Brian Malarkey, Host of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out
Brian Malarkey discusses opening Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in his Oregon hometown, a cowboy-inspired restaurant he built with his brother that has quickly become a lively community hub. The chef reflects on how the project brought him back to his roots and sparked a “ranch to plate” philosophy, complete with CBD-fed cattle, a custom butcher shop, and a deep commitment to local sourcing. Brian opens up about his new role as host of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out, a reboot he describes as equal parts entertainment and education. He talks about designing sabotage challenges that are grounded in real-world cooking scenarios, all set within a high-energy kitchen arena where both chaos and creativity thrive. The chef touches on his personal transformation, including his journey to sobriety and the launch of a new podcast with his partner, centered on growth, connection, and living life with intention. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Brian Malarkey on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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37:27
Michael Symon Returns for Season Two of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing
Michael Symon discusses his latest cookbook, Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out, which brings the heart and soul of his laid-back backyard cooking show to the page with approachable recipes. Michael shares how he and his wife Liz created the show during the pandemic, emphasizing authentic, unscripted cooking that teaches technique over perfection. He dishes on grilling unexpected items like chocolate bundt cake and pasta, and highlights sides like charred chicory and his beloved Ohio sweet corn. The chef talks about selling the home where the show was filmed and starting a new garden from scratch, offering advice on companion planting, soil learning, and beginner-friendly crops. He shares his philosophy on outdoor entertaining, from setting up a DIY outdoor kitchen to crafting the perfect hosting experience. Michael gives a behind-the-scenes look at season two of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, revealing how the competition has leveled up with more acclaimed chefs, surprise twists, and a deeper, more raw look at what it truly means to be a chef under pressure. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Michael Symon on Instagram: HERE Learn More About 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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42:47
Zoe Burmester and Jordan Pilarski, Winners of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
The winning duo of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Zoe Burmester and Jordan Pilarski, reflect on the surreal moment of winning the magical baking competition. Zoe shares how her background in film and TV set design influences her cake artistry. Jordan explains how his early interest in architecture evolved into a passion for pastry, viewing his creations as edible structures that blend precision with artistry. The bakers reflect on their first meeting for Wizards of Baking, revealing how quickly they had to build trust and collaboration in a high-pressure environment. Zoe and Jordan describe their most difficult moment in the competition, the chandelier challenge, as a test of patience, adaptability, and sheer willpower. The two express pride in their victory and the emotional payoff of creating a six-foot showpiece that brought their final vision to life. They celebrate the release of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: The Official Companion Guide, which brings their magical recipes from the show into the hands of home bakers everywhere. Zoe and Jordan excitedly preview their next project which will showcase their dual perspectives on beloved desserts. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Zoe Burmester on Instagram: HERE Follow Jordan Pilarski on Instagram: HERELearn More About Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:12
Sara Bradley Steps Into the TOC Arena for the First Time
Sara Bradley shares how her upbringing in a Jewish-Southern Appalachian household shaped her love of cooking, from matzo ball soup to savory French toast inspired by childhood breakfasts. She discusses her decision to return home to Paducah, Kentucky to open Freight House, drawn by a desire to contribute meaningfully to her community and be closer to family. The chef reflects on the emotional moment she learned Freight House had been named a James Beard Award semi-finalist and what the recognition means for a rural restaurant. Sara dives into Kentucky bourbon culture, explaining her approach to pairing and cooking with bourbon while celebrating the nuanced flavors. She shares her experience competing on Tournament of Champions for the first time, revealing how her calm, methodical style and strategic preparation helped her hold her own against seasoned veterans. She highlights her mission to create a more sustainable, family-friendly restaurant industry by supporting working parents and offering benefits like paid leave and scheduled time off. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Sara Bradley on Instagram: HERE Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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44:48
Joe Sasto on Bringing the Mustache Back to the TOC Arena
Joe Sasto returns with big personal news, as he talks about his recent engagement and the story behind the surprise proposal in Mexico City. He discusses his debut cookbook Breaking the Rules, a multi-year passion project that reimagines Italian cuisine and encourages readers to defy culinary tradition. The chef dives into the inspiration and challenges behind launching his frozen pasta line, Ripi, bringing restaurant-quality pasta to the freezer aisle. He reflects on returning to Tournament of Champions, the nerves of competition, and his joy at being recognized as a veteran among fellow chefs. Joe reveals how studying past seasons, embracing the chaos of the randomizer, and evolving his strategy have helped him thrive in the high-stakes arena. He shares how sitting in the judge’s seat on Guy’s Grocery Games sharpened his skills as a competitor and gave him a new perspective on critique and flavor balance. Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE Follow Joe Sasto on Instagram: HERE Follow Joe Sasto on TikTok: HERE Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Each week on Food Network Obsessed, host Jaymee Sire sits down with your favorite chefs, food influencers and Food Network personalities to dish on all things delicious in the food world. From exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, first (and worst) jobs in food, to cooking fails and culinary triumphs, no topic is off the menu. Whether you’re a super-fan of Food Network or a super foodie you’re going to want to hear this!Want even more Food Network? Head to discovery+ to stream some of your favorite Food Network shows. Go to discoveryplus.com/foodobsessed to start your 7-day free trial today. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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