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Several months ago, ABC invited me to take a behind-the-scenes tour of a taping of The Taste. I enjoy the show, and it was an opportunity to potentially meet Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain, Marcus Samuelsson and Ludo Lefebvre, so I was like, “Yes, please!” Continue reading for photos from the experience plus a story about how I 100% geeked out when I first laid eyes on Nigella.
We started with a behind-the-scenes tour where we got to explore each mentor’s individualized space.
Ludo Lefebvre had the area in front of his trailer decorated like a French bistro.
Nigella’s space was a luxurious oyster bar.
The space in front of Marcus Samuelsson’s trailer was a vibrant jazz lounge.
And finally, Anthony Bourdain (who everyone was calling Tony) had a night market.
After touring the mentor spaces, we got to check out the set of The Taste! On the way there, I spotted Nigella surrounded by a gaggle of studio folk. I’ll have to admit, I couldn’t stop smiling or staring. I’ve been watching Nigella on the Food Network and Cooking Channel for many, many years now, and I just love her. I’ve successfully cooked many of Nigella’s recipes, but for me, I mostly love Nigella for the way she talks about food. The way she describes ingredients, cooking processes and the final dishes. Chicken skin isn’t just golden brown. It’s burnished bronze. A lemon isn’t just bright and citrusy. It’s summer sunshine. She infuses excitement and sensuality into each recipe that she presents. Nigella is a continued inspiration for me, and that’s why I just couldn’t stop smiling or staring 😉
Nigella must have noticed me 100% geeking out from afar, because in that moment, she flashed me a quick look and quick smile. In that sultry way that Nigella does things. As our group walked by, Jorge and I the last in the pack, Nigella turned to me and said, “Hello.” Deep tone. British accent. With a big goofy grin, I let out a “HIIIIIIIII,” and gleefully continued on to the set.
It’s a vast space filled with many cooking areas for the contestants.
We arrived shortly after the remaining contestants prepared their dishes for judgment, so the area was alive with workers who were cleaning stations and getting everything back in order. I took a moment to dive into the competition:
Here, I’m caramelizing miso while poaching quail eggs.
THE CHILE OIL!! Almost forgot the secret ingredient. All I can say is the competition was intense. (j/k btw)
After the set tour we got to meet the mentors!! We spent a little time with Marcus Samuelsson and Tony Bourdain. They were both very nice, and they asked us about our blogs and cooking styles. I was so excited to meet these two, but I was most excited to meet Nigella.
Sitting around a circular table in lush, upholstered chairs, our group got to spend a good amount of time Q&Aing with Nigella. We briefly spoke about the show (she couldn’t really give us too many details), and then I asked her what she’s been cooking for herself while in LA. Seemingly spellbound, I sat there smiling as she described a roast chicken with sweet potatoes. Then, braised radicchio topped with smoked sea salt. Heady za’atar. Grassy coriander. Ruby pomegranate. Nigella is just as enchanting in real life, and I could have sat there for many hours listening to her talk about food. I’m so thankful that I got to meet her!
That’s that! Now I just need to meet Ina.
Be sure to check out ABC’s The Taste! The third season premieres TONIGHT (Dec 4) at 8/7c on ABC.
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I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
What an incredible (and once-in-a-lifetime) opportunity! I’m so excited for you and that you got to meet all those fabulous celebrity chefs and chat with them. I’m happy to hear that the chefs were all easy to talk to, and that you got to meet Nigella! Jealous!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Eva!
Sippitysup says
How fun. GREG
Brandon Matzek says
So much fun! Thanks Greg.
Arthur in the Garden! says
Love her!
Brandon Matzek says
I 100% agree with this.
Barbara says
Now how bad can that be?
Brandon Matzek says
Afterwards, I was totally like this
http://gph.is/1aaWE5n
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
OMG AMAZING!!!! I had no idea you did this and I would have been geeking out too! I met Marcus S. at a Food & Wine festival in Barbados about 2 years ago and he was soo sooo nice! And funny! I would love to meet Anthony B. one day! And Nigella! What an amazing event it must have been! Congrats!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Averie!!
Krystal R. says
That’s too cool and your grin says it all!! What an exciting day!!
Brandon Matzek says
Hahah thanks Krystal! Yeah, I was grinning the whole time.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
Ok I admired you before but now, well, I just don’t know what to say! What a wonderful experience and you totally deserve it. I met Marcus Samuelson a few years ago at a book signing and felt exactly as you describe. I have photo of him, me (with our arms around each other) and my kids. We make a beautiful family!
Brandon Matzek says
Aww thanks so much Toni! I wish we had spent some more time with Marcus Samuelsson. He’s such an accomplished chef, and I always love watching him on Chopped (especially when he competes!). And his background is so interesting too!
Kim - Liv Life says
That is just totally awesome!! I always think I’ll be so cool and calm in such situations, then my hands start sweating and I start shaking and my voice squeaks and later I’m just so embarrassed. What an amazing experience for you guys… your post had me smiling all the way through.
Brandon Matzek says
Haha thanks Kim! Yeah I couldn’t contain my excitement, so I just let it all out 😛 Seems like she appreciated it!
Jenny (VintageSugarcube) says
She’s just everything luscious. Love her. Sooo happy for you!
Brandon Matzek says
Hahaha so luscious!!! Thanks Jenny 🙂
Zubayda says
Love that picture with Marcus and Tony!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks!! I wish we had spent some more time with them.
Jenni says
So jealous you got to meet Anthony Bourdain! He’s one celebrity I’d love to meet.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
That’s so cool!!! I’m JEALOUS 😀