
- Tom Colicchio was known as "Machine Gun Tom" in the kitchen due to his expediting style.
- He preferred cooks to listen to his calls rather than rely on tickets, emphasizing efficiency.