Culture Culture 4 min read

Do cooking shows make you hungry?

Who put the kitchen on the TV? 10 American pioneer TV chefs

Image: Sonja Punz

There is something soothing and almost hypnotic about watching someone expertly cook a delicious meal on TV while calmly explaining their process. The genre of television cooking has been perfected and even over-cooked at times, for quite a few decades now, and, in the process, a handful of stars have emerged. This list highlights only a handful of these figures, from pioneers like Julia Child and James Beard to colorful characters like Guy Fieri and Anthony Bourdain. Do you have a favorite?

1
Julia Child

Image: Caroline Attwood

Probably the first name that comes to mind when thinking about famous American chefs is Julia Child, and for good reason. This chef, author, and television personality is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking , and her television programs, like 1963’s The French Chef.

Child began learning to cook after meeting her future husband, Paul, who grew up in a family passionate about food and was known for his sophisticated palate.

2
Emeril Lagasse

Image: Fabrizio Magoni

Another familiar name (one of many) on this list is Emeril Lagasse, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author, and regional James Beard Award winner (more on this name later), known for his mastery of Creole and Cajun cuisine.

He is known for catchphrases like "Kick it up a notch!" and "Bam!" and has appeared on a wide variety of cooking shows , including Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril .

3
Paula Deen

Image: Alyson McPhee

The hostess of Paula’s Party is a chef, cookbook author, and TV personality from Savannah, Georgia, where she owns and operates The Lady & Sons restaurant with her sons . She has been the star of several cooking shows, including Paula’s Home Cooking, Positively Paula, Paula’s Best Dishes , and the aforementioned Paula’s Party .

Another show where you might recognize her—though it doesn't bear her name—is MasterChef , where she appears as a guest alongside other well-known chefs, mentoring home cooks through a series of challenges.

4
James Beard

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If Julia Child is not the first name that comes to your mind when you think of a celebrity chef, then this might be the one. James Beard pioneered television cooking with shows like 1946’s I Love to Eat, taught at The James Beard Cooking School, and lectured extensively. He was a big promoter of American cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients.

Beard taught and mentored generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, and published more than twenty books.

5
Leah Chase

Image: Jorge Zapata

The Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, was a New Orleans chef, author, and television host, also known for her civil rights advocacy and her extensive African-American art collection . Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s for many involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and in 2018, it was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years by Food & Wine .

Leah Chase was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2010, received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2000, and was awarded honorary degrees from several universities, among other honors.

6
Bobby Flay

Image: Wyron A

A staple on the Food Network, Bobby Flay has been a prominent figure in American television since 1995, winning several awards and even earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . He has hosted or been a part of several shows, including Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay, 3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay, Throwdown with Bobby Flay , and many more.

He has participated in many shows competing against other chefs, mentoring home chefs, and has hosted many cooking reality shows.

7
Sara Moulton

Image: Holly Stratton

Described as "one of the nation’s most enduring recipe writers and cooking teachers...and a dean of food television and magazines," Sara Moulton is a chef, cookbook author, and television personality. She served as the food editor for ABC’s Good Morning America from 1997 to 2012 and hosted Cooking Live , Cooking Live Primetime , and Sara’s Secrets on the Food Network.

Moulton has authored several cookbooks, including Sara Moulton Cooks at Home (2002), Sara’s Secrets for Weeknight Meals (2005), and Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners (2010). Since 2008, she has hosted Sara’s Weeknight Meals .

8
Guy Fieri

Image: Manu Ros

This easily recognizable and colorful personality is widely known for hosting many television series on The Food Network, licensing his name to restaurants in cities worldwide, and for his signature flashy shirts and spiky hair. His shows are said to bring an "element of rowdy, mass-market culture to American food television."

A series of TV specials and cooking shows showcase Fieri traveling the country visiting eateries, cooking, participating in and hosting game shows, and making appearances in other chefs’ shows.

9
Mary Ann Esposito

Image: Louis Hansel

Being the hostess of the longest-running television cooking program in America is no small feat, and Mary Ann Esposito—chef, cookbook writer, and central figure of _Ciao Italia_—has achieved just that.

This 30-minute show features Esposito's recipes and cooking tips, along with visits from guest chefs, as she explores the history of Italian cooking and food. The food is made from scratch in the studio, with each dish being prepared in numerous batches and at different recipe stages. This allows Esposito to execute an entire recipe in a matter of minutes, even if it would normally take hours to complete.

10
Anthony Bourdain

Image: Or Hakim

One of the most famous names in American television cooking history is, without a doubt, Anthony Bourdain. After honing his skills in various eateries and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, including several years as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan, he became best known for his travel documentaries, where he explored local cuisines from around the world, as well as for his books.

His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook's Tour , which was followed by Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations , The Layover , and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. His funny, philosophical, and daredevil attitude made him a beloved figure in the world of television food shows.

General General 4 min read

Mustard or mayo?

Where do I find a decent hot dog in this town? 10 great frankfurter spots

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You’d be hard-pressed to find a more iconic American street food than the humble hot dog. This sausage cradled in a bun and topped with condiments has been around for a long time and many generations have eased their hunger in the middle of a busy day or after a long night with it. From the classic mustard to the most elaborate toppings, from pork to vegan, to anything in between for the dog itself, these treats have it all. Take a look at ten notable fine American establishments that deliver the goods when it comes to this specialty and see if your local hot dog joint has what it takes to be on this list.

1
Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, New York

Image: Umanoide

While its world fame derives from a hot dog eating contest where the flavor of each individual dog is hardly appreciated by the participants, Nathan’s Famous does make excellent frankfurters with a vast array of flavors to choose from.

Set up in 1916 by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker, it's now one of the most popular and famous places on the New York City food map for its mind-blowing hot dogs.

2
Puka Dog, Hawaii

Image: LikeMeat

Pork is a central part of the Hawaiian culture and it should be no surprise that pork hot dogs are a popular treat in that lovely part of the country. Puka Dog’s Hawaiian-style hot dogs are named after the unique bun that's baked with a hole running through the middle .

The available hot dogs can be either Polish or veggie, and the local garlic lemon sauce can be mild, spicy, hot, or lava (yes, that is on the menu). Relish and condiments are seemingly infinite.

3
Portillo's, Illinois

Image: Samuel Ramos

A city well known for its all-beef hot dogs served in poppy seed buns Chicago has plenty of hot dog vendors. But, among them, Portillo’s is the place to go to get the real deal.

Its classic Jumbo Hot Dog with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced ripe tomato, sport peppers, and pickles in a delicious steamed bun is a city landmark in itself. Chicago natives are known to call this combo of toppings 'dragging the dog through the garden'.

4
Dat Dog, Louisiana

Image: Mateusz Feliksik

If you ever felt the craving for an alligator or crawfish hot dog , and you happen to be in Louisiana, this is the place for you. Dat Dog has nine house-special dogs on the menu, including everything from classic Chicago-style dogs to the aforementioned alligator and crawfish dogs.

The vegan and vegetarian options are also very popular, like the Vegan Banger, complete with a vegan-friendly bratwurst, sauerkraut, dill relish, onions, tomatoes and mustard.

5
Short Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts, Arizona

Image: Andy Wang

Hot can be gourmet food and Short Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts certainly knows that. There’s a long menu, from a ll-beef and bratwurst to veggie and spicy link, unconventionally served in naan bread with a range of toppings .

One of the house’s strongest contenders, the Oliver hot dog, is a mix of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing. The Poutine Dog is smothered with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

6
Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs, Nevada

Image: Chris Curry

The odd name of Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs makes sense once you understand that it is a word play on the traditional Korean beef dish, bulgogi , with lots of the menu items inspired by Korean and Vietnamese flavors.

The Banh Mi, a local favorite, is bacon, banh mi slaw, a herb blend, and sriracha aioli. The Angry Kimchi comes with spicy pork bulgogi, Asian slaw, jalapeños and fiery aioli.

7
Red Top, Kentucky

Image: Meg Jenson

These hot dogs might be served from a food truck but the food is gourmet style for sure. Its wild game and all-beef sausages including wild boar, wagyu, and bison include extravagant toppings to match.

Visitors can try the Nirvana – a combo of roasted garlic cream cheese, jalapeños, fried onions, and jalapeño jam – or the Black & Blue, with blue cheese spread, grilled onions, smoked bacon, and local blackberry jam.

8
International House of Hot Dogs, Alaska

Image: Freunde des Snacks e.V.

The first of two Alaskan entries, the International House of Hot Dogs is loved by Anchorage locals thanks to its easily customizable options and wide range of dogs and toppings. However, the undisputed specialty is the reindeer Polish sausage, dressed with sautéed onions and the joint's secret chipotle sauce .

If reindeer is not of your liking, you can also choose between beef, buffalo, chicken, or veggie dogs.

9
Talkeetna Roadhouse, Alaska

Image: Andersen Jensen

As exotic as these treats might seem elsewhere, reindeer dogs are a normal thing in Anchorage, Alaska, as seen in the previous post, and this one, where the Polish-style dogs are the house’s specialty.

The menu even features names like Rudy-in-a-Parka and Chili-Rudy, as a nod to Santa Claus’ ride. But visitors can rest assured that the meats used don’t belong to the famous reindeer.

10
The Hot Dog Box, Chicago

Image: Zeki Okur

The Windy City makes a second entry at the last stop of our list with The Hot Dog Box, a father-daughter-managed joint venture. While classic Chicago-style hot dogs are on the menu, what makes this place a Chicago original is the craftier original creations that prove there's still room for creativity in the hot dog department.

The Bronzeville Bourbon Hot Dog is a menu star, comprised of a decadent steak dog covered with bourbon barbecue sauce, a fresh cabbage and carrot medley, and hickory-smoked bacon , all served in a pretzel bun.

Culture Culture 6 min read

Bad blood

Did you know these celebrities were declared rivals?

Image: Thea Hdc

Hollywood is not just about glitz and glamour. Sometimes, behind the cameras, famous stars clash in ways that are mysterious, amusing, or simply unforgettable. From bitter arguments on set to long-lasting rivalries, these legendary feuds tend to leave a mark on pop culture history. Here are 12 famous celebrity disputes fans can’t stop talking about.

1
Robert De Niro vs Mickey Rourke

Image: Vitruvian Badr

At first glance, it was the typical 1980s film set. But when Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke worked together in Angel Heart , their differences in style weren’t just noticeable; they were combustible. De Niro, famous for disappearing into his roles with a strict Method approach, didn’t always mesh well with Rourke’s more unpredictable, improvisational take.

According to lore, all hell broke loose when Rourke decided to ignore De Niro’s suggestions for a scene. What was supposed to be a straightforward shoot turned into multiple takes, frustrating not just the two stars but the entire crew. The altercation quickly became Hollywood gossip, with insiders saying it was a classic case of two strong personalities refusing to give in.

2
David Letterman vs Jay Leno

Image: John-Mark Smith

Who deserved the late-night crown , Letterman or Leno? For years, Americans were unable to settle the debate. On screen, both comedians exchanged polite words and even jokes, but behind the curtain, the situation was a little more complicated.

Reporters loved to stir the pot, writing headline after headline about which funnyman truly deserved the throne. Viewers, meanwhile, treated it almost like a sporting match, tuning in to see who would come out on top. In truth, much of the "feud" was blown out of proportion, yet the friendly jabs and constant comparisons managed to keep audiences entertained.

3
Dean Martin vs Jerry Lewis

Image: anncapictures

On stage, there were only gags, music, and applause. But behind the scenes, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were falling apart. Martin often felt stuck playing the calm, serious foil while Lewis stole all the laughs with his wild, over-the-top routines.

Over time, that imbalance created real tension. After starring in 16 hit films together, the famous duo finally called it quits. Their split was so final that they didn’t exchange a word for two full decades. Fans were stunned when they eventually patched things up later in life, a reminder that even the biggest comedy legends aren’t immune to bruised egos and long silences.

4
Olivia de Havilland vs Joan Fontaine

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Few family feuds reached the heights of Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine’s legendary rivalry. The sisters were competitive long before the bright lights of Hollywood, each vying for their mother’s attention. Once both became movie stars, the bad blood only grew stronger.

In 1942, the two actresses were even nominated for Academy Awards in the same category. Fontaine ended up winning and later claimed her older sister pulled her hair during the ceremony. That incident became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about snubs. Their quarrel stretched on for decades, marked by jealousy, pride, and the kind of family drama that the public can’t get enough of.

5
Elton John vs Madonna

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It may sound like sensational news, but Elton John once declared Madonna’s Bond theme "the worst ever." From that point on, the two megastars exchanged sharp words through the press, with Elton poking fun at her performances and Madonna brushing off the criticism with icy charm.

Reporters loved every jab, turning their spat into tabloid gold. Though they occasionally patched things up, the rivalry lingered. Even music royalty can squabble just like the rest of us!

6
Marilyn Monroe vs Jayne Mansfield

Image: WikiImages

In the 1950s, Hollywood had room for only so many platinum blondes, and Marilyn Monroe was already the reigning queen. When Jayne Mansfield came to light with her hourglass figure and playful charm, the press quickly dubbed her "the next Monroe."

Marilyn, who guarded her image carefully, bristled at the idea of a copycat stealing her thunder. Meanwhile, Mansfield leaned into the comparisons, showing up at events in daring outfits and orchestrating photo ops that guaranteed headlines. The result was a highly public rivalry that fascinated fans, turning every red carpet into a showdown.

7
Johnny Carson vs Joan Rivers

Image: Debby Hudson

One phone call never answered, one friendship lost forever. Joan Rivers owed much of her early success to Johnny Carson, who gave her a career-changing boost as a regular guest on The Tonight Show . For years, she was seen as his comic protégé, someone he personally championed. But when Rivers accepted an offer to host her own late-night program, Carson viewed it as a betrayal.

He cut off contact immediately, refusing to take her calls, and the friendship that once seemed unbreakable collapsed overnight. Fans were stunned to see the bitter end of what had appeared to be a classic mentor-and-student bond. The silence lasted all their lives.

8
Debbie Reynolds vs Gene Kelly

Image: Kazuo ota

When Debbie Reynolds starred in Singin’ in the Rain , she was a 19-year-old performer stepping into a major role for the first time. Gene Kelly, already an established star, demanded flawless performances and wasn’t known for his patience. Reynolds later recalled long hours of grueling rehearsals, where Kelly frequently criticized her every move, reducing her to tears.

Though their discord was rooted more in his high standards than personal dislike, the experience marked a harsh introduction to Hollywood for the young actress. Today, their behind-the-scenes tension is remembered as both a glimpse into Kelly’s tough reputation and a reminder of the enormous pressures that came with working alongside legends.

9
Orson Welles vs William Randolph Hearst

Image: William Warby

When Citizen Kane hit the screens, it wasn’t just a film debut; it was the spark of one of Hollywood’s fiercest battles. William Randolph Hearst, the media tycoon who saw too much of himself in the story, launched an all-out war against Orson Welles.

He tried to bury the film before it could reach audiences, banning ads in his papers and fueling smear campaigns. What began as a clash of egos grew into a cultural showdown, forever linking their names to both scandal and cinematic history.

10
Frank Sinatra vs Marlon Brando

Image: Brett Sayles

If you watch Guys and Dolls today, all you’ll see is glamour. In reality, the shooting was pretty stressful: Sinatra craved efficiency, Brando thrived on slow-burning performance. Brando’s Method acting tested Sinatra’s patience, as Ol’ Blue Eyes favored efficiency and clean, polished takes.

Rumors of heated exchanges and icy silences hit the media, and by the final days of filming, the pair were barely speaking. What should have been a classy production became notorious for its behind-the-scenes tension, adding an extra layer of drama to the musical classic.

11
Bette Davis vs Joan Crawford

Image: Nathan DeFiesta

So iconic was their hatred that it later inspired documentaries and TV series. Davis and Crawford didn’t just feud; they redefined what a Hollywood rivalry is. For decades, the two icons sparred over leading roles, critical acclaim, and public adoration.

Gossip included backhanded insults, stolen lovers, and outright sabotage during productions. When they finally shared the screen in 1962’s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? , the film’s unsettling tension was magnified by their very real animosity.

12
Chevy Chase vs Bill Murray

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

In the early days of Saturday Night Live , Chevy Chase and Bill Murray were usually at each other’s throats. Chase’s sharp, polished delivery often clashed with Murray’s more offbeat, improvisational style, and the tension spilled offstage.

Reports of heated arguments (and even a near brawl backstage) turned their working relationship into one of the show’s most notorious conflicts. Though both later moved on, their rocky career start stands as a reminder of how fragile chemistry can be in comedy’s spotlight.

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