Food Network Obsessed

Chef Martel Stone shares his reaction to being named a Food Network Hotlister and shares his goals for the year. He talks about his first opportunity to compete on television and how it ignited his dormant competitive spirit. Martel talks about the aquatic ingredient that still haunts him and his strategy on Guy’s Grocery Games when it comes to the frozen aisle. He recalls the French omelet responsible for this career pivot and the traits required to be a successful chef. Martel shares his recipe for getting out of a creative rut before walking through an ideal day in his hometown of Philadelphia. He shares what he is manifesting lately and the Food Network star he loves to see on the call sheet.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Martel Stone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmartelstone/  Check Out the Food Network Hotlist: https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/food-network-hot-list-2024  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Nini Nguyen delves into her experience competing in the Tournament of Champions, from taking on the Randomizer to meeting Guy Fieri. She reminisces about her early food memories,  describing trips to the farmer's markets in Vietnam alongside her grandmother and crafting memorable meals together. With a passion for blending her Vietnamese heritage with the rich flavors of New Orleans cuisine, Nini reflects on her diverse culinary influences and the invaluable lessons learned working in various kitchens. The cooking instructor shares her joy of empowering others to experiment and cultivate confidence in their culinary endeavors. She highlights her culinary travels, particularly Vietnam, revealing profound insights into the intricate tapestry of regional Vietnamese cuisine. The cookbook author unveils the inspiration behind her upcoming cookbook titled Dac Biet, aiming to honor her Vietnamese roots while bridging cultural divides through a vibrant celebration of authentic flavors. The chef playfully laments her furry companion Tofu's disdain for her cooking.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Nini Nguyen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefnininguyen/  Follow Nini Nguyen on X: https://twitter.com/chefnininguyen  Check Out Nini Nguyen’s Website: https://www.chefnininguyen.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 Food Network Hot Lister, Pyet DeSpain, reflects on her first steps into the Tournament of Champions arena and her initial impressions of Guy Fieri. She discusses her unique take on a classic PB&J, a dish that her grandfather would prepare for her, sparking her inspiration in the kitchen. Pyet shares early memories of sorting beans and cutting carrots with her grandfather, emphasizing the importance of earning her keep in the family kitchen. The chef reminisces on baking with her grandmother whom she refers to as the cake magician. She remembers her upbringing on the Osage Reservation with cultural richness, meat pies, and grape dumplings. Pyet speaks on the blend of Native American and Mexican influences in her culinary creations, emphasizing the significance of reconnecting with one's roots. Pyet dishes on her journey from the corporate world to the culinary industry, citing her motivation to a recommendation from a friend to explore culinary school. She candidly talks about the challenges she faced, from the lack of structure to accountability, underscoring the importance of keeping one's "why" at the forefront and trusting intuition. Pyet reveals her secret ingredients—authenticity and love—and looks ahead to 2024 with exciting plans, including writing a cookbook.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Pyet DeSpain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefpyet/  Check Out Pyet DeSpain’s Website: https://www.pyetsplate.com/  Learn More About Tournament of Champions: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-champions  Learn More About Dig In With: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/dig-in-with  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Carla Hall shares some of the exciting ventures she has embarked on since her last appearance, including her new show on Max, Chasing Flavor. She provides insight into what viewers can expect as they join her in tracing the origin of popular dishes. The genesis of the show, sparked during an animated dinner party conversation with friends, comes to life as Carla shares the intricate process of bringing her vision to the screen. Carla highlights the importance of understanding where our ingredients come from and attaching the culture to a dish. Carla reveals some of her favorite bites and destinations along her international travels, from savoring Ghanaian spices to relishing kebabs in Turkey. The chef reminisces on exploring the origins of some of her favorite dishes, such as chicken pot pie, ice cream, and hot chicken, revisiting her hometown of Nashville. She imparts advice for recovering flavorless dishes in the kitchen, encouraging home cooks to elevate their kitchen endeavors with the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences she shares on Chasing Flavor.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Carla Hall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaphall  Follow Carla Hall on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlahall  Check Out Carla Hall’s Website: https://carlahall.com/  Learn More About Chasing Flavor: https://www.max.com/shows/chasing-flavor/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Zoe Adjonyoh discusses her culinary venture, Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, and its successful 13-year-run. She delves into the heart of her cookbook of the same name, Zoe's Ghana Kitchen, emphasizing its unique perspective that beautifully intertwines Ghanaian and Irish cultures. Drawing inspiration from Ghanaian cuisine, Zoe underscores the significance of honoring locally sourced ingredients. She recounts her return to Ghana as an adult, returning with a sense of grace to experiment creatively. She reminisces on her dad’s laughter in the kitchen accompanied with his valuable lesson to cook food until it’s about to burn. Zoe dishes on the influence of music on her culinary journey, curating playlists to elevate both the cooking and dining experience. Zoe imparts advice to aspiring cooks, encouraging them to be curious. She shares some of her upcoming projects in the new year, including her own podcast centered around her transformative healing journey.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Zoe Adjonyoh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghanakitchen/  Check Out Zoe Adjonyoh’s Website: https://www.zoeadjonyoh.com/  Learn More About Dig In With: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/dig-in-with  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Claudette Zepeda takes a nostalgic journey through her impressive 23-year culinary career, reminiscing on breaking bread with family and engaging in lively discussions about upcoming meals. Claudette cites the resilient women in her family as early culinary inspirations, including her resourceful grandmother and aunt managing a restaurant with meticulous care. The Tijuana native emphasizes the importance of infusing her Mexican heritage's flavors into her dishes, characterized by a harmonious blend of high acidity, salt, and chile. The executive chef of VAGA delves into the balance achieved on the menu—a symphony between the ocean and the farm. She unfolds the narrative behind the restaurant's name and sheds light on the meaningful early morning traditions she established with her staff before VAGA's grand opening. She recounts a poignant moment cooking alongside Selena Gomez in Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays, reminiscing about attending Selena’s concert with her daughter in years past. Claudette reveals that she learned the English language through avidly watching public broadcast TV, including Julia Child, fueling early aspirations to emulate the culinary icon. The chef provides a glimpse into her cherished holiday traditions, crafting core memories with her children through the timeless art of making tamales.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Claudette Zepeda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudetteazepeda/  Learn More About Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/selena-chef-home-for-the-holidays  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Christian Petroni recounts some of the most memorable moments since his last appearance on the podcast. He reflects on his culinary influences, shaped by growing up in the Bronx alongside his Italian parents to visiting the island of Ponza as a child. Christian reveals the joy of connecting with his favorite chefs in real-time through social media and finding common ground with his followers. He talks about his experience on Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown and delves into the significance of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Christian expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of his chef friends since his debut on Chopped over a decade ago. He opens up about his quest to recapture the magical holiday spirit of childhood and shares cherished traditions that he eagerly anticipates each year. The Bronx native dishes on his favorite Italian restaurants in the area, including a standout red sauce spot. Reflecting on his upbringing attending Yankees games with his father, he shares the profound meaning behind having his garlic bread now sold in the stadium. Looking ahead to 2024, Christian gives an exclusive peek into his plans, promising even more garlic bread and the launch of his upcoming book.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Christian Petroni on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianpetroni/  Follow Christian Petroni on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christianpetroni  Learn More About Chopped: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped  Learn More About Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/beat-bobby-flay-holiday-throwdown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Kenneth Temple recounts his experience of being cast on Chopped and clinching the victory. Kenneth reveals how attending culinary school on a whim led to his early ambitions of becoming a private chef and crafting healthier meals. The chef describes the unique challenges and rewards of being a private chef and adapting his cooking style to cater to professional athletes. Kenneth gushes over his new baby and expresses his anticipation of introducing them to the flavors of New Orleans. The New Orleans native highlights just a few of his favorite dishes from bread pudding to red beans. He reveals his go-to ingredients in the kitchen, offering insight into a New Orleanian pantry. He imparts valuable advice, urging fellow chefs to view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Kenneth shares anecdotes about his wife Meiko, detailing how they merge their cooking styles at home and reminiscing on their first meeting. He reflects on playful moments at home, where he and Meiko engage in impromptu Chopped challenges with their pantry items and invite friends to savor their latest creations. Kenneth reveals the secret to his red bean recipe, offering a glimpse into his dedicated seven year journey to perfect it.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Kenneth Temple on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennethtemple_/?hl=en  Follow Kenneth Temple on Twitter: https://x.com/KennethTemple_?s=20  Follow Kenneth Temple on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ChefKennethTemple?feature=shared  Check Out Kenneth’s Website: https://kennethtemple.com/  Learn More About Chopped: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped  Learn More About Served Family Style: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/celebration-menu-500  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Food Network Obsessed is off for the holiday, we're leaving you with an episode of Cooked and Booked, a new podcast from Food Network. Listen to episode 1, NYC's Ice Cream Truck Turf War here, and follow Cooked and Booked wherever you get your podcasts.Sunny Anderson hosts Cooked and Booked, the podcast where food and true crime get blitzed, blended and baked into one deliciously dangerous dish. Sunny is best known as a Food Network host, but she’s also a true crime obsessive. In each episode she walks guests through wild stories of scams, heists and criminal capers with tasty twists. Like any good menu, this podcast has a wide array of offerings. Some stories are savory, like one man’s multi-year scam to create and sell millions in fake vintage wine. Others are spicy, like a Michelin food critic who blows the lid off the whole “starred” system. And a few are sweet, like the orchestrated robbery of literal tons of maple syrup. Every episode is filled with decadent drama in culinary cahoots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cake artist Ashley Holt reveals how she coined her nickname, Sugar Monster. She recounts the moment when she transitioned from the world of modeling to the realm of cake artistry, driven by her passion for both sculpting and baking. Ashley reflects on her first cake creation for her brother's birthday. She provides a glimpse into her daily life, including being with her five-year-old daughter and working in her new in-home studio. The pastry chef dishes on the intricacies of cake making, requiring upwards of five suitcases of tools when traveling. Ashley shares the holiday traditions from her upbringing and her aspirations to pass them down to her daughter. She gushes over one of her largest celebrity cake orders and divulges how she handles pressure with tight deadlines. The judge of The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown spills the secrets of success on the show, recounting her favorite creations and sharing laughter over the challenges of the fake snow on set.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Ashley Holt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugar_monsterr/  Check Out Ashley’s website: https://www.sugarmonstersweets.com/  Learn More About The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-elf-on-the-shelf-sweet-showdown  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.