Latest news with #BeatBobbyFlay
Eater
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Farmers, Not AI, Power This Underground Dinner Series
has been writing about bars and restaurants for 20 years for publications including the Chicago Tribune, Time Out Chicago, and VinePair. With a single seating each night and a small crowd, Bayer is able to connect with each guest. While Bayer said he's routinely asked if the goal is to open a restaurant, he's enjoying the level of hospitality he can deliver through the weekly pop-ups for 24 to 30 people. The goal is to keep things fun and casual every step of the way. Word about Bar Berria has primarily spread through Instagram, and when guests book a seat, Bayer is the main contact. 'The personality you see on Instagram, in confirmation emails, in the food, and the dining room is all the same. I'm a human, you're a human, and let's communicate like that. I mean it's not too long before the robots take over,' Bayer says. Bar Berria is a casual-but-intimate dinner series. Aidan Kranz His menu descriptions are often just three words to give him flexibility based on what he gets from suppliers, including Nichols Farm, Mick Klüg, Seedling, and Down at the Farms, or the 32 raised bed gardens where wine events are regularly hosted. 'I planted a lot of things that are looking towards the future, so I got a fig tree, a peach tree, pawpaws,' Bayer says. 'We've got four chickens just for eggs, so when everyone was stressing out earlier this year, we were golden.' So far, Bayer has yet to repeat a dish, and he said he's constantly looking for inspiration, constantly reviewing the weekly lists farmers send him, outlining what products they have available as 'maps for the upcoming menus.' It's how he gets the juices flowing. 'Knowing who grew the produce and combining it with something we fermented 12, 18, 24 months ago is what gets us jazzed,' Bayer says. 'Being able to do that and also share that story with guests is what makes us a little different.' The team is small, with Bayer partnering with Emily Abram, who started cooking for him at the Heritage in Forest Park and went on to serve as executive sous chef at Etta and Dusek's. Avondale Bowl managing partner Jeff Wilson, who worked as general manager of the Heritage, helps with front of house. In addition to offering a six-to-10 course tasting menu, Bar Berria collaborates with other chefs for special dinners. They've included Perilla's Andrew Lim and Thomas Carlin of Dove's Luncheonette and Galit, who were looking to experiment with dishes while preparing to open a new restaurant in Evanston. Bar Berria also hosts family-style dinners featuring Slagel Farms chicken, Publican Quality Bread, salad, and seasonal vegetables. Just don't expect the roast chicken Bayer prepared on Beat Bobby Flay, which he learned from Boka Hospitality Group chef Chris Pandel while working at the Bristol. 'That's how I rope everyone in,' Bayer says. 'You won't be getting the as-seen-on-TV chicken at Bar Berria. This process is based on the Peking duck method. It's a five-day process where we blanch, dry, glaze, season, dry again, and then roast them.' Sieger Bayer sources ingredients from local farms and his own garden. Aidan Kranz Bar Berria's menus are ever-changing. Aidan Kranz All of Bar Berria's meals are BYOB. Beaujolais is the go-to suggestion for the chicken dinners and for the tasting menu. Bayer offers ideas in his confirmation emails like, 'Bring a dope sherry to drink out of a cute ass glass,' or 'Bring a Chenin that's got cool acidity and a nice minerality.' He's in no hurry to get a liquor license because diners are drinking less in general, and he wants to keep the meals accessible. 'We always joke when pouring wine guests bring in. 'Here is a beautiful wine from your cellar. Hope you enjoy it.'' Bayer says. 'We laugh, they laugh, it's great. Having a good time is what Bar Berria is all about. This project is us selfishly getting to do all the things we've wanted to do for years. All the creative goofy shit while not having to answer to anyone but us. 'Not to piss anyone [off], but the industry isn't the same. This isn't the industry that I fell in love with,' Bayer explains. 'It's not the industry that I think people deserve. Profits and bottom lines replaced hospitality and generosity. Bar Berria started as a concept that puts hospitality, generosity, and creativity as the leading charge. Maybe we're dumb for thinking that's what people want. Stay tuned.' Eater Chicago All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Axios
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Salt Lake City chef beats Bobby Flay with chile relleno win
Urban Hill chef Nick Zocco brought his southwestern flair to Food Network's "Beat Bobby Flay" — and walked away with a win. Why it matters: It's a notable victory that could put Salt Lake City's fast-growing culinary scene on the map. Driving the news: The "Beat Bobby Flay" episode — "Is It Getting Chile in Here?" — aired last Thursday. Catch up quick: Zocco, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, told Axios the toughest part was inventing standout dishes under the clock — and ignoring noisy judges. Zocco said a show recruiter contacted him in January. He filmed in New York soon after, giving him less than a week to prep. The morning of the show's taping, Zocco said he confidently turned to his wife and said: "I'm winning this competition." Spoiler alert: Zocco won the competition's first round against Austin-based cook Stefanie Torres with his pork albondigas. In the end, Zocco blew away judges with his signature dish — lump crab chile relleno with black bean and New Mexico red chile sauce — defeating Flay's chorizo version. Flashback: It wasn't Zocco's first interaction with Flay. Zocco formerly worked as a sous chef for Flay's Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, which gave him an advantage. "I came up with something that wasn't necessarily traditional, but I know the flavor profiles were there and I didn't follow suit to what Bobby's style was," he noted on what tipped the scales to his victory. Zocco noted the show's competitive nature reflected the constant demands he faces in the kitchen.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic Food Network Chef Announces Unexpected Career Move
Iconic Food Network Chef Announces Unexpected Career Move originally appeared on Parade. Bobby Flay is headed to Broadway — and he wants an A-list star to join in on the action. The Food Network host just announced he's been working on a musical and has plans for it to debut on Broadway sometime in the future. During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Flay shared that the show would tell some of his life story — but is overall just going to be a big party on stage. "Beat Bobby Flay, you know the show, we're making Beat Bobby Flay the musical actually for Broadway. Don't laugh, we're going to make it whole thing's happening," Flay shared. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 "It's going to tell a little bit of my life story and it's gonna be a party. This is not gonna be a bunch of show tunes. This is gonna be gonna be a real New York situation where it's going to be a party every night in the theater," Flay explained. He went on to say that the show already has a writer and an "amazing composer" but he's still looking for a lead actor to play him in the musical. That's where he requested Fallon's assistance — hoping he could put in a good word with his friend Justin Timberlake. "We need Justin Timberlake. He hasn't won a Tony yet, come on! He can sing, he can dance, he can do it all," Flay said, adding, "Just for a month!" Fallon agreed to see what he could do, although it didn't sound like it was going to be the easiest task to get Timberlake on board. And while JT may not be involved in the show, Flay says food is definitely going to be a part of the experience — so fans won't want to miss out! You can hear all that Bobby Flay had to say below. Iconic Food Network Chef Announces Unexpected Career Move first appeared on Parade on Jul 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anne Burrell reportedly suffered cardiac arrest after suspected overdose of 100 pills before her death
The culinary world is mourning the sudden loss of Food Network legend Anne Burrell. On the morning of June 17, a 911 call was placed from her Brooklyn home at 7:50 a.m. ET, reportedly stating symptoms of cardiac arrest. Though her name was not directly mentioned, the address linked back to her residence, raising grave concerns. A 911 call that hinted at heartbreaking truths Shortly after, Burrell was found unresponsive. While the official cause of death has yet to be released, various reports have emerged suggesting the celebrity chef may have died from a drug overdose, with some claims alleging the consumption of nearly 100 pills. The suspected overdose is believed to have led to a fatal cardiac arrest. A shining star in the culinary universe Anne Burrell, known and loved for her vibrant personality and unmistakable platinum-blonde hair, rose to fame through her 2008 Food Network series Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. Over the years, she became a household name, appearing on beloved culinary shows including Food Network Star, The Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate. One of her most iconic roles was as the no-nonsense yet compassionate host of Worst Cooks in America, guiding struggling home chefs with tough love and skill. Though she was notably absent from the Worst Cooks: Celebrity Edition – Heroes vs Villains earlier this year, she had addressed her break through Instagram, hinting at personal reasons. Burrell leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. She is also survived by her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and brother Ben. In a heartbreaking family statement, her loved ones remembered her as someone whose joy lit up every room and whose love touched lives across the world. Her presence, they said, may no longer be physical, but her light will forever shine.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Anne Burrell's Food Network co-star reveals haunting final conversation with tragic chef before death at 55
Anne Burrell's Food Network co-star and close friend has recalled the pair's poignant final conversation just days before her death aged 55. Burrell — who famously hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America — died at her Brooklyn, New York apartment on Tuesday - with harrowing new details of her demise recently released. Restaurateur Melba Wilson spoke with Burrell the week before her sudden death and said the star seemed 'healthy, vibrant and beautiful' with no signs of illness - amid reports the star went into 'cardiac arrest.' She told TMZ: 'Anne never mentioned anything about being sick. That's why this is such a shock to us. She was healthy. She was vibrant. She was beautiful. 'If you saw Anne, Anne could light up any room she walked into. So to know that she went to sleep and just didn't wake up is heartbreaking. 'Fifty five, this is not supposed to happen to a healthy 55-year-old. It's unbelievable to know that someone so vibrant and full of life is no longer with us. Recalling her birthday party a few weeks before Burrell's death, Wilson said: 'Anne was fine. We talked about karaoke because we love to do karaoke'. adding the star 'loved games, dancing and backgammon. 'I think this is a tough time for so many of us that knew Anne and that loved her... it was totally unexpected.' The pair first met on Beat Bobby Flay, with Wilson saying Burrell's legacy was 'laughter.' Wilson reflected on Burrell's final charitable act when she helped her give away turkeys to New Yorkers during Thanksgiving 2024. This comes after Burrell's celebrity chef friend Flay shared an emotional tribute. Flay, 60, posted a photo of Anne cuddling two of her cats as he revealed the most memorable token she gave him. 'The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I'll have forever,' he said in reference to his pet cat Nacho. Noting Burrell's Food Network series, which he guest-starred on for four seasons, he said, 'Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.' The end of the heartfelt tribute read: '#unforgettable.' Noting Burrell's Food Network series, which he guest-starred on for four seasons, he said, 'Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride'; pictured in 2012 Burrell's impact on Flay was evident on Father's Day as he raved about being a 'cat dad.' Sharing clips of his orange-colored feline in a joint post with his cat food business, Made By Nacho, he wrote, 'The recipe for Made by Nacho: Take one chef, add lifelong cat obsession, simmer for decades ✨ This is what cat-dad-since-forever looks like.' The two chefs had a shared love for their animals, with Burrell often posting images of her cats online as well. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Burrell was found unresponsive and lying on the shower floor by her husband Stuart Claxton early Tuesday morning. Claxton reportedly last saw his wife alive at approximately 1AM, before finding her unconscious in their bathroom six or seven hours later. Anne's cause of death has not yet been reported by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and an investigation is ongoing. 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,' her family said in a statement obtained by Tuesday. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,' they shared. Burrell's impact on Flay was evident on Father's Day as he raved about being a 'cat dad.' The two chefs had a shared love for their animals, with Burrell often posting images of her cats online as well A Food Network spokesperson added, 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. 'Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' The TV chef, recognized by her trademark spiky platinum hair, is survived by Claxton, whom she wed in October 2021 in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. Other surviving family members are her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas. After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996. She was later thrust into the spotlight as she became known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America.
