Starving For Attention With Richard Blais

Richard is in New Orleans and joined by celebrity Chef Isaac Toups. Isaac talks about the success of his restaurants Toups' Meatery and Toups South, and his meteoric rise of to fame after Top Chef. They swap chef stories and talk about Isaac’s responsibility to represent the rich culture of New Orleans food. And they break down some of your favorite New Orleans cuisine from Gumbo to creating an authentic Po’ Boy and more.

Richard has been on the road without Jazmin! This week he comes to us from Williamsburg yet again to sit down with Wylie Dufresne of Du's Donuts. Wylie is one of America's leading proponents of molecular gastronomy and incorporates science into his cooking techniques. His donut shop that began as a pop-up is now a chain with its very own cookbook. The two talk about the novelty of cookbooks and the value of having an international collection. Wylie explains his love of flashlights and the true physical demands required for a donut chef.

This week, Richard sits down with Ilan Hall at Du's Donuts in Brooklyn where he has been for the Star Chefs International Chefs Conference. Ilan was the winner of Top Chef season 2 and most known for his role as the host on NBC's Knife Fight. The two catch up and talk about Brooklyn's changing scene before getting into it. They talk about weird food cravings, health and wellness, and molecular gastronomy!

This week, Richard talks to Jeremy Jacobowitz, the man behind the famous food media account Brunch Boys. They start with a discussion about the Japanese sandwich or ‘sando’ that has made its way to LA at a new restaurant called Konbi. Next, Jeremy explains his path from working in TV to becoming a full time Instagram influencer. He reminisces about his first popular photo of pancakes and they end with Richard’s favorite game about hot takes!

Richard and Jazmin check in from the Newport Food and Wine Festival before Richard talks to famed chef, Art Smith, widely known as Oprah's personal chef. Art shares fun stories about his past work on TV shows and behind the scenes at Disneyland's Epcot. He talks about the influential women in his life, their battle with Alzheimer’s, and involving the culinary community through Around the Table . Stay tuned in to hear the two play a game called "What Art Though Cooking For?" where Richard quizzes Art on celebrity/ food pairings!

Richard and Aarti sit down for a fun conversation with chef, author and restaurateur Josef Centeno. Richard and Josef start with discussing the incredible technique of his "puffy taco" and how they feel about Tex Mex. They break down some hot food topics with a game 'My Two Cents". And they talk tortillas, chili rellenos, food halls and Josef shares what he wants 86'd.

Richard sits down with Food Network star, journalist, and television host Aarti Sequeira. Before diving into environmentally ethical food trends like meatless burgers, the two catch up and discuss their favorite Trader Joe's treats. Then, Aarti talks about her journalistic tendencies and they debate Lebron James's attempt to trademark the term "Taco Tuesday." They end with a new game Richard calls celebrity vegetable!

Greetings from San Diego's Kaaboo Festival, where Richard and Jazmin give updates on their festival experience before chatting with Guy's Grocery Store Games Judge and writer Troy Johnson. The three talk about stage fright, their shared fantasy football obsession, and Troy's troubles as a restaurant critic. They end with a game called "Is Troy Annoyed?" about potential scenarios one might encounter as a critic.

Richard joins Carl Ruiz at his restaurant, La Cubana, in New York City for an incredibly fun conversation! Richard and Carl start with the in-depth analysis of jelly doughnuts you never knew you needed. Then, Carl discusses the process of opening his restaurant and the neuroticism shared by every chef who finds success. Later, the two play a fun game of ‘Ruizing vs Blazing.’

Richard and Jazmin reminisce on a fun story from their courtship before sharing their interview with one of Richard’s all time heroes, Michael Mina. They discuss how Michael builds strong partnerships with other chefs and the impact press has on the restaurant industry. Plus, Richard and Jazmin play ‘What Does It Mina’ with Michael to gain his insight on many areas of the restaurant industry.

Richard shares stories of his trip to Boston before sitting down with chef, author and restaurateur Jamie Bisonnette. The two talk about Jamie’s weird collections, being an old soul chef and the prank Jamie played on Richard during Top Chef. Plus the guys play a delicious game of Never Have I Ever.

Aloha from Hawaii, where Richard and Jazmine give updates on their vacation before chatting with Top Chef alum (season 3), Guy’s Grocery Games judge and restaurateur Brian Malarkey. Richard joins him at Farmer and the Seahorse to discuss how they name restaurants, evolving and the future of celebrity chefs. Brian then gets into which aspects of the culinary world he believes are dying, as well as his love of aliens.

Ben Conniff and Luke Holden the founders of Luke's Lobster hang out with Richard in New York City. The duo talk about what inspired them to start the business and how far they've come over the last 10 years. We find out what a traditional Maine lobster roll is all about. And you wont want to miss the fruit that gets 86ed to throw Richard for a loop.

Today, Top chef and Top Chef All-Stars alum, Chef and owner of Death By Tequila, Angelo Sosa hangs out with Richard! The friends and former competitors talk about the influences of Top Chef on their Kitchens including their use of Quickfires to foster creativity. Richard draws comparisons between Steph Curry's 3 point shooting and using a pressure cooker. And having both originated from the East coast, Angelo and Richard explore the adjustment to seasons and produce in California.

Today, culinary power couple Jet and Ali Tila hang out with Richard! Jet and Richard ask Ali about spending more time in front of the camera including how she feels about live shows. Richard inquires about Jet and Ali's background as educators and how they feel it has influenced their work in the kitchen. And we even find out what type of musician Richard wanted to be before he devoted himself to culinary pursuits. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod.

Today, Top Chef alum (Seasons 3 and 10) and Champion (Duels), former member of the US National Volleyball Team, and Chef Partner for Aba and ?ma for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, CJ Jacobson sits down with Richard in Chicago. CJ discusses his more non-traditional path after Top Chef, including when he chose to work at Noma in Copenhagen so he could observe Chef René Redzepi. Richard and Chef Jacobson talk about the influences his time as a professional Volleyball player have had on his work ethic and competitive spirit in the kitchen. And CJ explains how he feels patience and a positive perspective have brought him the best results working with his staff to foster culinary creativity. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod.

Today Richard catches up with Chef Gavin Kaysen in his flagship Spoon and Stable Restaurant. After explaining how Gavin is working with his hometown Minnesota Wild, he and Richard draw parallels between athletics and the culinary worlds. Gavin talks about his long run working for Chef Daniel Boulud, the influences he has taken from there and the lessons he is able to pass on. Gavin also speaks about how their industry can change into more of a profession and the ways he has already been working towards that goal. Remember to join us on social @Starving4pod.

Today, chef, restaurateur, author, and culinary celebrity, Ashley Christensen spends time with Richard and Jazmin at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic. Ashley speaks about the honor of winning the James Bear award for outstanding chef in the country in 2019. The gang also talks about how Ashley's South Eastern roots influenced her love for food and cooking. And you'll definitely want to hear how Ashley likes to connect with the ghost of a space when she sets up her restaurants, in at least one case somewhat literally! Join us on social @ Starving4Pod!

Today, Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey joins Richard and Jazmin at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic. Listen to Bobby share his almost 25 years of experience with the event and how the audiences have changed over time. Richard labels Bobby a, "Celebrity Runner" before Bobby tells the story of how he annoyed wife (and inadvertently Richard) during the 5K Charity run. And find out how Bobby's passion for his guests and laid back attitude contradict the elitism sometimes associated with his profession. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod.

Today, contestant on season 3 and season 8 All-Stars, chef Casey Thompson catches up with Richard and Jazmin at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Join in the laughs as Casey shares the crazy adventure involving Dwayne Wade and getting escorted out of a tent at the event before the podcast. Learn why Mel Brooks sent Casey and her husband 3 bottles of wine. And as a Texas native, Casey laments the lack of Tex-Mex in California. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod.