~ cueing up the show ~
~ pulling every episode ~
The Chef's Cut — Every episode — OmList
om
list
Swipe
Tournament
Lists
Friends
All
Movies
TV
Books
Games
Music
Podcasts
People
▾
Sign in
Every episode
The Chef's Cut
30 episodes
Diana Davila: Competing on Padma’s Cooking Show, Owning the Narrative & Making Mexican Food Her Own!!
Aug 17, 2026 · 38 min
Adrienne and Joe are joined by Chef Diana Davila to discuss competing on Padma’s new show (America’s Culinary Cup), the pressure of cooking competition TV, and taking ownership of your story. In this episode, we also discuss: Navigating the intense anxiety and public perception of competition television Diana’s approach to Mexican cuisine: history, tradition, and innovation Regional Mexican food divides: Chicago, Texas, California, New York, and Mexico The creative process: mastering classic ing…
Is Ozempic Changing the Restaurant Industry?!?
Aug 10, 2026 · 29 min
Adrienne and Joe dive into the Ozempic and GLP-1 trend to unpack its massive impact on the restaurant industry, shifting diner habits, and what it all means for the future of menus. In this episode, we also discuss: How shifting appetites change what we order, not how often How GLP-1s work and influence habits The demand for smaller portions and higher protein Who adapts faster: fast-casual or fine dining? Fewer desserts, less booze, and the mocktail boom Lessons from past diet trends like Atkin…
The Walk-In Hall of Fame: Greatest Chef Confessions!!
Aug 3, 2026 · 32 min
Adrienne and Joe look back at some of the most memorable walk-in confessions from the show, unpacking early-career kitchen mistakes and the intense pressure of proving yourself on the line. In this special compilation episode, we cover: Kristen Kish’s freezer-mopping disaster and a family meal fryer spill Dan Barber’s improvised fix for an order of overcooked lamb Gail Simmons’s on-set injury and bouncing back for the camera Maneet Chauhan rebuilding a collapsed wedding cake under extreme…
Michael Solomonov on Zahav, Addiction, and Why Philly is the Best Food City!!
Jul 27, 2026 · 31 min
Adrienne and Joe are joined by acclaimed Chef Michael Solomonov to talk his award-winning restaurants, the thriving Philadelphia restaurant community, and the realities of addiction and recovery in the industry. In this episode, we also discuss: The origins of Zahav and the inspiration of Israeli food culture Opening a restaurant during the 2008 recession Why Philly’s food scene thrives: affordability and community Moving beyond traditional French and Italian fine dining Ingredient integrity: pr…
From Eating History: How Chicago Deep Dish and Detroit Pizza Were Born!!
Jul 20, 2026 · 28 min
Adrienne and Joe share their favorite things about regional pizza tastes, including what your favorite Chicago pizzeria says about you. Then we get a taste of Eating History, the newest podcast featuring Adrienne and her husband Stephen Bailey. They dive into one of pizza’s greatest debates: how did America’s regional pizza styles emerge, and why do people defend them so fiercely? Topics Covered: The origins of Chicago deep dish pizza The partnership that launched Pizzeria Uno How deep dis…
What Chefs Think of The Bear's Final Season!!
Jul 13, 2026 · 43 min
The Bear has served its final course, and Chef's Cut is breaking down every bite. This week, Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm break down the series finale with a spoiler-filled discussion of what the show got right about restaurant life, from chaotic services and reservation disasters to Michelin stars, leadership, and life in the kitchen. They also explore the journeys of Carmy and Sydney, debate the show's ending, and discuss the lasting impact The Bear may have on restaurant culture. In this e…
René Redzepi Returns: Are We Ready for Noma's Next Chapter?
Jul 6, 2026 · 35 min
This week, Adrienne and Joe are tackling the latest developments in the René Redzepi and Noma saga. In a newly recorded update, they unpack Redzepi’s controversial return to Noma in a creative director role, the separation of creative vision from daily kitchen operations, and what accountability and "atonement" truly look like in the hospitality industry. Following this introduction, we're revisiting our episode from March, where we first discussed the abuse allegations, the immense pressure of…
How to Eat Like a Top Chef When You Travel!!
Jun 29, 2026 · 43 min
This week, Adrienne and Joe are talking all things travel, sharing their ultimate guide to eating well on the road. From highlighting underrated food cities across the globe to breaking down their insider strategies for finding the best local bites, they cover everything you need to know to plan your next culinary adventure. In this episode: Underrated food cities to add to your itinerary How to find great restaurants when traveling and why you should always ask local chefs and bartenders where…
Inside The Bear: Top Chefs Separate Fact from Fiction!!
Jun 22, 2026 · 36 min
With the final season of The Bear almost here, Adrienne and Joe revisit the first four seasons of the hit series to discuss what the show gets right about restaurant life, where it misses the mark, and why it has resonated so deeply with chefs and industry professionals. They share their thoughts on kitchen culture, burnout, and healing in the restaurant world, discuss their favorite character arcs, and make predictions about how the series might end. In this episode: What The Bear gets right an…
The Secret to Shopping the Farmers Market Like a Chef, and Technology Transforming Hospitality!!
Jun 15, 2026 · 45 min
Farmers market season is here, so Adrienne and Joe are sharing the tips, tricks, and insider knowledge that chefs use to find the best ingredients. From the questions you should be asking farmers to the relationships that can completely change the way you shop, they break down how to get the most out of every trip to the market. In this episode: The questions every shopper should ask at the farmers market How to build relationships with farmers and better understand seasonal produce The creative…
EXCLUSIVE: Top Chef Winner Reveals What It Took to Become Season 23 Champion!!
Jun 9, 2026 · 43 min
The Top Chef Season 23 champion joins our podcast for an exclusive conversation about the journey from finalist to winner. Fresh off the finale, the newest Top Chef breaks down the dishes that sealed the victory, the strategy behind the final meal, and the emotions of competing in one of the most pressure-filled moments of the competition. In this episode: A behind-the-scenes look at the Top Chef Season 23 finale The inspiration and cultural influences behind the winning menu Why leaning into pe…
Top Chef Final 3! An Inside View on the Chaos and Competition!!
Jun 2, 2026 · 46 min
SPOILER ALERT!! With the Top Chef Season 23 finale just days away, Adrienne and Joe break down the final three chefs and reveal what it really takes to win it all. They analyze Laurence, Rhoda, and Sherry’s chances, share behind-the-scenes secrets from the competition, and revisit their own Top Chef finale experience, including the mistakes they'd avoid, the sous chefs they'd choose today, and stories they've never shared before. In this episode: The secrets behind how Top Chef is really made, i…
Reservation Wars, AI in the Dining Room, and the Future of Hospitality!!
May 25, 2026 · 41 min
The reservation wars are heating up, as SevenRooms (via DoorDash) seeks to challenge OpenTable and Resy with a major play. Adrienne and Joe tell us why this is just the beginning, and how technology and AI are changing the dining experience. In this episode, we also discuss: Why dining experiences have become a huge focus for big tech (and your credit card company) The influence of social media on culinary trends and menu design The evolution of restaurant operations from analog to digital (and…
Our Spicy Takes On The New York Times Top 100 Restaurants & A New Show Launch for Food and History Lovers!!
May 18, 2026 · 32 min
The New York Times released their list of the 100 Best Restaurants in New York City, and people are in their feelings about it. Arienne and Joe sit down to give their thoughts on the backlash, what they did and didn't like about the list, and why former Chef’s Cut guest Ligaya Mishan deserves some grace. In this episode, we also discuss: Budget restaurants vs. fine dining and how to properly compare them The biggest NYC restaurants that didn’t make the list (Gramercy Tavern, Per Se, etc.) Kabawa…
Tristen Epps-Long on Fast Food Beginnings, Michelin’s Race Problem, and Becoming a Top Chef Champion!!
May 11, 2026 · 52 min
Reigning Top Chef champion Tristen Epps-Long joins Adrienne and Joe to talk about life after Top Chef, fine dining in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and what comes after Top Chef (including his new restaurant in Houston). In this episode, we also discuss: Top Chef favorites this season and his best advice for getting through it all Who Tristen would want to face off against in a Top Chef Masters season Whether Michelin is racist or cuisineist Tristen and Adrienne’s time together at Red Rooster His asce…
This Merger Could Change What You Eat—and How Much You Pay For It
May 4, 2026 · 35 min
There’s an impending food supply merger that could have a huge impact on the restaurant industry, so Adrienne and Joe break down what that means for business owners, consumers, and the food that ends up on your plate. In this episode, we discuss: The Sysco–Restaurant Depot merger and why a food supply monopoly is bad for you Why customers are ultimately going to foot the bill with rising prices The difference between wholesale delivery (Sysco) and cash-and-carry (Restaurant Depot) A chef’s persp…
Karen Akunowicz on Boston’s Food Scene, Bib Gourmand, and the Importance of Powerlifting!!
Apr 27, 2026 · 51 min
Adrienne and Joe are joined by Bib Gourmand award-winning Chef Karen Akunowicz to talk about the Boston food scene, excellent food at a great value, and the importance of finding balance in and out of the kitchen (if that’s even possible). In this episode, we also discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Lobster Rolls (cold or hot?) The booming Boston food scene and how Karen got her start as a Houston’s bartender Prominent female chefs in Boston and the example they set Her restaurants (including Fox & t…
Gail Simmons on Why Top Chef Wins, Cooking Competition Shows and What Judges Really Think!!
Apr 21, 2026 · 59 min
This week we’re joined by the one and only Gail Simmons, Top Chef judging legend and renowned food author. Andrienne and Joe ask her what has kept Top Chef on top for so many years, what to expect in the latest season, and how judging really works on a food competition show. In this episode, we also discuss: The secret sauce behind the show’s appeal and why locations are everything Behind the scenes of working with Tom and Kristen (among others) Whether or not Gail has seen Padma’s new show The…
The Ruth’s Chris-Chili’s Dress Code Feud, Michelin’s Identity Crisis, and Wonton Lasagna!!
Apr 13, 2026 · 31 min
The Michelin Guide is taking a new tack with American restaurants, but is it just diluting their brand? Adrienne and Joe discuss the “recommended” restaurant approach, Michelin plaques with no stars, and why they just don’t get the American Market. In this episode, we also discuss: Ruth’s Chris battling it out with Chili’s over dining room dress codes Whether or not you should be allowed to wear a hoodie and hat to a steakhouse Michelin’s latest ploy to represent southern food in America What Jo…
James Beard Finalists Revealed: The Surprises, Snubs, and Secrets!!
Apr 7, 2026 · 21 min
The 2026 James Beard Award Nominee finalists were just announced, so Adrienne and Joe dive headfirst into the biggest surprises, omissions, and things they’d like to see happen this year. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest names to make each of the lists Why weren’t there any Caribbean restaurants represented? An explanation on how the awards process works What they’d like to see changed, and why the regional layout may need a makeover Adrienne Cheatham is a member of the James Beard Award…
Hospitality Series Pt. 3: Simon Kim on Breaking Steakhouse Rules, Redefining Fried Chicken, and Going Global!!
Mar 30, 2026 · 40 min
It’s part 3 of our series on restaurant hospitality, and this week Adrienne and Joe are joined by James Beard nominee Simon Kim, the man behind COTE Korean Steakhouse and COQODAQ. In this episode, we discuss: Reinventing the steakhouse by blending Korean BBQ with classic American fine dining Building COTE and COQODAQ and redefining what a modern restaurant can be Betting on yourself: overcoming investor doubt and financial pressure The role of the restaurateur as a “producer” behind the scenes C…
Hospitality Series (Pt. 2): Drew Nieporent on Creating Celebrity Chefs, A-List Partnerships, and Going 40 for 40!!
Mar 23, 2026 · 53 min
Adrienne and Joe are back for part two of our three part hospitality series, this time with legendary restaurateur Drew Nieporent of Nobu and Tribeca Grill fame. They talk about his memoir ‘I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult’ and share tales from his storied career. In this episode, we discuss: Drew’s role in the rise of celebrity chefs, starting with putting their names on the menu James Beard awards and the changing role of the restaurateur Working with celebs like Robert De Niro to launch new ven…
René Redzepi - Noma Controversy, the $1,500 LA Pop-Up, and What Happens Next?!
Mar 16, 2026 · 24 min
This week on the Chef’s Cut, Adrienne and Joe react to René Redzepi stepping down from Noma amid allegations of past abuse. They talk about how this story has reverberated throughout the world of fine dining, and speculate on how it will influence kitchens going forward. In this episode, we discuss: The $1500 Noma pop-up in Los Angeles Abuse in restaurants and why the new generation of chefs aren’t putting up with it Noma and René Redzepi’s impact on the fine dining industry How diners vote with…
Hospitality Series (Pt. 1): Beard Award Buzz, Top Chef Restaurant Wars, and What Makes a Restaurant Great!!
Mar 9, 2026 · 50 min
Adrienne and Joe sit down for part one of our three part series on restaurant hospitality and the role of the restauranteur. They preview our upcoming conversations with Simon Kim and Drew Nieporent, including their James Beard accolades and insights into creating a unique restaurant experience. In this episode, we discuss: Joe and his team were nominated for a James Beard award! What does Joe focus on when he opens a restaurant? (hint: don’t ignore the bathrooms) Top Chef Restaurant Wars memori…
Padma Takes On Top Chef, Judging Secrets, and the Evolution of Food TV!!
Mar 2, 2026 · 59 min
Cooking competition shows are heating up this week as Padma Lakshmi’s new show (America’s Culinary Cup) takes on Top Chef. Adrienne and Joe debate which format will win out, and whether or not the Culinary Cup will capture our attention. In this episode, we discuss: The new ACC format and fine dining focus Judging vs competing: Which is more fun? The secrets of judging on food tv Would you rather: 30-minute quick fires vs doing a dish demo How cooking shows used to be (teach us something!) vs to…
Eli Sussman On Memes, Mistakes, and Making Fun of Restaurant Life!!
Feb 23, 2026 · 53 min
Viral Chef Eli Sussman joins Adrienne and Joe to talk about how he became a hero to line cooks everywhere. They discuss his relatable kitchen humor, how he gained such a large and devoted social media following, and why certain things are true no matter what restaurant you work in. In this episode, we discuss: Eli’s biggest lessons from opening (and closing) restaurants, including gertrude's in Brooklyn Eli’s upcoming satire book – and the shortcomings of the self-help industry Learning the rope…
Nina Compton on The Top Chef Runner-Up Club, Caribbean Cuisine’s Ascent and Mardi Gras Madness!!
Feb 16, 2026 · 51 min
Award-winning chef and Top-Chef runner-up Nina Compton joins Adrienne and Joe to talk about the rise of Caribbean cuisine, Mardi Gras in a New Orleans kitchen, and life after Top Chef. In this episode, we discuss: Caribbean food finally getting its moment in fine dining Representing Caribbean cuisine on Top Chef The joys of being in the Top Chef “Second Place Club” Nina’s experience moving to New Orleans and opening Compère Lapin Turn and Burn: Mardi Gras traditions Walk In Confession: Nina’s fi…
Valentine’s Day Romance vs Reality and Falling Head-Over-Heels for Food!!
Feb 9, 2026 · 44 min
Adrienne and Joe are digging into the busiest restaurant holiday of the year: Valentine’s Day. They tell us why the prix fixe menu is essential to success, operational challenges when everyone needs a two-top, and what chefs really think of the holiday. Plus, we discuss: Special Valentine's Day menus: Expectations vs. Reality How chefs would rather spend the holiday when they have the day off Restaurant friendships and how to maintain your bond after someone moves on The real drama of workplace…
Byron Gomez on Burger King Beginnings, Life After Top Chef, and Meeting Michelin Expectations!!
Feb 2, 2026 · 52 min
Top Chef alum and Michelin star chef Byron Gomez of BRUTØ joins us to talk about his path from fast food roots to the world of fine dining. Plus, we discuss: Skipping culinary school and whether or not it’s a prerequisite to success as a chef Completing the “culinary treble” at three of the highest profile restaurants in New York Learning from Daniel Boulud and taking the leap to a new kitchen Relocating to Denver + cooking your own steak and the “Minturn Baked Potato” ice cream dish The joy of…
Super Bowl Snacks, Burger Hype, and the Internet’s Case Against Opening a Restaurant!!
Jan 26, 2026 · 46 min
The Super Bowl is just over a week away so Adrienne and Joe try the latest viral snack, Reverse Jalapeño Poppers. They also debate some of your favorite Super Bowl snacks and traditions (ranch or blue cheese?) before the big game arrives. Plus, we discuss: A listener’s “Salted” Take: Is it ever worth taking a special trip just to try a new burger? We respond to the latest viral video that tells people never to open a restaurant Is it harder than ever to open a restaurant? Still worth the trouble…
← Back to the show
