Pack Your Knives
195 episodes — Page 1 of 4
S23 Ep 10: Hook, Line and Dinner
Track Your Knives Ep 9
Savor Charlotte Edition Ep 3 - Brittany Cochran
S23 Ep 9: The Ultimate Dinner Party
Track Your Knives Ep 8
S23 Ep 8: Restaurant Wars
Track Your Knives Ep 7
Savor Charlotte Edition Ep 2 - Callan Buckles
S23 Ep 7: Desserts Fit for a Queen
Track Your Knives Ep 6
S23 Ep 6: Going Whole Hog
Track Your Knives Ep 5
S23 Ep 5: Cut and Dry
Track Your Knives Ep 4
We're back for episode four of Track Your Knives, the data-driven Top Chef companion podcast brought to you by Pack Your Knives. Carly and Kendra are here to break down YOUR power rankings and fantasy league results. This week, in addition to our typical debrief of the episode, we talk about the answer to the bonus question: How many times will people mention that Tom hates Okra? Now that Last Chance Kitchen has started, we give our thoughts on how long it will last. Don't forget to complete your Power Rankings five minutes before Top Chef airs on Bravo (East Coast time) - and make your best guess as to this week's bonus question: How many chefs will have pictures or videos of their kids shown? Head over to find-topchef.com to submit your power rankings, and subscribe at packyourknives.com for deeper weekly insights. 02:15 Reactions to episode 4 08:50 Bonus question answer 10:35 Our Power Rankings 12:30 Power Rankings analysis 27:15 Our thoughts on next week 29:05 Fantasy League analysis 36:05 Discussion of Last Chance Kitchen 37:54 Closing and announcement of week 5's bonus question Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S23 Ep 4: Pick A Side
Tom got to eat the food! On this episode, Tom shares his experience of eating the Top Chef “Southern Sides” elimination challenge and why the edit was so different than his own meal. With Tristan Epps-Long back on the show, Sara and Tom run through the the surprising underdog story of the quickfire. Sara tells Tom Colicchio to stop lying about his least favorite food :) and explains how timing is secretly a huge advantage on the show. Sara and Tom also talk about meeting Brittany Cochran, Nana Araba Wilmot and Sieger Bayer at Sala in Charlotte and eating their food. Finally, Tom begrudgingly has to read out the scores from Sara’s vicious season of fantasy. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Track Your Knives Ep 3
We're back for episode three of Track Your Knives, the data-driven Top Chef companion podcast brought to you by Pack Your Knives. Carly and Kendra are here to break down YOUR power rankings and fantasy league results from episode 3. If you're just finding us, head over to find-topchef.com to submit your power rankings and play along, and subscribe at packyourknives.com for deeper weekly insights. 01:56 Setting the record straight 07:46 Our favorite moment from episode 3 11:55 Power Rankings analysis 15:14 Predicting episode 3's winner 22:53 Thoughts on next week's episode 27:03 Fantasy Leagues analysis 32:27 Sign off and reminder to submit rankings! Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S23 Ep 3: True Colors with Jamie Brown
With Supperland hosting Top Chef this week, Tom and Sara took their talents to Supperland in Charlotte to recap the episode. Liver mush. An incomplete dish. Flaccid pork. Live in person, Tom and Sara together break down the episode with the help of Supperland’s Jamie Brown, who welcomed the Top Chef crew to her restaurant in Plaza Midwood. Tom and Sara didn’t hold back. With Jamie Brown on the show, the PYK hosts ask her Charlotte, Supperland and bringing Top Chef into their restaurant. Were the dishes THAT muted? What was it like to be at the table with Emeril Lagasse? She share her experience with the pod. Plus, Tom shrinks as he updates Sara on the fantasy scoring. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Track Your Knives Ep 2
We're back for episode two of Track Your Knives, the data-driven Top Chef companion podcast brought to you by Pack Your Knives. Carly and Kendra are here to break down YOUR power rankings and fantasy league results from episode 2. If you're just finding us, head over to find-topchef.com to submit your power rankings and play along, and subscribe at packyourknives.com for deeper weekly insights. This week did not disappoint! We've got 139 power rankings submitted, Rhoda making Top Chef history, and 86 leagues with 282 fantasy teams to dig into. Let's get into it. 00:00 Hello and welcome! 04:55 First episode, first impressions 08:18 Carly and Kendra’s power rankings 11:00 Orientation to Power Ranking results 11:42 Shout-outs to listeners/players doing well! 13:50 Power Rankings analysis 27:26 Thoughts on Power Rankings going into episode 2 35:35 Reminder to submit rankings and join Fantasy Leagues Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S23 Ep 2: Puckerbutt
Tom Haberstroh and Sara Bradley turn up the heat and break down the trip to Puckerbutt with Mei Lin, Smokin’ Ed Currie and Noah Chaimberg of The Heatonist. Sara reveals her shocking distaste for a certain culinary treat as PYK tries to salvage any sponsorship opportunities to the show. We also watch a 2021 YouTube video of Tom eating a dried Carolina Reaper from Puckerbutt. Tom can attest: “If it doesn’t pucker your butt, it’s not Puckerbutt.” With the group elimination challenge, Tom and Sara debate the progression strategy of a certain chef who gets eliminated, and celebrate a first in Top Chef history. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Track Your Knives Ep 1
This season, PYK is bringing you a second weekly Top Chef podcast. Carly and Kendra will be summarizing and analyzing YOUR power rankings and fantasy leagues! If you haven’t yet, head over to find-topchef.com to sign up and become a subscriber on https://www.packyourknives.com/ to get additional data-driven insights on Top Chef. 00:00 Hello and welcome! 04:55 First episode, first impressions 08:18 Carly and Kendra’s Power Rankings 11:00 Orientation to Power Ranking results 11:42 Shout-outs to listeners/players doing well! 13:50 Power Rankings analysis 27:26 Thoughts on Power Rankings going into episode 2 35:35 Reminder to submit rankings and join Fantasy Leagues Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Savor Charlotte Edition Ep 1 - Chris Coleman
The first segment of a six-part Savor Charlotte with Tom Haberstroh series presented by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Tom sits down with Charlotte chef and food competition guru Chris Coleman of Built On Hospitality who explains why it's a great time for Top Chef to spotlight the emerging Charlotte food scene. Also, Chris shares the secrets of performing in food competitions and his long-held aspirations of being on Top Chef. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S23 Ep 1: Carolina Roots
Tom Haberstroh and new co-host Sara Bradley break down a dramatic season premiere of Top Chef 23 Carolinas, which was released exclusively on Peacock March 3rd. Tom and Sara get to know the contestants and react to one of the biggest meltdowns in Top Chef history, saved by an impromptu rescue mission from one of the judges. New for this season, the couple and twin dynamics already have Tom and Sara's heads spinning. The controversial ending will be sticking with us for a long, long time. Plus, enjoy the first segment of a six-part Savor Charlotte with Tom Haberstroh series presented by CRVA. Tom sits down with Charlotte chef and food competition guru Chris Coleman of Built On Hospitality who explains why it's a great time for Top Chef to spotlight the emerging Charlotte food scene. Also, Chris shares the secrets of performing in food competitions and his long-held aspirations of being on Top Chef. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sara Bradley Predicts Season 23
On a hot summer morning, Tom received a long text message from Sara. In it, Sara explained that she nerded out and wrote down a list of dishes she predicts will be on Top Chef Carolinas. From Appalachian fine dining to hyper-seasonal sustainability, Sara drew upon the unique ingredients of the South and even sketched out the Restaurant Wars restaurant themes and menus. After it all, Tom rethinks what it means to be a Top Chef expert. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gail Simmons Welcomes Us to Charlotte
To get us hyped for Season 23 Carolinas, Top Chef judge Gail Simmons joins the pod and coaches Tom about what it's like to "host" Top Chef in your home city (/country). The Canadian shares a bee-hind the scenes incident in Calgary last season and revels in Tom's LeBron comparison. Finally, Tom and Gail each give a scouting report on Charlotte's restaurant scene and what makes the Queen City unique in the American culinary landscape. The big question: Does it need a signature dish? And what would it be? Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The First-Ever In-Person PYK Blind Draft
That's right, a blind draft. In person! Top Chef has taken their talents to Tom's home city of Charlotte, which presents a new draft twist. With the possibility that Tom (and Sara) might be attending some challenge tapings in the fall, they got their hands on the contestant list early and drafted immediately to maintain integrity of the show. Yes, for the first time ever, the PYK draft was held before watching the first episode. In the comforts of Tom's home, Tom and Sara break down the wild contestant list (twins! a married couple!), share how they created their rankings and debate their most controversial picks. As a two-time Top Chef finalist, Sara reveals the qualities she looks for in a contestant. Tom explains his bold first pick with research that even Sara didn't uncover and asks the pros and cons of being the hometown chef. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Season 23 Carolinas Cast & Trailer Released!
We have a trailer! We have a cast! We have a premiere date! Tom and new co-host Sara Bradley are joined by PYK contributors Carly Levitz and Kendra McClanahan to break it all down and make some big announcements about PYK coverage this season (fantasy leagues and power rankings!). We talk about the twins and the married couple on this season and how those relationships may play out on Top Chef. We read the tea leaves from the trailer and look ahead to the March 3 premiere. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Season 23 Preview - Welcome Sara Bradley!
With Top Chef Carolinas on tap, we have a big announcement to make. In this special offseason episode, we welcome Top Chef finalist Sara Bradley to the team and preview Season 23 by taking turns predicting challenges in Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC. Bradley sheds light about her time living in Charlotte and cutting her teeth at Johnson & Wales. Tom reveals childhood culinary trauma and Sara reveals what she's MOST excited about for the upcoming season. What Charlotte-themed challenges do you want to see? Chime in below. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Top Chef Reigning Champion Tristen Epps
Making his highly-anticipated debut on Pack Your Knives, Top Chef Season 22 winner Tristen Epps talks to Tom Haberstroh about his epic performance on Top Chef and why the Afro-Caribbean chef is jealous about the upcoming Top Chef Carolinas. The globetrotter explains what Top Chef greatness looks like, sets the record straight on the supposed Massimo beef (?) and what he envisions for his new restaurant Buboy in Houston. The Charlotte Johnson & Wales graduate also reveals the one former Top Chef that he wants to challenge on a Top Chef All-Stars season and trashes Tom and Eric Adjepong for letting him fall so far on Draft night. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Season 23 Location Announcement!
Tom Haberstroh is over the moon upon discovering that Top Chef Season 23 will be filmed in his own backyard! On Wednesday, it was announced that “Top Chef Carolinas” will have Charlotte, NC as the hub city. Tom sheds light on Charlotte ties to Top Chef alums Tristen Epps, Sara Bradley, Jamie Lynch, Sam Talbot and Eric Adjepong. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Season Finale: Recap From Elmina
After Tom and Eric watch the season finale at his restaurant in DC, they host the podcast recap in front of a live audience, a joyous crowd that included the winner’s brother and Season 22 contestant Corwin Hemming.Tom and Eric discuss the significance of the winner’s impressive victory and take stock in the winner’s entire season. Eric shares his personal thoughts on the legacy of the winner’s achievement. After ranking this Top Chef season among the greats, Tom decides to put together his Mount Rushmore of Top Chefs with input from Eric and the audience. We hear from the winner’s brother and Corwin, who shared some behind-the-scenes experiences. Finally, Tom and Eric break down each dish and score each round with their commentary.At the end, Tom and Eric take questions from the audience and then wrap an incredible season of Top Chef.Thank you all for your support on Season 22! Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 13: Viva Milano!
Viva Finale. With one episode to go, Tom (now an honorary Ghanaian citizen) and Eric break down the Milan Finale Part 1 with the help of Carly Levitz who shares her analysis on the history of risotto on Top Chef. Is the curse of risotto overrated, underrated or properly rated? One chef's out-of-box thinking gets the best of them and the finale will decide which fantasy team wins: Team Eric or Team Tom. The margins are so slim. That's why it feels so big. See you in DC next week at Eric's restaurant Elmina. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 12: Foraged in Fire
Ahead of their Season Finale Watch Party announcement (June 12th at Elmina! Get your tickets now!), Tom and Eric wax poetic about the Quarry Lake episode. This hour of Top Chef had it all. Tom and Eric recap what they consider one of the greatest episodes of the series' history. While getting choked up on air, Eric explains why he got so emotional watching the Quarry Lake episode and especially the heart-breaking judge's table. The integrity of the show, Tom argues, is what makes Top Chef TOP CHEF and that integral guiding post is what helped paint such a beautiful episode. Did the chef deserve to go home? What does it say about the show? And the fantasy standings? Tom and Eric have a lot to say. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 11: Calgary, Yahoo!
And then there were five. With one episode left before the two-part finale, Eric Adjepong and Tom Haberstroh break down the Calgary episode (Yahoo!). As the contestants wrangle with beef and berries, Tom and Eric weigh in on the most underrated cut of the cow and the best preparation at a steakhouse. How exactly we did Massimo make that fancy Fruit Roll-up? A rivalry emerges and three chefs separate themselves from the pack. The race seems more undecided than ever. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 10: From Dep Till Dawn
Last Chance Kitchen is over. Eric Adjepong is back. And the show wraps up Toronto. A returnee comes back into the competition and gets revenge on the competitors. Adjepong shares his thoughts on Tristen at Restaurant Wars and what he took from the last two weeks while he was off air. Tom and Eric can’t help but laugh at the “hot garbage” quickfire while we wonder how sustainable Tristen’s lead might be with Massimo closing fast. The Top Chef fantasy race is getting hot. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 9: Cooking on the Edge with Buddha Lo
Buddha, Kevin and Tom oh my! Back for more, Kevin Arnovitz returns to the stage with Tom Haberstroh to flex their mussels and talk Top Chef post-Restaurant Wars.With no more immunity on the table, they discuss the reintroduction of last year’s rule that Quickfires are now part of judges table.Plus, Buddha Lo joins the show to share insights from his high seat at judge’s table in Toronto. After gushing about a flawless salmon Wellington, the two-time champ is asked to compare his game to Tristen Epps and the shared experience of losing a father while pursuing dreams of becoming Top Chef. He also shares what it’s like to cook for Padma Lakshmi at his HUSO restaurant in Tribeca. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 8: Restaurant Wars
Restaurant Wars is here and so is Kevin Arnovitz! With Eric Adjepong on film leave, Arnovitz steps back into the chair to break down an emotional and tragic Restaurant Wars episode and offer his big-picture thoughts on the Destination Canada season as a whole. Where is Tristen Epps in the pantheon? When did the losing team squander their moment? What's the best way to eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch? And which Atlanta Braves pitcher does Lana remind us of? All that and more on a PYK reunion episode. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 7: You Wanna Pizza Me?
OK, it’s time to talk about a certain chef in this competition. With the dominant stretch in the middle of Destination Canada, Tom and Eric discuss where the elimination-challenge winner places statistically and stylistically among the all-time greats. Names like Buddha Lo, Kristen Kish and Brooke Williamson are conjured up. Eric reveals the one chef that made him stand in awe during one of his competitions and explains the brilliance of Wylie “WD50” Dufresne and his DC pal Spike Mendelsohn. Plus, Tom and Eric share their favorite pizza style and finally agree on an intro food take. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 6: Pickle Me This
Eric Adjepong starts his victory lap trot after another disastrous week for Team Tom. Everyone at PYK is on Team Pickle. Haberstroh and Adjepong unpack the mistake-ridden episode of Top Chef while simultaneously bowing down to the greatness of two of Adjepong's chefs (Tristen and César). Eric also sheds light on the fashion do's-and-don'ts of Top Chef and the food TV world. After his trip to NYC, Tom shares his review of Time and Tide, the new restaurant from last season's Top Chef champ Danny Garcia. Eric takes stock of his visit to Tom's neck of the woods in Charlotte. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 5: Line Cook for a Day with Mina Kimes & Sara Bradley
Tom Haberstroh and Eric Adjepong are joined by ESPN’s Mina Kimes to recap this week’s episode which saw a double elimination. Did we like the staging at different restaurants? Are we surprised by the judge’s choices? Did the episode fall short? As the three weigh in, a surprise guest crashes the party: the guest judge Sara Bradley! Go behind the scenes with Sara, Eric, Tom and Mina as we break down this very controversial episode of Top Chef. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
LCK Eps 3 + 4: Redemption On Ice
Tom reviews the latest two episodes of Last Chance Kitchen, including a LCK bombshell in the Hat Trick episode as well as a surprising two-part LCK 1 Finale. A lot happened, we'll just leave it at that. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 4: Top Chef Trivia
Tom Haberstroh and Eric Adjepong break down the episode with a really fun trivia QF and marvel at Chef Tristen’s hoop knowledge. Eric reveals the ins and outs of a proper duck cook while Tom shares the points standings of all the contestants from the season (It’s about time we got to, you know, see Canada!). As far as guest judges go, this episode did not disappoint. We got two Jeopardy contestants Amy Schneider and Mattea Roach for the Quickfire Challenge joining Michael Cera of Superbad, Arrested Development, This Is The End, Juno etc. fame. Looks like we’re headed for an epic Last Chance Kitchen. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 3: Best Served Cold
Three episodes in, a clear favorite emerges from the pack of Top Chef: Destination Canada. Tom and Eric skate their way through the Jamaican patty and hockey episode that saw the judges sadly send home one of the more talented chefs of the group. Eric shares his favorite beef patty stories from childhood and provides a BTS insight about what the producers say on set that gave him some a pang of pseudo-PTSD. Tom recaps last week’s Last Chance Kitchen with a request for Tom C. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 2: Brunch à la Boulud
As expected, the poutine episode has arrived! Eric Adjepong and Tom Haberstroh marvel at Anya's secret ingredient that she brought from Russia; when you've melted the minds of Tom, Eric AND Daniel Boulud, you know you're a serious Top Chef force. Tom and Eric debate the merits of a two-team challenge this early in the game and both have strong thoughts about the Whole Foods curveball. Eric gives insights into the challenges of doing chawanmushi or soufflé on competition shows. Plus, Tom has thoughts about the Last Chance Kitchen twist. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PYK Premium Preview: Carly Levitz Data Dive
To take a closer look at the season premiere, Tom Haberstroh is joined by PYK Substack contributor and data whiz Carly Levitz to break down the episode's trends and storylines. What does the data say about Massimo and the history of "home" chefs? Do the numbers say Richard Blais is the GOAT Top Chef? Carly also picks her favorite underdog chef and reveals what trends she's keeping an eye on as we progress through Season 22: Destination Canada. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S22 Ep 1: Across Canada, We Go!
For the 8th annual Pack Your Knives draft, Tom Haberstroh and Eric Adjepong take turns selecting their cheftestants and recap the Season 22 Destination Premiere along the way. A shocking twist occurs in Bronx-natives Adjepong’s pattern of selections. How soon did the elimination challenge winner get picked? Tom & Eric weigh in on the quality of chefs this season, the decisions that led up to the elimination and look ahead at Season 22. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Top Chef Season 22 Chefs Scouting Report
Tom Haberstroh and Top Chef alum Eric Adjepong react to the Top Chef Season 22 contestant list and break down the promo video for clues. Which chefs have the most promising bios and resumes for Top Chef Canada? Haberstroh brings the stats on social media followings while Adejpong reveals which chefs he knows personally, the meals they cooked and their cooking styles. Adjepong and Haberstroh also share their Super Bowl eats and give a fresh update on Adjepong's new restaurant opening. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify, or watch PYK on YouTube! Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eric Adjepong Recaps His Kentucky Premiere from Season 16 of Top Chef
After debating the virtues of mint chocolate, Tom Haberstroh and former Top Chef contestant Eric Adjepong go back in time and rewatch the season premiere of Season 16 Kentucky at Churchill Downs. While experiencing "PTSD" about the show, the two-time Top Chef contestant Adjepong reveals details from behind the scenes of Top Chef and the hidden day-to-day challenges of being on reality TV. Adjepong also shares more intel on his new restaurant and picks the worst holiday to work as a chef. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chef Eric Adjepong Joins Pack Your Knives
Ahead of the upcoming Top Chef season in the spring, Tom Haberstroh makes a big announcement about the future of Pack Your Knives. After officially welcoming in chef Eric Adjepong, the two-time Top Chef contestant reflects on his time on the reality TV show and presents his top-three misconceptions about the grueling competition. He also dishes on his elite knife skills, opening up a new restaurant and whether he'd prefer winning a Michelin star or his New York Knicks winning an NBA title. Subscribe to the PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Bear Season 3 Ep 10: 'Forever'
Every episode of television is a series of creative decisions. Which characters do we spend the most time with? In which settings? How will the conflict occur? Season Three of “The Bear” took some unconventional risks — some worked and some didn’t. PYK Producer Anthony Mayes joins Tom and Kevin to break it all down, and to look ahead to the show’s final season. Subscribe to the new PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Bear Season 3 Ep 9: 'Apologies' + Chef Eric Adjepong
Chef Eric Adjepong knows restaurant kitchens and he knows television — he hosts “Alex vs. America” and “Wildcard Kitchen” on The Food Network. He stops by PYK to chat about what “The Bear” gets right. Tom and Kevin also ask him which is more beneficial: A love-letter of a review of a restaurant in a big city newspaper, or an Instagram reel of Kamala Harris & husband raving about the dining experience. He also shares why so many chefs both love the show, but also are triggered by the intensity of the kitchen experience. Subscribe to the new PYK Substack! https://www.packyourknives.com/ Rate PYK 5 Stars on Apple or Spotify Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives COUNT THE DINGS MERCH STORE - Check it out here: https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices