Starving for Attention with Richard Blais

Richard and Jazmin sit-down (virtually) with Andre Mack; renowned sommelier, winemaker and, most recently, essential worker in Brooklyn at his newly opened &Sons wine bar and market. The guys wears a lot of hats and we get in to all of them on this episode. Not to mention he finally settles the controversy over Taylor Pork Roll/Ham. Plus, geek out with Richard as he asks those questions you always want to ask a sommelier from a Michelin-starred restaurant like: what's the oldest bottle you've opened or what was the most expensive bottle of wine you've sold? Come along for a inspiring talk and walk away with two solid sub sandwich recipes too. Thanks for listening and remember to subscribe from wherever you get your podcast episodes. Follow along for more on Instagram: @starving4pod @andrehmack @richardblais @jazminblais

Richard and Jazmin snuggle in with their favorite television producer, Rebecca Soldinger from the Rachael Ray Show and Broadway Sandwich. They reminisce to pre-COVID times backstage and Richard finally gets Rebecca to admit the one dish she couldn't stand that he made on set! She also shares her top tips for producing at home that we can all learn from. Plus an ice cream cake recipe, backyard wildlife and the great American road trip. Subscribe, rate and listen! For more fun, follow along on instagram: @jazminblais @starving4pod @rsoldinger @richardblais @broadwaysandwich

It's official! Our most popular guest and co-host is back on and Zooming with Richard and Jazmin! Food Network's own Aarti Sequeira joins us and to talk about producing content 24/7 in this interim moment and the challenges that come with it: spouses as directors, kids as cameramen, how ants equal airtime and that old school Triple G (Guys Grocery Games) mentality that gets them all in trouble. Plus Richard and Jazmin's professional home kitchen sagas continue as do the woes for indoor dining in restaurants in California. Join us for some commiseration and celebration! Follow along on Instagram too: @aartipaartipics @starving4pod @richardblais @jazminblais

All the way from Rapids City, South Dakota, winner of Food Network Star, Justin Warner joins us via the technological wonders of Zoom. We talk about his newest book based on his hit digital show, Marvel Eat the Universe. We pose the impossible question of who would Guy Fieri be in the Marvel Universe. Plus we dig deep on home improvement, belching toilets, and how to live the RV life. This episode has something for everyone, as always! Follow along on Instagram for more fun... @starving4pod @jazminblais @richardblais @eatfellowhumans

*Spoiler Alert* Totally worth the wait! Richard and Jazmin take to Zoom with the newest Top Chef All-Star Winner, Melissa King. Join us as we chat all things Top Chef All-Star Finale, why she's still hustling and some hot take trends! In the open, Richard gives a quick TED talk on brisket, they discuss why everything is breaking at the Blais house and Jazmin gives a long awaited update on foster kittens. Can't take the excitement? Neither can we! Subscribe, rate and review! And don't forget to follow along on INSTAGRAM: @chefmelissaking @richardblais @starving4pod @jazminblais

SO many SPOILERS ahead! You've been warned! Richard and Jazmin recap the Top Chef All Stars finale during the commercial breaks for your listening pleasure. We recommend pushing play with us and watching the show while listening to our fearless hosts break the action down during the commercials. You'll hear Richard lament sharing his crown, comparing selecting a sous chef to a Vice Presidential nominee and Jazmin gets all the feels on memory lane. Plus who else wants a Tom Colicchio garden gnome that grills squab?! Last warning! Spoiler ALERT! Follow along on Instagram too: @starving4pod @richardblais @jazminblais

Jazmin and Richard discuss the historical moment we are in and why they took a week off from podcasting (see our recs below for crucial listening). Plus BREAKINGNEWS, small business woes, and oh yeah, #summeriscoming. Some of our favorite podcasts featuring Black thought leaders, Black stories, and/or Black history. Code Switch 1619 Pod Save the People Intersectionality Matters NPR Throughline : American Police Its Been a Minute with Sam Sanders Follow along on instagram for additional content: @jazminblais @richardblais @starving4pod

Richard and Jazmin pay a Zoom visit with longtime Food Network friend and fellow podcaster, Simon Majumdar. Follow along as they talk perfect outdoor kitchen remodels, birthdays in quarantine, the brief history of Okinawan taco rice and how to regain your sense of purpose as everything slowly starts to reopen. Come along for the ride! Thank you for subscribing. Don't forget to leave us a review and rate the podcast! Follow along for more fun on instagram: @starving4pod @richardblais @jazminblais @simonmajumdar

The last great PIVOT of the Quarantine Chronicles brings you a shining ray of light and energy that is Ellen Bennett from Hedley and Bennett Aprons (and facemasks). We talk about making business decisions in the time of a pandemic, Jazmin rushes a kitten to the emergency vet and Richard is a ROBOT suffering a mid-life crisis. Also, massive news for Richard and his love of BBQ. Tune in! Follow along on instagram for more fun! @starving4pod @ellenmariebennett @jazminblais @richardblais

Now with more gossip and pop culture hot takes!! The Quarantine Chronicles returns (because we aren't sure when it will end) with Richard and Jazmin diving deep into the depths of Robert Pattinson's quarantine culinary mind. Alison Roman takes on Chrissy Teigen and Marie Kondo for some reason and we break down our thoughts on the dust-up. Finally a long list of celebrities are now food TV stars and food influencers and what does it all mean?? Tune in to find out. Follow us on social media for more of the story: @starving4pod @richardblais @jazminblais

Keeping it Real-la with another installment of The Quarantine Chronicles! Richard and Jazmin are joined by their alternate universe duo, Jet and Ali Tila! Join us as we chat working together as a couple during the pandemic. Plus we cook up some new business ideas together. Richard whacks Jazmin with a golf ball! Jazmin uses a "bad"word! And Ali and Jet play our favorite podcast game that was made only for them, "Spilling the Tea-la". All this in under an hour! Enjoy the show! Don't forget to find more content and fun on our social media channels: @starving4pod @jazminblais @richardblais @alitila @jettila

Quarantine Chronicles is back with another installation of tales from the deep web!!! Richard and Jazmin divulge where their attention has been on social media during shelter-in-place. The rubberband man, tik tok, the Great Chefs series on youtube, PLUS CASEY THOMPSON joins us from under the sea!!! Stay in touch on Instagram : @starving4pod @richardblais @jazminblais @chefcaseyt

NOW WITH RECIPES! Richard and Jazmin are back for Season 2 and kicking off the Quarantine Chronicles live from the kitchen table. What have the Blais’ been up to in the kitchen? How have they sheltered in (mis en) place? Is anyone gluten free still? How is Jazmin dealing with “the other woman” and just how many dishes are we all washing? Find out these answers and less as we kick off the all new Starving For Attention! Follow us on Instagram for more hijinx! @jazminblais @starving4pod @richardblaisofficial (Tiktok)

Richard and Jazmin are back for Season 2 of Starving for Attention! Its a wild, new world worth exploring so join us as we make our way through the wide and sometimes unknown expanse of pop culture, food, relationships and beyond! Alright, we talk about memes and food and family life while broadcasting from our kitchen table... Follow along on instagram for more:  @starving4pod  @jazminblais @richardblais

Richard and Jazmin pick their allegiances for the upcoming Superbowl before chatting with celebrity chef Rachael Ray all about her take on some of the current food trends like rainbow bagels and why spaghetti and noodles are not the same thing. Remember to join us on instagram @Starving4pod!

Richard is back with Jazmin as they prep for the upcoming holiday and replay one of their favorite guests. 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 & Jazmin are here for the holidays and revisiting one of their favorite interviews. They are joined in the studio by restaurateurs and chef judges from Cutthroat Kitchen Antonia Lofaso & Jet Tila to talk about their humble starts in the television world, working with Alton Brown, and their opinions about the backlash against television chefs.

Richard catches up with Chef Grant Achatz in his Three Michelin star restaurant Alinea. Listen in as Richard recalls working under Grant at The French Laundry in the 90's, discuss outlets for their creativity, and reveal some of the ways they get to know their staff. Remember to join us at @starving4pod on Instagram!

Richard and Jazmin are ready for Thanksgiving. They talk about their favorite dishes and what they’re preparing for the holiday. Plus Richard revisits one of his favorite interviews with fellow Top Chef alum and friend Kevin Gillespie. They talk about his restaurants Gunshow, Revival, and Gamechanger, their time working together, and college football allegiances. Remember to join us at @starving4pod on Instagram!

This week Richard is in New Orleans with James Beard Award winning chef Nina Compton! They discuss Nina's rise to success with her own restaurant and recent awards. The two bond over the post-Top Chef career struggle to choose your own path with the pressure to make others happy. Stay tuned for a game called "Straight out of Nina Compton's Head" where Richard proposes ingredients and Nina improvises dishes!

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.

Chef, television personality and friend of the pod, Carla Hall, stops by to chat with Richard and Jazmin during the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Join in the fun as they recount the many festivities in Aspen including a secret room invite. Carla shares a story about the thoughts and emotions she felt during one of the competitions on her and Richard’s season of Top Chef All-Stars. And when they play a game of Carla’s Choice, it’s not nearly as difficult as the namesake might suggest. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod.

Today, Youtube star and viral sensation with his, "Kalen Reacts" videos, Kalen Allen joins Richard and Jazmin in the studio. You wont want to miss a minute of the fun as they talk about how Kalen first went viral while attending Temple University. Kalen also shares how his meteoric rise got him a job on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. And of course we get some first hand reactions from Kalen including his thought on In-N-Out Burger since moving to the west coast. Don't forget to join us on social @Starving4pod!

Today, founder of TrueCooks Chef Chad Minton hangs out with Richard in Las Vegas! To kick it off Richard and Jazmin talk about the pressures that can come along with the Michelin guide. Chad shares how welcoming the local chef's community in Las Vegas have been. And when its time for games, Richard even makes Chef Minton determine if it was a TrueCook or a NewCook.

Today, two star Michelin chef and 25 year veteran of the Los Angeles gourmet dining scene Chef Josiah Citrin joins the podcast. You wont want to miss out as Chef Citrin tells why the Michelin guide's return to California is bittersweet for him. Josiah even takes the time to explain what the star rating are supposed to signify in Michelin's guide. Richard also inquires about the techniques and details that Josiah brought into the more casual Charcoal Venice. Remember to join us on social @Starving4pod!

Today, Runner up on season 12 of Top Chef and Executive chef of Departure, Chef Gregory Gourdet catches up with Richard in his adopted hometown of Portland Oregon. Join in the laughs as Richard and Gregory talk about the uniqueness of the city and any influences it may have had on him or his food. Gregory talks about wanting another chance at Top Chef while Richard lends his insight on training techniques. Chef Gourdet even opens up about his TED talk on recovery and how the service industry can be a particularly difficult place for it. Remember to join us on social @Starving4pod!

Today's episode delves into the stigmas of fine dining after Richard and Jazmin made a visit to The French Laundry in celebration of Jazmin's birthday! Using their recent experience as reference, they combat the preconceptions of fine dining to explain how you too can find value.

Richard and Jazmin catch up with Celebrity Chef and two time Fan Favorite on Top Chef (seasons 10, 14) Sheldon Simeon at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event! Sheldon explains how this event marks his first time away since opening his new restaurant Lineage. Richard and Sheldon bond over their shared paths to Top Chef as well as the competitive drive that made them go back for more. And Chef Simeon talks about how the history of the Hawaiian islands led to the first fusion cuisines before the concept was even invented.

Richard and Jazmin catch up with founder of Eggslut, star of The Burger Show and possible Guru Alvin Cailan at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Event. Richard asks Alvin about getting outside his comfort zone with the growth of Eggslut, Alvin talks about his passion for the food trumping his reluctance for stardom with The Burger Show, and Alvin shares the reasons behind his three month rule for new employees.

Richard and Jazmin catch up with two members of "Trashfish" Chefs Silvia Barban and Gerald Sombright from Top Chef season 14 at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event. After kicking it off talking about the growing trend of caviar bumps in the intro, Richard and Jazmin inquire about the unofficial group name and the camaraderie Silva and Gerald helped create with their cast-mates on season 14. The resurgence of Ripe or Hype lets us know if Chefs Barban and Sombright cook the same at home as they do at work. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod!

Richard catches up with celebrity chef, restaurateur, and tv personality Maneet Chauhan in Nashville! Join in the fun as Maneet talks about the changes in her diet that have helped her get healthier, they Chop it up about her experiences judging tv cooking competitions, and Maneet shares the joys and struggles of balancing the demanding schedule of a celebrity chef with the demands of being a mother. Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod!

Richard hangs out with Chef Chris Bianco who preaches about how he stuck to a narrow lane to become a master pizza maker, Chris talks about the shock of learning the politics of food when he started in the business, and we find out who his preferred collaborators are in a game called, "Chris Bianco and CO." Remember to join us on social @Starving4Pod!