Food Network Obsessed

Rising star chef Mika Leon shares her experience competing in the new around-the-clock culinary competition “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing” and what exactly was going through her mind when she stepped on set for the first time. Mika discusses the challenges and pressures of the competition, including a serious lack of sleep and how crucial it is to be resourceful. She talks about her culinary journey, from starting a humble dessert company in her mom's garage to opening her own restaurant, Caja Caliente. Mika emphasizes the importance of honoring her Cuban culinary traditions while infusing her own personal touch. She also shares her aspirations for the future, including scaling Caja Caliente nationally and publishing a cookbook.Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetworkFollow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesireFollow Mika Leon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikabites/Learn More About 24 in 24 Last Chef Standing: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/24-in-24-last-chef-standing

Food Network favorite and chef Michael Symon discusses his new culinary competition show, 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing and the unique competition that puts culinary stamina to the test. The show features 24 chefs competing in 24 challenges over 24 hours, with rotating camera crews capturing all of the action. Symon compares the intensity of the show to the experience of opening a restaurant and highlights the importance of technique and muscle memory to dominate the competition. He also discusses the dynamics of the judging panel and the unique format of the show. Michael opens up about his latest cookbook, 'Simply Symon Suppers', the inspiration behind it, and the importance of Sunday suppers in his home. Michael hopes that viewers of 24 in 24 will gain a better understanding and appreciation of the hard work and passion that goes into being a chef. He also shares his plans for the future, including opening a Greek restaurant and helping his son with his donut and slider concepts.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Michael Symon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsymon/  Learn More About 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/24-in-24-last-chef-standing 

Noah Cappe provides a glimpse into his latest culinary venture, Best Bite in Town, masterminded by Guy Fieri. He delves into the show's captivating premise, where he and esteemed celebrity chefs embark on a quest to unearth the ultimate culinary treasures in various locales, shining a spotlight on hidden gem eateries. Cappe shares captivating details about the rigorous selection process, the intricate judging criteria, and the unforgettable moments captured during filming. Drawing from his extensive hosting experience on Carnival Eats, spanning eleven seasons, Cappe underscores the overlap between carnival fare and traditional culinary delights. He fondly recounts cherished memories with his daughter, Wolfie, and underscores the profound significance of cherished family recipes in fostering meaningful connections through food. He reflects on cozy evenings spent with his wife, Keri, deftly balancing between homemade culinary creations and convenient dining options amidst their busy schedules. The host delves into the story behind his bedside toaster and recounts the transformation of his yearly themed parties.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Noah Cappe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahcappe/  Learn More About Elite Bite Club: https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/shows/best-bite-in-town-noah-cappe  Learn More About Carnival Eats: https://www.foodnetwork.ca/tag/carnival-eats/ 

Chef Kevin Lee discusses his unexpected journey in Tournament of Champions, emerging as a surprise contender after years of being a backup. He offers a glimpse into the exhilarating realm of culinary competitions, drawing from his experiences on shows like Guy's Grocery Games and Alex vs America to navigate the challenges of TOC with finesse. Lee traces his culinary journey back to a pivotal college cooking class, a turning point that ignited his passion despite initially venturing into hospitality management. He emphasizes the importance of repetition, dedication, and teamwork in the culinary industry, drawing parallels between sports and cooking. The chef candidly shares the trials and triumphs of transitioning from the frenetic pace of restaurant kitchens to the entrepreneurial realm, epitomized by his venture, Birdie's Fried Chicken in Edmund, Oklahoma. He dishes on his vision for his new restaurant concept, teasing plans to infuse the menu with seasonal delights and authentic Korean flavors. Reflecting on his culinary journey, Lee imparts invaluable wisdom to aspiring chefs, advocating for patience, effort, and authenticity as the cornerstones of success.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Kevin Lee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkleeokc/?hl=en  Learn More About Tournament of Champions:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-champions  Learn More About Guy’s Grocery Games: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/guys-grocery-games  Learn More About Alex vs America: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/alex-vs-america 

Chef Tobias Dorzon discusses how his competitive nature from football seamlessly translated into competitive kitchens, where he thrives on the rush of creating fine meals under pressure. Having appeared on several episodes of Guy's Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions, Tobias reflects on the importance of representation and being a role model for aspiring chefs. Tobias shares memorable moments and interactions with Guy Fieri and fellow chefs, highlighting the supportive community within the culinary world. He also delves into the challenges of competing on TOC, particularly the intense pressure of the Randomizer. The chef discusses his restaurant, Huncho House, where he blends West African influences with other culinary inspirations, creating unique and memorable dining experiences for his guests. He describes the ambiance of Huncho House, inspired by a Beauty and the Beast theme, blending elegance with natural elements. Chef Dorzon shares his career aspirations, including the importance of attaining a Michelin star.   Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Tobias Dorzon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobiasdorzon/  Follow Tobias Dorzon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TobiasDorzon  Learn More About Guy’s Grocery Games: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/guys-grocery-games  Learn More About Tournament of Champions: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-champions 

Chef Crista Luedtke discusses how her journey on the Food Network has evolved over the years, revealing the inner workings of her competitive spirit and the profound influence of her upbringing in a bustling household led by a single mother. Crista recounts her thrilling experiences on culinary battlegrounds like Guy's Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions, where she navigated the pressures of time constraints and unexpected twists with finesse and flair. She opens up about bouncing back from setbacks in both the culinary arena and in life, emphasizing the importance of learning and growing from failures. Crista reminisces about her childhood in Wisconsin, where she developed a love for food from a young age. Raised in a restaurant environment, she recalls fond memories of helping out in the family business and cherishing the importance of sharing meals and stories. She explains how her passion for cooking led her to leave the corporate world behind and become a serial entrepreneur, founding multiple successful ventures in Guerneville, California.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Crista Luedtke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefcristaluedtke/  Learn More About Guy’s Grocery Games: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/guys-grocery-games  Learn More About Tournament of Champions: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/tournament-of-champions 

Eric Adjepong reminisces about his unforgettable culinary experiences alongside celebrities like Selena Gomez and A-Rod, offering insights into the unique dynamics of cooking with celebrities. Reflecting on his recent endeavors, Eric underscores the value of shedding fear and drama to focus on personal evolution and well-being. He proudly showcases his acclaimed children's book, "Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging," while teasing an upcoming cookbook that promises to fuse the vibrant flavors of West African and Caribbean cuisines. The chef introduces audiences to his exciting new Food Network venture, "Wildcard Kitchen," a captivating competition inspired by the intrigue of poker. He paints a vivid picture of the show's premise, where surprise ingredients and individual wildcards are the secret ingredients that infuse each culinary showdown with layers of strategy, resulting in an electrifying and suspenseful culinary spectacle. Eric emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, highlighting the parallels between culinary competitions and the art of poker. He shares his personal philosophy of embracing challenges as catalysts for growth, encouraging others to bet on themselves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Eric Adjepong on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefericadjepong/  Follow Eric Adjepong on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChefAdjepong  Check Out Eric Adjepong’s Website: https://www.chefadjepong.com/  Learn More About Wildcard Kitchen: https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/wildcard-kitchen-eric-adjepong 

Rodrigo delves into the roots of his culinary journey, tracing it back to the influential presence of his grandmother whose aromatic dishes and flavorful creations defined his childhood memories. He fondly recalls the early lessons in ingredient appreciation and culinary techniques, particularly emphasizing the pivotal moment when he mastered the art of cooking rice. Drawing from his experiences in esteemed Michelin-starred kitchens, Rodrigo shares invaluable insights into culinary craftsmanship, underlining the significance of integrity, effective delegation, and astute leadership. With an unwavering passion for peppers and a steadfast commitment to marrying traditional Peruvian flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, Rodrigo unveils the essence of his restaurant menus, characterized by a harmonious fusion of heritage and innovation. Reflecting on his journey through various restaurant concepts and engaging pop-up ventures, Rodrigo recounts anecdotes from his formative experiences, including the humble beginnings of his first pop-up endeavor and the organic evolution of his culinary ventures. Rodrigo shares his foray into social media and the world of culinary education, where he imparts his expertise and passion for cooking to a global audience. He recounts the unexpected virality of his TikTok video featuring the unconventional use of an ostrich egg in scrambled eggs, offering a glimpse into the unpredictability of online engagement and the power of culinary creativity.  Follow Food Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnetwork   Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire  Follow Rodrigo Fernandini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigofernandini/?hl=en  Follow Rodrigo Fernandini on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefrodrigofernandini  Learn More About Dig In With: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/dig-in-with 

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