Food Network Obsessed

Chef Byron Gomez, a 2025 Food Network Hot List honoree, shares his incredible journey from his childhood in Costa Rica to building a career in some of the most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens in New York, including Eleven Madison Park during its historic reign as the world’s best restaurant. He opens up about how DACA shaped his path, creating both challenges and opportunities, and why he’s passionate about using his platform to advocate for immigration reform. Byron dives into his commitment to sustainability, weaving his Costa Rican heritage into his cooking while pushing for a deeper appreciation of its cuisine on a global stage. He reflects on his experience running Bruto, a Denver restaurant built on innovation and sustainability, and the significance of becoming the first Costa Rican chef to earn a Michelin star. 

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Adam Sobel reflects on his competitive spirit, highlighting his intense focus and drive in Tournament of Champions while balancing the camaraderie and fun of the experience. The chef opens up about insights from culinary mentors like Jet Tila, emphasizing the importance of always having a "magic trick" up his sleeve to surprise both judges and diners alike. Adam explains his new hospitality group, Aether Group, and why he felt it was the right time to step out on his own, despite having one of the most coveted chef roles in the industry. He reflects on the deep friendships and sense of community that competitions foster, comparing them to "summer camp for chefs," where fierce battles in the kitchen give way to shared meals, storytelling, and support. The chef explores his love for Las Vegas as a culinary hub, calling it the true city that never sleeps, with unparalleled late-night dining and a thriving chef-driven culture. He recalls his title as King of Porc, a prestigious win in a whole hog cookery competition, detailing the grueling road to victory. 

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• Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE 

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Amanda Freitag reflects on her experience competing on Wildcard Kitchen, where she tested her poker skills while cooking alongside Chopped judges Tiffany Derry and Geoffrey Zakarian, embracing both the challenge and the fun of the unique format. She explains what makes Chopped a lasting success, emphasizing the genuine passion behind the judging process and how her approach to critiquing has evolved over nearly 1,000 episodes. Amanda dives into her return to Tournament of Champions, highlighting the intense competition, the rise of talented young chefs, and the camaraderie that fuels the show’s high-energy environment. The chef shares the physical and mental demands of competing at that level, admitting that each season pushes her further as both a chef and competitor. Amanda elaborates on her love for cocktails and how she developed Freitag Cocktails, focusing on high-quality ingredients and well-balanced flavors. She teases future additions to the lineup, including a dirty martini, and reflects on her passion for crafting drinks that bring restaurant-quality experiences into people’s homes. 

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• Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE 
• Learn More About Chopped: HERE 

Learn More About Wildcard Kitchen: HERE 

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Chris Oh reflects on his journey from growing up in a Korean immigrant family to becoming a Michelin-rated chef and restaurateur. He recalls how his love for food was shaped by his mother’s dedication to cooking traditional Korean dishes, though as a child, he often felt embarrassed to bring them to school. He explains that, despite his passion for food, he initially pursued careers in real estate and entrepreneurship before realizing that his true calling was in the kitchen. The chef looks back on his breakthrough moment when he and his team won The Great Food Truck Race, a victory that catapulted his culinary career and led to the launch of multiple restaurant ventures. He details his experiences on Food Network’s most intense competitions, including 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing and Tournament of Champions. Despite his unconventional path to success, he acknowledges how his parents, once skeptical of his career choice, have since become his biggest supporters—even working alongside him at food festivals. 

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• Learn More About Tournament of Champions: HERE 

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Frankie Gaw shares how his creations on Dig In With honor the rich traditions of his Taiwanese heritage while pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. He reflects on family Lunar New Year celebrations, where steamed crab symbolizes joy and connection, and how these cherished moments shaped his culinary journey. Frankie details his process of blending nostalgic childhood flavors with inventive modern twists, such as his standout Cinnamon Toast Crunch Butter Mochi. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother's intuitive cooking style, he emphasizes the importance of trusting his instincts and preserving family recipes. Frankie explores the challenges of growing up between two cultures, a duality that now drives his mission to fuse them through food. He discusses his series, Turning American Classics Asian, which reimagines beloved staples, bridging tradition and modernity in meaningful ways. The chef teases his second cookbook and envisions a line of food products that celebrate cultural diversity while finding a place on mainstream grocery shelves. 

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• Learn More About Dig In With: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/dig-in-with 

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