
Advertise on podcast: Pack Your Knives
Rating
4.5from
This podcast has
170 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Count The DingsExplicit
No
Date created
2017/12/05
Latest episode
2026/01/30
Average duration
69 min.
Release period
22 days
Description
Kevin Arnovitz and Tom Haberstroh bring their die-hard fanaticism of the hit TV show Top Chef and combine it with their NBA analytical instincts to draft “fantasy” teams, interview contestants and talk about America’s food and restaurant trends. Follow along weekly as the top cooking competition meets top-shelf analysis. In Season 23, Chef Sara Bradley replaces Kevin as host to provide insight from the mind of former competitor and current kitchen guru.
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Season 23 Carolinas Cast & Trailer Released!
2026/01/30
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.
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Follow PYK on Twitter: @packknives & Instagram: @packyourknives
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Season 23 Preview - Welcome Sara Bradley!
2025/09/03
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.
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Top Chef Reigning Champion Tristen Epps
2025/08/08
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.
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Season 23 Location Announcement!
2025/07/23
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.
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S22 Season Finale: Recap From Elmina
2025/06/15
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!
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S22 Ep 13: Viva Milano!
2025/06/06
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.
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S22 Ep 12: Foraged in Fire
2025/05/30
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.
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S22 Ep 11: Calgary, Yahoo!
2025/05/23
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.
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S22 Ep 10: From Dep Till Dawn
2025/05/16
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.
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S22 Ep 9: Cooking on the Edge with Buddha Lo
2025/05/09
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.
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S22 Ep 8: Restaurant Wars
2025/05/02
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.
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S22 Ep 7: You Wanna Pizza Me?
2025/04/26
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.
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S22 Ep 6: Pickle Me This
2025/04/18
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/
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S22 Ep 5: Line Cook for a Day with Mina Kimes & Sara Bradley
2025/04/11
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.
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LCK Eps 3 + 4: Redemption On Ice
2025/04/04
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/
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Podcast reviews
Read Pack Your Knives podcast reviews
Sackat 2025/06/16
Insightful Podcast
So glad I found this pod for Season 22 of Top Chef. Very insightful and I looked forward to the breakdown of each episode. So sorry Top Chef is over. ...
Purexj 2025/05/30
Fave podcast of all time
For fans of basketball and top chef, can there be a more perfect podcast? I’ve followed these guys from their basketball work and have never missed a ...
Swrunningmom 2025/05/27
Fan Favorite
This show is such a fun recap and Eric explains techniques so well!
duff_star 2024/12/14
My fave Top Chef podcast
Excited that Eric is joining the show full time. I’m excited to hear his insight as the next season of Top Chef unfolds!
Chula in Cali 2025/05/23
Meh
Meh
tm011383 2025/05/05
Tom is too much
Tom has way too much to say for someone who never competed. I miss Kevin and his analysis. Eric is the great!
MB.T 2025/04/28
Subscription?
Get advertising. I like this podcast, but certainly not enough to pay to listen to you. I’ll stay with unfollowing the show and checking in the next...
SBansil 2025/04/05
I miss Kevin
Can you guys please stop: 1) butchering the names of non-American chefs? “Zubair” is literally just “Zoo-bear.” 2) putting spoilers in the show notes?...
Carson from Ohio 2025/03/28
Hosts
Love the show, but Eric needs to follow his own advice and stop talking. He needs to edit his comments. More Tom please. I’m surprised Eric fel...
tess233 2024/06/26
Tom Colicchio doth protest too much
I have to rely on the freebie teasers but 11 minutes of Tom Colicchio doing damage control on Danny winning was cringeworthy. Exec producer and he doe...
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