The Chef's Cut

Top Chef Final 3! An Inside View on the Chaos and Competition!! 02.06.2026 45mnt

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, including the infamous clock and other insider rules Sieger’s emotional reaction after his elimination A deep dive into Joe and Adrienne’s Top Chef Season 15 finale experience What they would do differently today and which sous chefs they would choose now A memorable story about fan-favorite Fati Adrienne’s least favorite moment from their season of Top Chef Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Reservation Wars, AI in the Dining Room, and the Future of Hospitality!! 25.05.2026 40mnt

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 why we may be moving back) A shift in power for how restaurants are able to book reservations The initial rise of reservation platforms like OpenTable, Tock, and Resy The role of AI in restaurant operations and guest experience Should we trust AI to get involved in our reservations? Walk In Confession: Joe’s first restaurant convention (a coming of age) Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Our Spicy Takes On The New York Times Top 100 Restaurants & A New Show Launch for Food and History Lovers!! 18.05.2026 31mnt

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 at number one and the ascent of afro-caribbean cuisine Some of their favorite NYC dining spots that you should try The inclusion of street food and a debate about what actually counts as a “real” restaurant Adrienne announces the newest podcast to join the Chef’s Cut family: Eating History (and our new season all about the history of pizza) Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Tristen Epps-Long on Fast Food Beginnings, Michelin’s Race Problem, and Becoming a Top Chef Champion!! 11.05.2026 52mnt

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 ascent from McDonald’s to James Beard nominee and cooking competition champ The role of Marcus Samuelsson in his career What life after Top Chef is really like for chefs The culinary scene in Houston Walk In Confession: Booking reservations on Open Table to get out of work early Follow Tristen: @cheftristenepps Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

This Merger Could Change What You Eat—and How Much You Pay For It 04.05.2026 35mnt

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 perspective on how wholesale purchasing actually works Rising food costs, and the hidden impact of eliminating competition Will this spell doom for small restaurants? Why a merger wouldn’t just impact costs, but also the selection of brands, ingredients, and supplies you have access to What we can all do to keep this from happening Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Karen Akunowicz on Boston’s Food Scene, Bib Gourmand, and the Importance of Powerlifting!! 27.04.2026 51mnt

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 & the Knife) achieving Bib Gourmand status Training in Italy and making Italian food (with a very different chef background) The influence of her time working at Disney World and what hospitality excellence looks like Karen’s time spent outside the kitchen as a powerlifter The illusion of work-life balance (especially when you’re building a career) Walk In Confession: Karen’s first day as a line cook… and head chef for a night Follow Karen: @chefkarenakunowicz Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Gail Simmons on Why Top Chef Wins, Cooking Competition Shows and What Judges Really Think!! 21.04.2026 58mnt

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 real origin story of Top Chef and why they owe it all to another Bravo show Stories from Top Chef: Colorado and taking a turn at judging Gail’s upbringing, career, and how she landed on TV Walk In Confession: Gail’s mishap during filming that almost derailed the latest season Follow Gail: @gailsimmons Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

The Ruth’s Chris-Chili’s Dress Code Feud, Michelin’s Identity Crisis, and Wonton Lasagna!! 13.04.2026 31mnt

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 Joe chose to do with his new Michelin plaque Fork It or Forget It: Wonton Lasagna Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

James Beard Finalists Revealed: The Surprises, Snubs, and Secrets!! 07.04.2026 21mnt

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 Awards subcommittee Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Hospitality Series Pt. 3: Simon Kim on Breaking Steakhouse Rules, Redefining Fried Chicken, and Going Global!! 30.03.2026 39mnt

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 Creating the perfect dining experience Balancing creativity with business realities in today’s restaurant industry What it really takes to scale a restaurant brand across cities and markets Walk-In Confession: Facing racism in fine dining while working the floor Follow Simon: @simonkimnyc Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Hospitality Series (Pt. 2): Drew Nieporent on Creating Celebrity Chefs, A-List Partnerships, and Going 40 for 40!! 23.03.2026 52mnt

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 ventures How to deal with tough critics Rising prices in fine dining and tasting menus getting out of control Discovering and working with some of the biggest chefs in the world How to start a restaurant the right way, and when to walk away Why he brought a fax machine on the road to keep an eye on reservations Walk In Confession: Cruise ship beginnings and lessons from the high seas Follow Drew: @drewnieporent Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

René Redzepi - Noma Controversy, the $1,500 LA Pop-Up, and What Happens Next?! 16.03.2026 23mnt

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 their dollars Joe’s thoughts on running a positive and supportive kitchen Adrienne’s own stories of enduring abusive behavior in the kitchen Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Hospitality Series (Pt. 1): Beard Award Buzz, Top Chef Restaurant Wars, and What Makes a Restaurant Great!! 09.03.2026 49mnt

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 memories Lessons from front of the house, including a master class on service Walk In Confession: Adrienne tells us about the time she almost opened her own restaurant after Top Chef Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Padma Takes On Top Chef, Judging Secrets, and the Evolution of Food TV!! 02.03.2026 59mnt

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 today’s style of TV Walk In Confession: Joe’s memories of competing on Iron Chef Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Eli Sussman On Memes, Mistakes, and Making Fun of Restaurant Life!! 23.02.2026 53mnt

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 ropes as a chef (and how to manage a team) The mistakes all restaurant owners make when they’re new Hosting a show at the James Beard awards Turn and Burn: Sandwich bread, too many knives, and fine dining snobbery Walk In Confession: Eli’s biggest regret and the story of his Samesa chain of restaurants Follow Eli: @thesussmans Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Nina Compton on The Top Chef Runner-Up Club, Caribbean Cuisine’s Ascent and Mardi Gras Madness!! 16.02.2026 50mnt

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 first Mardi Gras mishap Follow Nina: @ninacompton Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Valentine’s Day Romance vs Reality and Falling Head-Over-Heels for Food!! 09.02.2026 44mnt

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 breakups Playing games with your fellow chefs to maintain motivation Turn and Burn: Lava Cake vs Chocolate Soufflé Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Byron Gomez on Burger King Beginnings, Life After Top Chef, and Meeting Michelin Expectations!! 02.02.2026 52mnt

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 interacting with Top Chef fans in your restaurant Byron’s creative use of seasonal ingredients to make surprising dishes later (including a creamsicle dish inspired by New York ice cream trucks) Walk In Confession: Almost getting fired for accidentally taking the boss’s phone Follow Byron: @chefbyrongomez Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Super Bowl Snacks, Burger Hype, and the Internet’s Case Against Opening a Restaurant!! 26.01.2026 45mnt

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? Adrienne’s Walk In Confession involves measuring incorrectly and failing to wash the herbs Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

Michael Anthony’s Gramercy Tavern Legacy, His First New Restaurant in 20 Years & a Skyline Chili Debate!! 19.01.2026 48mnt

Adrienne and Joe are joined by acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony to talk about his time at the iconic Gramercy Tavern, and what he hopes to achieve at his new restaurant, Lex Yard at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Plus, we discuss: His biggest mistake after taking over the kitchen at Gramercy Tavern The most exciting things about launching at the Waldorf Astoria and why its history is so important His journey from Indiana to Japan, then to France, and finally to New York City What it means to have “courage” in the kitchen and whether or not the industry has gotten too soft (hint: it hasn’t) Reinventing and updating the Waldorf Salad Fork It or Forget It: Skyline Chili (compliments of Michael's hometown) Walk In Confession: Mike finds an emergency hire and somehow doesn’t live to regret it Follow Michael: @chefmikeanthony Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham Follow Joe: @insta.flamm