Celebrity Chef Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Announcing the TASTE AWARDS Anthony Bourdain Lifetime Achievement Award

Andrew Zimmern, Anthony Bourdain, Celebrity Chef, Film, Marcus Samuelsson, Taste Awards, Taste Hall of Fame, The Taste Awards

As TASTE AWARDS judge I wanted to share that the TASTE AWARDS have announced the winner of this year’s inaugural Anthony Bourdain Lifetime Achievement Award, as well of The Andrew Zimmern Discovery Award.

The winning recipient of the Anthony Bourdain Lifetime Achievement Award is José Andrés’ WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN, which has done incredible work helping to feed and nourish those in need in conflict zones and natural disasters such as in Puerto Rico, Florida, Gaza, and most recently, during the Los Angeles fires. Having served over 450 million meals, as they describe their services, “Entering our 15th year, World Central Kitchen is still first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Our meals, from day one, have been culturally appropriate and served with dignity.”

The winning recipient of this year’s Andrew Zimmern Discovery Award is none other than Ethiopian-born Swedish-American celebrity chef, television host, author, entrepreneur, food champion, and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. Marcus has done much over the years to bring new foods, new cultures, and new talent to the forefront of his audiences, partners, and clients.

Now in its 16th year, the TASTE AWARDS are the premier awards celebrating the year’s best in Food, Fashion, Health, Travel, and Lifestyle programs in Film, Television, Online & Streaming Video, Podcasts, Radio and Photography.

Congrats to both of them.

TASTE AWARDS VIP RECEPTION
Winners, Honorees and Hall of Fame Inductees will receive their honors in person at the star-studded ceremony on March 10, 2025 in Beverly Hills at the WGA Theater.

March 10, 2025Beverly Hills / Los Angeles, California
The TASTE AWARDS Show & Reception includes:
✓ Celebrity Red Carpet step and repeat✓ Reception✓ Awards Show: Presentation Ceremony & Winner Announcements✓ ** RSVP and Tickets Required
Event Tickets Required for All Award Attendees. No complimentary tickets are available.

The TASTE AWARDS have included appearances by stars, celebrities, producers and executives from networks and platforms such as the Food Network, the Style Network, Bravo, the Cooking Channel, Sony Pictures, DreamWorks, TLC, Discovery Communications, Lifetime Network, E! Entertainment Television, PBS, APT, Create TV, NBC, ABC, BBC, the CW, HGTV, the Travel Channel, HD Net, Hulu, YouTube, Vimeo, Vice, LiveWell Network, Esquire Network, Bio/FYI Channel, iHeart Radio, HBO, MyxTV, Small Screen Network, StyleHaul, PTA, Zagat, Mode Media, WatchMojo, Netflix, Amazon Prime, AMC International, Lifetime Network, Buzzed, Vox Media, Gusto TV, MyCleo TV, Recipe.TV, FNL, the Africa Channel, Tastemade, BuzzFeed, Allen Media, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more.

The TASTE AWARDS Committee is honored to announce the renaming of one of its most prestigious awards to its new name, The Anthony Bourdain Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is named after the late Anthony Bourdain, who was one of the first TASTE AWARDS recipients, and is best known for his cookbooks, memoirs, food and travel television series, and outlook on life.

Says a TASTE AWARDS spokesperson, “Anthony Bourdain was more than a chef or television host; he was a storyteller who opened the world’s eyes to the beauty of culture through food. He was a visionary who redefined the way the people saw food, travel, and culture. Through his groundbreaking shows like No Reservations and Parts Unknown, Anthony brought viewers into the heart of distant lands, not just to taste the food but to understand the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the people who created it. His approach was unfiltered, honest, and deeply empathetic, offering a rare glimpse into the beauty of diversity while challenging stereotypes and prejudices. Bourdain’s unique blend of curiosity, wit, and fearlessness made him an icon, and his legacy continues to inspire people to seek connection through the shared experience of food and the exploration of the unknown.”

About the TASTE AWARDS

The TASTE AWARDS are the premier awards celebrating the year’s best in Food, Fashion, Health, Travel, and Lifestyle programs on Television, in Film, Streaming and Online, in Apps, on Radio & Podcasts, and Photography.

The Annual Awards have included appearances by stars, celebrities, producers and executives from networks and platforms such as the Food Network, the Style Network, Bravo, the Cooking Channel, Sony Pictures, DreamWorks, TLC, Discovery Communications, Lifetime Network, E! Entertainment Television, PBS, APT, Create TV, NBC, ABC, BBC, the CW, HGTV, the Travel Channel, HD Net, Hulu, YouTube, Vimeo, Vice, LiveWell Network, Esquire Network, Bio/FYI Channel, iHeart Radio, HBO, MyxTV, Small Screen Network, StyleHaul, PTA, Zagat, Mode Media, WatchMojo, Netflix, Amazon Prime, AMC International, Lifetime Network, Buzzed, Vox Media, Gusto TV, MyCleo TV, Recipe.TV, FNL, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more.

Fast, Easy, and Delicious: Fabio’s 30-Minute Italian by Fabio Viviani

Celebrity Chef, Chefs, Italian Cuisine, Restaurants

Just discovered this article I wrote years ago about Fabio Viviani and Fabio’s 30-Minute Italian (St. Martin’s Press), which was new at the time, on the website “We the Italians.”

https://www.wetheitalians.com/food-wine-great-lakes/celebrity-chef-fabio-viviani-shares-italian-recipes-new-cookbook

Fabio, best known for his participation in Bravo’s Top Chef seasons 5 and 8 – earning the “Fan Favorite” title -both his on-screen appearances and off-screen successes have propelled him to become one of the most influential culinary and hospitality names in the country.

A recurring guest on national television shows such as Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and numerous Food Network Shows, such as Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament, which he won, off-screen Fabio is a regular headliner at global food events, and he has authored four successful cookbooks: Café Firenze Cookbook, New York Times Best-Seller Fabio’s Italian Kitchen, and Fabio’s American Home Kitchen.

Fabio’s online presence draws millions of viewers yearly with his own cooking show, Fabio’s Kitchen, now in Season 5.

He also has numerous restaurants throughout the United States.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

“If hot fudge wanted to be a cake, this would be it,” writes Fabio in the introduction to this recipe which is both sinfully delicious and sinfully easy to make. “Yes, it’s a classic sponge cake, but a classic that is rich and chocolaty with hints of cinnamon, rum and espresso that bring home the indulgent chocolaty-ness of it all. I sometimes call this Butterscotch Chocolate Cake because after it’s baked it’s drizzled with a thick caramel sauce that’s lightly salted. Sinful.”

For the cake:

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda
¾ cup cocoa powder 2 cups sugar
2 cups ﬂour
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup canola oil 2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla, extracted from pod
2 teaspoons rum 1 cup hot water
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

For the caramel:

Splash of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ﬂeur de sel
¼ cup butter
½ cup heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and ﬂour two 8-inch round baking pans. Set aside.

In a large stand mixer, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar and ﬂour. Once combined, add buttermilk, heavy cream, oil, eggs, vanilla and rum; mix until smooth. Stir together the hot water and espresso powder. Pour slowly into the cake batter and stir until completely incorporated.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until baked through and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool down completely.

While cakes are cooking, combine the vanilla extract, ﬂeur de sel, butter, ½ cup of heavy cream and sugar in a sauce pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5–6 minutes. Cook until caramel in color, then add the ﬁnal 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Stir for 20 seconds and let cool before glazing cake.

Have a question, story idea, or just want to chat, reach me at janeammeson@gmail.com

Celebrity Chefs Star at This Year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Celebrity Chef, Cooking demonstrations, Family & Kids Cooking, James Beard Awards, KitchenAid Fairway Club, Seasonal Recipes

KitchenAid is once again elevating the fan experience at the upcoming 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, taking place at Harbor Shores over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26.

As the title sponsor of this prestigious event, KitchenAid promises an unparalleled fusion of cooking and golf for fans of all ages. Today, the brand unveiled the full schedule of celebrity guests that will take the stage at the KitchenAid Fairway Club, the centerpiece of the fan experience at the Championship.

This year, the KitchenAid Fairway Club will move to the North Pier Brewing Company parking lot along the 14th hole. This area will serve as the epicenter of the fan experience at the Championship.

In the Fairway Club, fans will enjoy interactive cooking displays and product demonstrations, smoothie and shave ice making, espresso tastings and captivating demonstrations by renowned chefs and home designers.

Introducing this year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship celebrity chef lineup:

This year’s star-studded lineup will be led by renowned Chef Christopher Covelli and his protegé Chef Brett Wagner. Chef Covelli, having been featured as the resident celebrity chef talent every year of the KitchenAid sponsorship, has been seen on several Food Network shows including “Alex versus America” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”

Covelli is currently the Head Executive Chef and Co-owner of Realm Restaurant Group in Sarasota, FL. Wagner is the Co-Executive Chef for Realm Restaurants and is regularly featured on television and in magazines.

Both chefs will appear all week to wow guests with their incredible cooking skills and culinary advice.

The dynamic Chef Alex Guarnaschelli will showcase her cooking skills on Thursday, May 23. Guarnaschelli is recognized as one of America’s most accomplished top chefs, acclaimed for her work in the kitchen, as an author and as a popular television personality. Guarnaschelli is a mother, chef, TV host and native New Yorker. In addition to appearing on various Food Network shows like “Iron Chef America,” “Chopped,” “Supermarket Stakeout” and “The Kitchen,” Alex has a new-American restaurant, “Butter,” in midtown Manhattan, that has been popular for 20 years. Chef Alex Guarnaschelli will be signing copies of her cookbook after her demonstration at the Championship.

On Friday, May 24, famed Chef Carla Hall will take the stage, sharing her favorite recipes and her on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars.” Carla spent seven years co-hosting ABC’s Emmy award-winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” and she is currently featured on MAX as the host of “Chasing Flavor” and on the Food Network in the “Summer, Halloween and Holiday Baking Championships.”

Her latest cookbook, “Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration” landed on annual best cookbook lists across the country and received a NAACP Image Awards nomination. Chef Carla Hall will also be signing copies of her book after her demonstration at the Championship.

Those looking for kitchen and home design inspiration won’t want to miss Jasmine Roth’s demonstration and Q&A session on Saturday, May 25.

Jasmine Roth is the founder of Built Custom Homes, curator of the online retail store The Shop by Jasmine Roth and host of HGTV’s hit shows “Hidden Potential” and “HELP! I Wrecked My House.” She was also on HGTV’s “Rock the Block Season 1.” Building custom homes is her bread and butter, and she loves finding ways to make homes as personal, functional and beautiful as possible. At the Championship, she will share her personal tips and answer questions on customizing your kitchen.

Welcoming more local chefs than ever before!

This year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will feature more local talent than ever before, including talented chefs, baristas and experts from across Michigan who will be showcasing their secrets.

The master schedule is as follows:

Thursday, May 23

● 11 a.m. – Brian Maynard, the visionary owner of Forté Coffee, will bring his knowledge and love of all things coffee to his exciting espresso demonstration, sharing his secrets for brewing the perfect cup.

● 1 p.m. – Celebrity Chef Demonstration from Chef Alex Guarneschelli

● 2:30 p.m. – Elton Mann, Executive Chef at Plank’s Tavern, the restaurant for the Inn at Harbor Shores

Friday, May 24

● 11 a.m. – Chef Nate Brown’s rise from cooking demonstrations to hosting his own TV show underscored his passion for flavorful cuisine and culinary excellence. With notable collaborations with Wolfgang Puck and VIP clientele like Kanye West and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, his dedication to healthy eating initiatives shines through, as seen in his efforts to educate youth about nutrition and wellness through urban gardening and cooking classes.

March 29, 2024, New York, NY: Portraits of Chef Carla Hall in Midtown Manhattan. © Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com

● 1 p.m. – Celebrity Chef Demonstration from Chef Carla Hall

● 2:30 p.m. – Chef Justin Paruszkiewicz, a recent winner of “Guy’s Grocery Games,” brings a wealth of experience to his demonstration. Justin honed his skills at esteemed establishments like Gibsons Restaurant Group, culminating in his current role as Executive Chef at Sister Lakes Brewing Company and owner of The Chef’s House private dining service.

Saturday, May 25

● 1 p.m. – Celebrity Design Demonstration by Jasmine Roth

Cheyenne Galbraith and her brother, James Galbraith. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson

● 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Galbraith, the creative force behind Houndstooth, is not simply a chef; she is a culinary storyteller. Known for transforming familiar ingredients into culinary adventures, she marries influences from her childhood to her extensive travels.

● 3:30 p.m. – Cheese lovers won’t want to miss the demonstration from Deb Sailor, fondly known as “The Cheese Lady.” She swiftly became the beloved cheese vendor in The Market in Saint Joseph, sharing her passion for cheese that transports people to cherished moments and places.

Sunday, May 26

Hudson Library & Historical Society

● 11 a.m. – Closing out the weekend, Abra Berens, the founder and head chef of Granor Farm, James Beard nominated Best Chef of the Great Lakes Region, and author of three award winning cookbooks including Pulp, Grist, and Ruffage, will bring her passion for seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to the KitchenAid Fairway Club.

“Since our collaboration with the PGA of America began, we have strived to create unique experiences,” said Deb O’Connor, director of global corporate reputation and community relations for Whirlpool Corporation. “This year will be the best yet. The KitchenAid experience at the Championship will excite and inspire. It will be a celebration of all we’ve accomplished together over the years, and is sure to leave fans delighted and fulfilled.”

For more information about the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, visit SRPGA.com. To follow along with KitchenAid sponsor updates, follow Twitter.com/KitchenAid_Golf.

ABOUT THE KITCHENAID SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship was born in 1937 on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. Since then, famed champions such as Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd and Colin Montgomerie have hoisted the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy.

This Championship is the oldest of the five major championships in men’s senior golf, is administered by the PGA of America and is recognized as a major championship by both PGA Tour Champions and the European Senior Tour. The lower age limit is 50, which is the standard limit for men’s senior professional golf tournaments. Winners gain entry into the next PGA Championship. KitchenAid has been the lead Championship sponsor since 2011, bringing the Championship to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor,

Michigan every other year. To learn more, follow the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship on Instagram, X or Facebook, or visit https://www.srpga.com

Chicago Restaurant Week Kicks Off with First Bites Bash and 13 EMMY Nominations for “The Bear”

Breweries, Burgers, Celebrity Chef, Chicago Restaurant Week, Chicago restaurants, Chicagoland Area, Desserts, Distilleries, Drink, Farm-to-Table, Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Fruit, Gastronomy, Historic Restaurants, Italian Cuisine, James Beard Awards, Lake Michigan, Mediterranean, ourmet food, Regional & Ethnic, Restaurants, Seasonal Recipes, The Bear, Vegetarian

If you are a fan of the FX/Hulu series “The Bear“, you may be excited to hear that the show is currently up for 13 EMMY nominations including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jeremy Allen White), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Sydney Adamu), Outstanding Directing, and more! (Tune in on January 15, 2024, for the live telecast on FOX or stream it the next day on HULU.)

Chicago is often a backdrop for hit TV shows but Season 2 of “The Bear” has brought greater awareness to Chicago’s dynamic food scene. Extending beyond the famous Mr. Beef in Season 1, the second season highlights a range of Chicago hot spots from Michelin-star restaurants to casual pizza joints. It’s become so popular in fact that it’s even inspired a local operator to create Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour.

Setting the scene for a month of culinary excellence, the EMMY buzz surrounding “The Bear” is the perfect kick-off to Chicago Restaurant Week (January 19 – February 4, 2024) which officially begins Thursday, January 18 (6:00 – 9:00 p.m.) with First Bites Bash, an all-inclusive tasting event at the iconic Field Museum where guests can enjoy gourmet bites from local restaurants, sip wine, beer and spirits from top brands and explore select Field Museum exhibits after hour.

Chicago Restaurant Week will feature over 350 participating restaurants offering unbeatable prix fixe menus for a set price of just $25 for brunch/lunch and $42 or $59 for dinner.

Fans of “The Bear” might recognize the below restaurants and be interested in taking advantage of the following specials:

After, the companion cocktail lounge of Ever which is the stand-in for the Copenhagen restaurant where Chef Marcus perfects his dessert skills, is offering a 3-course dinner for $59 (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).

Avec, where Chef Syd gets a pre-service sneak peek and gets advice from famed Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia is offering a 2-course brunch at $25 per guest, 3-course lunch at $25 per guest or 4-course dinner at $59 per guest (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).

Publican Quality Meats, where Chef Syd gets a butcher lesson from PQM’s very own Rob Levitt, is serving up a dinner menu for $59 (*beverage tax and gratuity not included).

Chicago’s own Michelin ‘Green Star’ recipient Daisies is offering 4-course dinner menus starting at $59. The Green Star is designed to recognize environmental sustainability, and Daisies is one of only 28 restaurants in North America, and the only one in Chicago, that can boast this accolade.

Additionally, there are dozens of acclaimed Michelin- and James Beard Award-winning spots on the list this year, an affordable way to experience more of Chicago’s creative, fine-dining scene: https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/dining/fine-dining-chicago-restaurant-week/Search the Participating Restaurants Guide to reserve your place; the website enables you to search via cuisine or neighborhood, indicate dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan), and support women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

For more information, visit Choose Chicago.

Curtis Stone Has the Most Perfect Recipe for Mother’s Day

Celebrity Chef, Iron Chef

This Mother’s Day show your appreciation for mom and mom figures by putting these three little words into action: Breakfast in Bed, says celebrity chef Curtis Stone.

Australian-born, Stone is an award winning chef and is chef/owner of Maude in Beverly Hills, Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant–and English-style butcher shop eatery, and Georgie by Curtis Stone in Dallas.

Unsure what to whip up? Not too worry. Stone’s got you covered with his ALL-NEW breakfast in bed recipe (approved by his wife Lindsay and kids), that blends savory and sweet in a “sparkling” delicious way using Waterloo Orange Vanilla Sparkling Water.

“My cooking philosophy is to keep it simple and cook with naturally produced ingredients just as Mother Nature intended,” says Stone who is an Iron Chef and is one The Iron Chefs from the new Netflix show (left to right): Marcus Samuelsson, Dominique Crenn, Curtis Stone, Gabriela Camara and Ming Tsai.

Stone has also appeared on Food Network‘s Iron Chef America in the episode “Battle Skipjack Tuna,” where he lost to Iron Chef Bobby Flay and was a judge on the first season of Crime Scene Kitchen, and was also the red team’s chef’s table guest diner during the second dinner service in Hell’s Kitchen‘s twentieth season.

He is the author of six cookbooks including Good Food, Good Life, What’s for Dinner?: Delicious Recipes for a Busy Life: A Cookbook, and Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone.

Orange Vanilla Crepes with Whipped Mascarpone and Caramel Sauce

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Waterloo Orange Vanilla Sparkling Water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
4 tsp sugar
Pinch of salt
2 tbs unsalted butter
Whipped Mascarpone:
8 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
Caramel Sauce:
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

To make crepes:

1. In blender, combine flour, Waterloo Orange Vanilla Sparkling Water, cream, eggs, sugar, and pinch of salt and blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

2. Heat medium (10-inch) frypan over medium-low heat. Melt 1 tsp butter in pan.

3. Pour about 1/4 cup batter into center of pan and swirl to coat bottom thinly. Cook 2 minutes, or until edges of crepe are light brown.

4. Loosen edges gently with thin spatula and carefully turn crepe over. Continue cooking 1 minute, or until bottom begins to brown in spots.

5. Transfer crepe to a plate. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter to pan as needed, and forming about 10 crepes in total.

Meanwhile, to make whipped mascarpone and caramel sauce:

6. In medium bowl, using whisk, lightly whip mascarpone, cream, and zest until soft peaks form. Set aside.

7. In medium saucepan over low heat, stir sugar and 1/4 cup water until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium-high and boil without stirring for about 8 minutes, brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush to dissolve any crystals, until caramel is golden brown. Remove pan from heat and slowly whisk in cream and pinch of salt; caramel will bubble vigorously.

To assemble and serve crepes:

8. Lay one crepe flat on work surface and spread some whipped mascarpone over crepe in thin layer. Repeat to assemble remaining crepes. Divide crepes among plates. Spoon caramel over crepes and serve.

Prep Notes:

Serves: 4 (makes about 10 crepes)

Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead: Crepe batter can be made up to 1 day ahead, covered and refrigerated.

About Waterloo Sparkling Water

Waterloo, founded in 2017, is committed to creating better-tasting, better-for-you sparkling waters that support a healthy, active lifestyle. With a focus on sustainability, the water used in Waterloo is filtered and manufactured in zero waste plants, packaged in recyclable aluminum cans from 70% recycled material, and actively managed to reduce miles in transit – on average just one day from plant to retailer shelf.

Flavor Artistry

Their flavor recipes are custom-created by in-house flavor artists and include such flavors as Blackberry Lemonade, Lemon-Lime, Cherry Limeade, Peach, Grape and two new flavors Ginger Citrus and Orange Twist.