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Eater
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
José Andrés Dishes on His New Memoir, TV Show, and Top Travel Tip
The day after a whirlwind press tour in NYC this spring — which included sit-down segments on the Kelly Clarkson Show and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon — global humanitarian and celebrity chef José Andrés trained down to his D.C. home base, swinging by his downtown Spanish stunner the Bazaar to unveil his most personal book yet. The late-April release of Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs coincided with the premiere of Yes, Chef! , NBC's new cooking competition show in which Andrés teams up with Martha Stewart to train a roster of 12 hot-headed chefs. The Emmy-winning, made-for-TV culinary combo met years ago over a meal at Jaleo, Andrés's first-ever restaurant in Penn Quarter. In one previously aired episode of Yes, Chef! , contestants vying for a $250,000 prize took on the gastronomic challenge of spherification — specifically, whipping up a believable-looking olive that reveals a burst of silky, liquid flavor in one bite. The delicate technique was born at Spain's legendary el Bulli, the three-Michelin-starred institution where Andrés himself worked as a young chef. Now diners can sample the molecular tapa that started it all, with a 10-day special running through Saturday, May 24, at the Bazaars in D.C., Vegas, and NYC. Two years after closing inside the SLS hotel, the avant-garde restaurant is gearing up to stage a big South Beach comeback at the Andaz Miami Beach. With 40 restaurants under his José Andrés Group umbrella, the founder of disaster relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen has no plans to balloon the Bazaar brand. 'For me, we can't have a Bazaar in every city in America. I want to have a passion for the city and I'm super proud of this one here in D.C.,' says Andrés, speaking to an intimate crowd during his April 29 book launch party. The two-year-old location, situated off the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in the historic Old Post Office building, famously has a full-circle backstory tied to Trump. Change the Recipe' s author Richard Wolffe goes way back with Andrés, having penned his first book full of Spanish recipes. 'He made me do it — he said, 'a chef has to have a book,'' says Andrés. 'And here we are a few years later with a few.' (Eleven and counting.) The cute new canary-colored hardcover, just 5x8 in size and under 200 pages long, is a departure from his norm. It's a collection of short stories that cover a swath of topics, including his childhood to nurse parents in Barcelona, why he used to hate (and grew to love) green peppers, food being a universal comfort in conflict zones, and teachable lessons learned in the hectic restaurant world. 'In a night when printers stop working, the bathroom breaks down, and every [customer] has a request, we make it through and 'change the recipe,'' says Andrés. 'The beauty of our profession is you adapt.' He says his daughters were ultimately the motivating factor behind the memoir. 'I think we all have to do this — write down memories. Especially if you're no longer here,' he says. But he's not going anywhere soon. 'I've been doing this for 32 years — and I look forward to the next 32,' he says. 'So we'll all be together for my 87th birthday. Probably I'll even be making the food.' We snagged a quick chat with Andrés on the side, in which he reveals a bonafide biography is on the future horizon. Eater: What's Martha got that you don't? José Andrés: She's very practical — she doesn't hesitate and she knows what she wants. She has so much energy. [While filming, she'd ask me,] ''Where are we going to dinner tonight, José?' What? I have to go to bed.' Why is it more important than ever to mentor chefs these days? As you grow older, you learn and then try to pass that on to others. The restaurant business is still one of the most brutal and difficult businesses at every level, [between] the success rate and the hours that anyone has. But still at same time, it's one of the most fascinating professions anybody can be a part of. Tell me more about what this new book means to you. The short stories are very simple, yet sharing a moment that's important in my life — maybe a lesson I gained from it, and maybe someone's searching for the same answer to the question. I want to write something bigger later in my life. And I will, eventually. Longer stories and thoughts. Congrats on taking D.C.'s decades-old Oyamel to NYC this spring. That was a good move. I bring another concept to Hudson Yards and get to expand another brand. I heard you got off the Amtrak from NY about an hour ago. You travel so much — what would you say is your top packing tip? [Whips off navy suit jacket and waves it around like a napkin]: Buy clothing that doesn't wrinkle! This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 'Yes, Chef!' airs Monday nights at 10 p.m. on NBC; Andrés also stars in Netflix's newly released spinoff series, Chef's Table: Legends . Sign up for our newsletter.
Los Angeles Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Top Chef' begets Martha Stewart and José Andrés' new ‘Yes, Chef!' Will their kitchen therapy work?
Chefs who behave badly get their own show. Also, pink Champagne cake at Madonna Inn plus more road food favorites. And can fish be too fresh? I'm Laurie Ochoa, general manager of L.A. Times Food, with this week's Tasting Notes. 'For far too long,' Martha Stewart says into the camera during the opening moments of NBC's new 'Yes, Chef!' cooking competition show, 'the pressure of the kitchen has been an excuse for out-of-control behavior.' 'That kind of behavior doesn't make a great chef,' adds her co-host, chef José Andrés. 'It holds them back.' Stewart and Andrés are correct. And yet, that kind of behavior — yelling at fellow chefs, throwing pans in frustration, undermining colleagues and sometimes inflicting more harmful abuse — has been the roiling soup that has fed reality TV cooking competitions for more than 25 years. It's also been the kind of behavior that restaurant workers have tried, with varying degrees of success, to root out as cheffing became an aspirational profession instead of disrespected grunt work. You can read about the pain as well as the allure of working in and around restaurant kitchens in several recent memoirs, including Laurie Woolever's 'Care and Feeding,' which restaurant critic Bill Addison praised in this newsletter last month, Hannah Selinger's 'Cellar Rat: My Life in the Restaurant Underbelly' and books by two chefs and reality TV cooking show insiders, Tom Colicchio's 'Why I Cook' and Kristen Kish's 'Accidentally on Purpose,' which I wrote about last week. If you've watched even a few minutes of a reality TV cooking competition — from 'Hell's Kitchen's' Gordon Ramsay angrily dumping out a contestant's overcooked steak to even the sweet contestants on 'The Great British Baking Show' expressing frustration — chances are good that you've seen how the kitchen pressure Stewart talks about often does lead to bad behavior. So can a reality TV cooking competition really help chefs become better people — and better bosses? Possibly. But three episodes into the inaugural season of 'Yes, Chef!' — a show cast with '12 professional chefs, each with one thing standing in their way: themselves,' Stewart says — it looks as though the cards are stacked against redemption. 'In our kitchen,' Stewart tells viewers about the chefs, 'it takes a lot more than good food to win. They'll need to figure out how to work together.' Andrés and Stewart have a lot of life experience and advice to offer, with Stewart admitting, 'I have been known to be a perfectionist. And that kind of holds you back sometimes.' But when it comes down to which team wins and which team loses, it turns out that good food does matter more than bad behavior. (Note that there are spoilers ahead if you haven't watched the show yet.) After TV competition show veteran and designated villain Katsuji Tanabe ('Top Chef,' 'Chopped') takes all the eggs in the kitchen so that the opposing team has none to work with, he and his teammates are rewarded with a win. The reasoning: The losing chefs struggled to, in the language of the show, 'pivot.' Even worse for the development of the chefs, the decision of who stays and who goes at the end of each episode is not made by Andrés or Stewart. Instead, a one-on-one cook-off is set up between the contestant deemed to be the Most Valuable Chef (MVC) and another contestant that the MVC strategically chooses to go up against. If the MVC wins, the challenger chef goes home. But if the challenger chef beats the MVC, the challenger becomes the decider. So far, this has led to one of the better chefs, Torrece 'Chef T' Gregoire, being booted largely to reduce the competition, followed by the executioner of that decision, Michelle Francis, getting axed in the next episode, possibly comeuppance for sending home a popular player the week before and partly because of her dish — even though she was handicapped by the egg theft. The sharp edges and head games almost feel retro, closer to the template set 25 years ago this month when 'Survivor' first aired and popularized the whole 'I'm not here to make friends' trope that was common in sports and then became emblematic of reality TV posturing. We'll see as the season progresses whether the chefs can turn around the bad attitudes and insecurities that led to them being cast on the show. I certainly hope Andrés and Stewart are given more time to guide the chefs toward their better selves in future episodes. But if you want to watch a show where the chefs are modeling kitchen behavior we'd like to see more of in our star chefs, may I suggest the current season of Bravo's 'Top Chef.' Both 'Yes, Chef!' and 'Top Chef' are made by the production company Magical Elves, but 'Top Chef,' now in its 22nd season, is showcasing a group of chefs who actually seem to care about each other. Yes, there are big personalities on the show, notably Massimo Piedimonte, who often generates eye rolls by the other chefs when his bravado goes overboard. But he is seen in quieter moments trying to tame his impulses and become a better person. And there is genuine emotion displayed when chef Tristen Epps gets word right before a big challenge that his father-in-law has died and his mother encourages him to continue competing. The entire show, from the production staffer who takes him off the set to his fellow competitors seem to support him. There is even camaraderie among the losing contestants who try to work their way back into the competition through the spin-off 'Last Chance Kitchen,' judged solo by Colicchio showing his mentoring skills. When Chicago's North Pond chef César Murillo is pitted against three-time 'Last Chance' winner Katianna Hong, co-owner of the recently closed Arts District restaurant Yangban, there is support and respect shown for both talented competitors by the eliminated chefs watching the proceedings, including chef Kat Turner of L.A.'s Highly Likely. 'Top Chef' used to have a lot more hotheads. 'I'm not your bitch, bitch,' was a catchphrase in the show's early years when one chef pushed another too far. But the new season, which has just a few more episodes to go, is proving that you can cool down the temperature in the kitchen and still entertain. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the motel — the first use of the word is credited to the 1925 opening of the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo — Food's writers and editors joined our colleagues in Features to put together Motel California, a story series that includes a guide to the state's '34 coolest, kitschiest, most fascinating motels' and our team's picks for the best roadside diners and restaurants. Also in the package: Christopher Reynolds' account of his 2,500-mile search for California's greatest motels, a roadside attractions guide and Marah Eakin's profile of Barkev Msrlyan, creator of the Merch Motel brand of retro souvenirs. Food's Stephanie Breijo spent time at the very pink San Luis Obispo landmark, the Madonna Inn, and says that the 'maze-like, kaleidoscopic lair of chroma and whimsy is home to some of the most iconic food on the Central Coast.' She came away with insider knowledge of the red oak grills at Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House and of the Inn's famed pink Champagne cakes — made in the hundreds each week. But the pink cake recipe remains a secret. Breijo did, however, get the recipe for the Inn's Pink Cloud cocktail — topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Plus: Julie Wolfson guides us to some great coffee shops along the Santa Barbara coast. This week, the paper introduced a new feature, L.A. Timeless, which highlights stories from our archives. The first two stories this week come from former L.A. Times restaurant critic Ruth Reichl, who wrote about learning to shop for fish at L.A. supermarkets with Jon Rowley, the man Julia Child once called 'the fish missionary.' I got to go along on that reporting trip all those years ago and I'll never forget the lessons Rowley taught us. Her companion story on Rowley went into one of his obsessions: '[T]hat fish can be too fresh ... a fish coming out of rigor mortis five or six days after harvest (in ice, of course) can be far better eating than a fish less than one day out of the water.' Tickets are on sale for our second-annual Great Australian Bite. Last year, we were on the Malibu Pier. This year, chef Curtis Stone is hosting the event with Tourism Australia on his Four Stones Farm. He's partnering with chef Clare Falzon of the restaurant Staġuni in South Australia's Barossa. Read more about the event and how to get tickets here.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle Shared an Exciting Update on 'With Love, Meghan' Season 2 & the One Guest Who's Already Confirmed
In the first season of With Love, Meghan on Netflix, Meghan Markle hosted some exciting guests. From close friends like actress Abigail Spencer to cooking legends like Roy Choi, Markle's kitchen was filled with new or old friends in each episode. And, as she revealed in a recent appearance at the TIME100 summit on April 23, season 2 will have a lineup that's just as promising, if not more. More from SheKnows Prince Archie Is About To Have an Adorable Connection to His Cousin Prince Louis When asked about her dream guest on the show, Markle said she's mostly satisfied and grateful to everyone she's already had. 'I will say, I've been so fortunate that even before the series had aired, in talking about what the premise was and how conversational and more relatable we wanted it to be, I was able to get legends like Alice Waters, who I just love her so much, and we've now become friends,' Markle revealed. For those who don't know, Waters is an award-winning chef, restaurant owner, and author, and is known by many as the originator of 'California Cuisine.' Markle then revealed the first confirmed guest of season 2. 'We haven't revealed things about season 2 and [Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos] will come here later, but I can apologize in advance for saying that José Andres is going to be on season 2,' she said. 'We love José so much.' Not only is Andres a Michelin Star-winning chef, with restaurants like Jaleo, Bazaar and Zaytinya, Andres is also the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that provides fresh meals following humanitarian, climate, and community crises. He's also hosting a new show alongside Martha Stewart on NBC, titled Yes, Chef! 'I've been fortunate to have the people I want to have on the show,' Markle continued. 'I've been really lucky, we have a great, great lineup.' 'And if I think of someone else, I'm going to have to figure out a way to tell you so you can put that out there,' Markle then joked to her interviewer, Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME Magazine. Also in the interview, Markle confirmed that season 2 has already been filmed. 'Season 2 is coming,' Markle said. With no release date announced yet, all we can do is wait! Before you go, click to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's milestones since leaving the royal family. Best of SheKnows Everything We Know About Reese Witherspoon's Son, Deacon Phillippe 23 Best Teen Movies From the 2000s That Gen Z Adores 38 Times Carmen Electra's Head-Turning Red Carpet Fashion Left Us Flustered & Enchanted
Toronto Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Martha Stewart raves about Toronto culinary scene on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show'
The longtime television personality has been promoting her latest cooking show, 'Yes, Chef!' alongside co-host Spanish-American chef José Andrés, which premiered on Monday. The series was shot in Toronto and follows 12 chefs as they compete in high-stakes culinary challenges for a cash prize.
News.com.au
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Martha Stewart makes ‘insane' confession about her life at home
Martha Stewart left TV host Kelly Clarkson open-mouthed in shock after making a 'secret' confession about her life at home. Realtor reports, the confession related to the fact she has never ordered in food, even during the many years she spent residing in New York City. The 83-year-old, who now lives on a stunning farm in Katonah, New York, made the candid admission during an appearance on Clarkson's hit talk show, 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' alongside her 'Yes, Chef!' co-star, Jose Andres. Stewart and Andres were reminiscing about all of the delicious food they tried while filming in Toronto, prompting Clarkson to question whether any of the restaurants they frequented offered a delivery option. It was then that longtime lifestyle guru Stewart dropped her bombshell, revealing: 'Do you want to know a secret? I have never ordered in.' Shocked by Stewart's confession, Clarkson pushed the culinary pro for more information, questioning: 'Are you kidding me?' 'My daughter will vouch for me,' Stewart added, referring to 59-year-old daughter Alexis. 'You have never been like, 'It's a Taco Bell night, we're just doing it'?' the host went on. Andres then joined in, demanding that Stewart provide evidence to backup her big reveal, even encouraging Clarkson's viewers to help them catch the cookbook author in a lie. 'Prove it! People of America, if you have a photo of Martha Stewart ordering in, phone now. We want to see it! We demand an investigation,' Andres teased. Clarkson then branded Stewart's confession 'insane' before joking that the information makes the lifestyle expert come across as so 'so pure.' 'Don't you worry, I've ordered in enough for the both of us,' the host added. Stewart's confession comes as even more of a shock because she previously resided in the Big Apple, specifically in the West Village, where takeout food plays a major role in many people's weekly diets. It is perhaps a bit more understandable that Stewart has not found the need to order food to her Katonah farm, which she purchased in 2000, having previously resided on a Westport, CT, property known as Turkey Hill, a dwelling that she owned with her ex-husband, Andy Stewart. Stewart first came across the Turkey Hill property in 1970, when she and her husband were living in New York City with their daughter. 'The house, on a tract of land that stretched south toward Long Island Sound and had once been an onion farm, came with two acres of deep, loamy soil, a few large trees, and not much else,' she recalled on her website. 'There was not much of a kitchen and no usable bathroom. The basement was damp, and there was no porch, terrace, garden, or driveway.' The home itself, although in disrepair, had 'good bones,' she noted, with 'lovely windows, wide-plank floors, and seven fireplaces.' Describing it as a 'perfect do-it-yourself project,' Stewart recalled that she and Andy purchased the home — her very first property — for the very reasonable sum of $46,750. However, she cut ties with the property after discovering that her ex-husband was carrying out an affair on the grounds. Stewart opened up about the moment that she learned of her husband's infidelity in her hit Netflix docuseries, 'Martha,' admitting at the same time that she had also had a brief affair shortly after she had tied the knot with her spouse. She insisted that her brief dalliance with another man amounted to 'nothing,' adding that she 'would never have broken up a marriage for it.' However, she accused Andy of having 'quite a few girlfriends' during their marriage — although he told producers of the film that he 'didn't stray' until after she had been unfaithful. One of those alleged affairs, Stewart said, took place 'right on our property' at Turkey Hill. 'When I was travelling, Andy started up with her,' she says, adding, 'It was like I put out a snack for Andy.' The couple ultimately split in 1990, and in 2007, the TV personality decided to place that home on the market, as she was spending more time at her 150-acre Katonah spread. She previously showed off a glimpse of her home during the festive season, revealing that her property boasted green walls, a white fireplace and a chef's kitchen. Stewart has made some very savvy real estate investments over the years, including a West Village penthouse (that she has since sold) and a 63-acre getaway on the remote Mount Desert Island in Maine, known as Skylands. In 2021, the entrepreneur sold her cottage in East Hampton for $16.5 million ($A25.7 million). The sale was quite a coup: She had purchased the property for $1.7 million in 1991, after her divorce. The classic Hamptons estate was reportedly sold for almost twice what Stewart had initially asked.
