Trazee In-Depth: Celebrity Chef Restaurant Tour

There was a time when the average American could name one or two chefs at most. Julia Child and Wolfgang Puck were, and still are, among the most recognizable names. Since the launch of the Food Network in 1993, chefs are just as famous as actors and musicians. Other networks entered the game, with shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Top Chef introducing a new generation of celebrity chefs.

Japanese cooking competition series Iron Chef became a hit, introducing Japanese chefs to the world. The show featured a cook-off between a guest chef and one of the resident iron chefs with a timed battle tackling dishes all containing a featured ingredient. The series began airing on the Food Network in 1999, dubbed in English. Taking inspiration from the cult hit, an American version (Iron Chef America) debuted on the Food Network in 2005. During its run, 10 celebrity chefs served as resident iron chefs: Mario Batali, Cat Cora, Bobby Flay, Marc Forgione, Jose Garces, Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Symon and Geoffrey Zakarian. Many of these chefs are also restaurateurs.

A post shared by Mario Batali (@mariobatali) on May 21, 2017 at 1:31pm PDT

Mario Batali and his business partner Joe Bastianich own B&B Hospitality Group, which owns and operates 14 restaurants in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Boston, California, Connecticut and Singapore. Furthering his celebrity status, Batali is friends with actress Gwyneth Paltrow. The two costarred on a food and travel series on PBS.

Cat Cora was the first female iron chef on Iron Chef America. She has since appeared on many other cooking shows including Chopped All-Stars, MasterChef and Top Chef. Cora owns several restaurants including Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora in Singapore and Mesa Burger in Santa Barbara, Calif. Cora has a presence in several airports with Cat Cora’s Kitchen outposts at San Francisco International Airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is home to Cat Cora’s Taproom.

Chef and reality television personality Bobby Flay frequently appears on a variety of shows on the Food Network, including some he hosts. Known for his grilling abilities, Flay is the owner and executive chef at several restaurants: Gato in New York, Bar Americain New York, Bar Americain Mohegan Sun, Bobby Flay Steak in Atlantic City and Mesa Grill Las Vegas. Flay also owns a fast casual restaurant chain Bobby’s Burger Palace with 17 locations along the East Coast.

A post shared by Marc Forgione (@restaurant_marc_forgione) on May 26, 2017 at 12:18pm PDT

Marc Forgione’s first restaurant, aptly named Restaurant Marc Forgione, is in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood. Coming from a culinary family, Forgione focuses on farm-to-table cuisine. Forgione’s other venture, American Cut, is a traditional steakhouse with two locations in New York, one in Atlanta and one in Puerto Rico.

Jose Garces owns and operates several restaurants in Philadelphia: 24, Amada, Buena Onda, Distrito, Garces Trading Company, J.G. Domestic, The Olde Bar, Tinto, Village Whiskey and Volvér. Additionally, Garces owns restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

Masaharu Morimoto appeared on several iterations of Iron Chef, including the original series. The Japanese chef focuses on Japanese cuisine. He owns restaurants in Boca Raton, Disney Springs, Las Vegas, Maui, Mexico City, Mumbai, Napa Valley, New Delhi, New York City, Philadelphia and Waikiki.

A post shared by Masaharu Morimoto (@chef_morimoto) on May 8, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

Wolfgang Puck came to fame with the opening of his West Hollywood restaurant Spago in 1982. The restaurant moved to its current Beverly Hills location in 1997. Since then, it has received two Michelin stars. Additional Spago locations have since opened. Puck expanded his empire, opening restaurants all over the world. Travelers can sample Puck’s cuisine at Wolfgang Puck Express’s 21 airport locations including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Sydney International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Michael Symon is currently a co-host on ABC’s The Chew. The James Beard Foundation award winner helped put the Cleveland culinary scene on the map with his restaurants Lola, Lolita, Mabel’s BBQ, Bar Symon and B Spot Burgers. Symon expanded to a number of restaurants throughout the country including Roast in Detroit.

Television personality and author Geoffrey Zakarian owns and operates eight chic restaurants: Point Royal and Counter Point in Hollywood, Fla., The Garden Bar in Los Angeles, Georgie in Los Angeles, The National in Greenwich, Conn., The Lambs Club in New York City, The National Bar & Dining Room in New York City and The Water Club at the Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J.

A post shared by Marcus Samuelsson (@marcuscooks) on Apr 29, 2017 at 12:12pm PDT

Another Food Network staple, Marcus Samuelsson hails from Ethiopia. His culinary star rose at an early age, when he came to the United States to work at New York’s Restaurant Aquavit. He received a three-star rating from The New York Times while serving as executive chef at 23, the youngest chef to accomplish this feat at the time. Samuelsson gained further fame when President Obama visited his first restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem. Since then, Samuelsson has opened several other restaurants in New York, Chicago, Bermuda, Norway and Sweden.

Bravo’s Top Chef introduced a new generation of celebrity chefs. The reality competition series pits chefs against one another in culinary challenges, with one winner receiving a cash prize and a host of other prizes. Host Tom Colicchio owns restaurants in New York and California.

Top Chef: New Orleans winner Nicholas Elmi currently runs two restaurants in Philadelphia: Laurel and ITV. These accessible spots frequently make appearances on best of lists in Philadelphia. A runner up on Elmi’s season, Chef Nina Compton fell in love with New Orleans, and decided to open her own restaurant in the Big Easy. Compère Lapin draws from Compton’s background, serving up Caribbean- and European-influenced cuisine.

A post shared by Compere Lapin (@comperelapin) on May 25, 2017 at 8:33am PDT

New Orleans is known for its culinary scene. The Big Easy is home to many famous chefs. Emeril Lagasse came onto the television food scene in a big way, with his boisterous personality and Cajun and Creole approach. His first cooking show, Emeril Live, debuted in 1997 on the Food Network. Lagasse made many appearances on other cooking shows as a host, guest chef and judge throughout his career. He still entices diners to experience his comfort creole cuisine. Lagasse is currently the chef/owner of 13 restaurants around the country, including four in New Orleans.

Multiple award winner John Besh was born and raised in New Orleans and dedicates his career to preserving the city’s culinary history. His restaurants are highly acclaimed in New Orleans. Restaurant August, Domenica and Lüke are among Besh’s award winners.

The celebrity chef universe is constantly expanding. Dining with famous chefs is easier than ever, thanks to the influx of options and accessibility. Whether you want a detailed fine dining experience or just a really good burger, these celebrity chefs live up to their reputations. Bon appétit!