Top Chef fan favorite Fabio Viviani dialed us live from one of his award-winning restaurants to help celebrate the upcoming National Coffee Day, which truly needs to be a national holiday.
Follow @bigwakeupcallTag Archives: Celebrity Chefs
Edward Lee
Award-winning chef and Emmy-nominated TV host Edward Lee called in to talk about his book Buttermilk Graffiti, now out in paperback. We discussed the life-affirming meals that can take place both at a Michelin-star restaurant and a small community “hole in the wall,” how immigration fueled the innovation and evolution of American cuisine, and why it’s important for him to get out of the kitchen.
Steven Raichlen
It’s always great to chat with Barbecue Hall-of-Famer Steven Raichlen, who called in to talk about his new book and upcoming PBS series “Project Fire.” Every time Steve calls in, I get excited about trying a new recipe or technique. Can’t wait to give the Caveman Porterhouse a try!
Jeff Mauro
Jeff Mauro from Food Network’s “The Kitchen” called into the show to complete my set of interviews with panelists from that show (including Katie Lee, GZ, and Sunny). We talked about his insanely addictive “Bao to the Tots,” how to introduce young children to new flavors and cuisines, Chicago weather, opening new restaurants, and how his best friends have clean, smooth skin.
Follow @bigwakeupcallEllie Krieger
Ellie Krieger returned to the show to talk about healthy swaps for National Heart Health month. But mainly we just discussed my favorite topic: Brownies!
Follow @bigwakeupcallCarla Hall
Top Chef alum and current The Chew panelist Carla Hall made a return appearance to the Big Wakeup Call to talk about a special program to benefit the more than 10 million Seniors in America who are facing hunger issues. We also caught up on what’s happened since her last appearance in 2005, discussed recipes even I could successfully complete, and why we’re having more fun in our 40s and 50s than we did in our 20s and 30s.
Follow @bigwakeupcallMarcus Samuelsson
Chef Marcus Samuelsson called in to give me some tips on putting a new spin on the 5 dishes I can semi-successfully make, including getting out my olive oil rut and exploring avocado oil. Plus: Marcus talks about his new restaurant and gives a shout out to Chicago.
Follow @bigwakeupcallAarón Sanchez
Celebrity chef & Food Network icon Aarón Sanchez called in to share some unique recipes that incorporate grapes into everyday meals (and beverages – Aarón suggested a pickled grape would be a good addition to a cocktail). Aarón also complemented me on my spot-on pronunciation of “New Orleans,” which apparently previous interviewers had failed to do. Win-win!
Follow @bigwakeupcallEllie Krieger
Ellie Krieger called in to share some great recipe ideas using olive oil. She also discussed the different types of olive oil and when to use them, and cleared up some myths about “fake” oil. Plus: a delicious discussion of her life-affirming double chocolate brownies.
Follow @bigwakeupcallCatherine De Orio
It’s always fun to chat with “Check, Please!” host Cat De Orio, and this time she helped save me from a pre-holiday meltdown with her hints & tips on making holiday meal prep a little easier. As you will hear (should you choose to listen — please, oh please!), she had me at “maple bourbon candied pecans” and “pie sundaes.”
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