Food Network Obsessed

Laila Ali discusses her early love of cooking, sparked by her grandmother’s guidance. She shares how, at just 11 years old, she began mastering dishes like chicken and gravy, all while secretly training to become a boxer, despite her father Muhammad Ali’s disapproval. Laila dishes on how she won his respect by going undefeated and proving that women belong in the sport. She shares how her disciplined approach to nutrition during boxing evolved into a love for flavorful, balanced meals and eventually led to her cookbook and spice line. Laila discusses family meals like taco nights and growing fresh produce in her home garden. She dishes on hosting Chef Grudge Match, where she thrives on the fiery chef rivalries and helps competitors settle real culinary scores. Laila reflects on how her experience as a Chopped champion gives her a unique perspective and deep respect for those cooking under pressure. 

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Gabe Bertaccini shares how a spontaneous weekend in New York City made him fall in love with its vibrant energy and ultimately led to his new bi-coastal lifestyle. He reminisces about the contrasting pace and personality of Los Angeles, where he still treasures his connection to nature. The chef dishes on his nerve-wracking competition debut on Wildcard Kitchen and the intense challenges of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, where lack of sleep, spicy street food, and imposter syndrome tested his limits. Gabe reflects on how competing has deepened his empathy and reshaped his approach to judging. The chef honors Anne Burrell with stories of their meaningful connection on Worst Cooks in America, including a touching moment when she crocheted him a heart and made him a hot toddy while he was under the weather. Gabe shares his mentoring style, emphasizing patience, specificity, and the joy of watching even the most hopeless recruits find confidence in the kitchen. 

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Dook Chase describes his childhood growing up inside the iconic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, where the back of house was his playground and the kitchen was always buzzing with energy. He discusses how his early work bussing tables and washing pots led him to fall in love with cooking under the watchful eye of his grandmother, Leah Chase. The chef shares how Hurricane Katrina reignited his passion for the family business, inspiring him to leave his finance career and help rebuild the restaurant as a symbol of hope for the New Orleans community. Dook explains how culinary school in Paris gave him the technical foundation and confidence to complement his family’s traditions, helping him both preserve and innovate Creole dishes. He reflects on the meaning behind opening Chapter IV, a restaurant honoring the fourth generation of his family, where he experiments with modern twists on Southern classics. Dook celebrates the deep influence of the strong women in his life, including his wife Gretchen, and shares his excitement for Family Recipe Showdown, a new show that celebrates culinary heritage and cultural connection. He highlights the storytelling at the heart of the series, where families bond over beloved dishes and cook under pressure for host Octavia Spencer and her lineup of celebrity guests. 

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• Learn More About Family Recipe Showdown: HERE 

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Danni Rose discusses the inspiration behind the seafood potato salad from her Dig In With episode, tracing its roots to her mom’s throw-it-all-in-the-bowl cooking style. The chef breaks down some of the key ingredients like Duke’s mayo, salad cubes, and a pinch of sugar that can elevate a potato salad to "diva" status. She dishes on growing up in Birmingham, painting a rich picture of her father’s juke joint, Haywood’s Place, filled with fried food, blues music, and community. She reflects on how the dual influences of her father’s juke joint and her mother’s church potlucks inspired her first cookbook and her mission to preserve and share Black Southern culinary traditions. The chef recounts her rise to internet stardom, fueled by a viral stuffed salmon video filmed with her last $20, and driven by a desire to make comforting, accessible food for people on a budget. Danni teases the launch of her new brands, showcasing her continued evolution as a culinary entrepreneur. 

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• Watch Danni Rose’s Dig In With Episode: HERE 

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Duff Goldman shares what it’s like parenting a creative four-year-old who recently requested a brain cake—complete with eyeballs—for her birthday. The baker discusses his daughter’s intense focus and how it mirrors his own tunnel-vision approach to baking and woodworking. He dishes on the inspiration he draws from the baking competitions he hosts and how they help him stay on top of evolving pastry trends. Duff shares behind-the-scenes stories from his new show Super Mega Cakes, where he takes on six elaborate cake builds at once with a limited team. The baker discusses the intense physical and creative challenges of making cakes with moving parts, holograms, and surprising interactive features. He dishes on how his woodworking skills—honed through cake construction—led to his new Etsy shop and passion for toy-making. Duff shares plans for hand-crafted rolling pins and reflects on his lifelong evolution from graffiti artist to cake decorator to woodworker. 

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• Learn More About Super Mega Cakes: HERE 

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