Padma Lakshmi vs. Bitter Melon

Rocco DiSpirito vs. Arugula

James Beard Award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito sits down with Dan Souza to confront his culinary nemesis: arugula. Along the way, Rocco shares the gritty story behind his culinary rise—from getting his first restaurant job at age 11 to chasing a legendary three-star review, navigating the intense spotlight of reality TV fame, and rediscovering what matters most through time spent caring for his mother. Recipes Mentioned: Arugula Falafel [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/11179-falafel?queryID=13b7b8c569cca79ab4fef88ffe1c9274] Roquette Cocktail [https://punchdrink.com/recipes/roquette/]

Kardea Brown vs. Olives

Dan welcomes chef, caterer, and cookbook author Kardea Brown to talk about her Gullah Geechee roots, her unlikely path to food TV, and the obstacles she’s overcome along the way. But there’s one challenge she still can’t get past: olives. Can Dan finally change Kardea’s mind? Recipes Mentioned: Green Olive Tapenade [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/14946-green-olive-tapenade?queryID=5e1c2533c3bec70d57cd1324a85e9e3e&indexName=cortado_production_autocomplete] on a crostini Cheddar Olives [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/7813-cheddar-olives?queryID=acccfe4b773f8741a5ef99e9b9478afb&indexName=everest_search_cortado_production] New Orleans Muffulettas [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/7991-new-orleans-muffulettas?queryID=eba62fc57e8412d59008cf422f4b2694&indexName=cortado_production_autocomplete]

José Andrés vs. “Bad Food”

Chef and humanitarian José Andrés will eat just about anything—except bad food. So instead of changing his mind, Dan serves up three classic tapas that tell the story of José’s homeland, Spain. Along the way, José shares memories from his culinary journey, from his acclaimed restaurants to his food relief work with World Central Kitchen, and shares an unforgettable bratwurst incident at a Washington Wizards game. Dishes Mentioned: Manzanilla & Gordal Olives Semicurado Manchego Jamón Ibérico

Brooke Shields vs. Oregano

Actress, entrepreneur, and icon Brooke Shields is a lifelong oregano skeptic, and puts her palate to the test as Dan serves her three dishes to win her over. Between bites, Brooke opens up about not being a confident cook, a surreal health scare, and embracing her “give zero f*cks” era.  Recipes Mentioned: Horiatiki Salata (Hearty Greek Salad) [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/13158-horiatiki-salata-hearty-greek-salad?queryID=c198819b4dfa0e4a09c0544792f6aecd&indexName=cortado_production_autocomplete] Seared Steak with Chimichurri Sauce [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/17432-chimichurri-wing-sauce?queryID=53a930e4dd9634f2c11fe6f089504ca8&indexName=everest_search_cortado_production] French Bread Pizza [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/12778-pepperoni-french-bread-pizza?queryID=07821df59be188c4e7151b53c77fd3cf&indexName=cortado_production_autocomplete]

Valerie Bertinelli vs. Oysters

Description: In this episode, actress Valerie Bertinelli sits down with Dan Souza to face her longtime nemesis: oysters. As she bravely tackles raw oysters, a rich Oysters Rockefeller, and a crispy po’boy sandwich, Valerie opens up about a year of loss, healing, and writing her book, Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/getting-naked-valerie-bertinelli?variant=44356970872866].  Recipes Mentioned: Raw Oyster with Mignonette Granité [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/14207-red-wine-vinegar-mignonette-granite?queryID=185fea4389aad5f33ff32cc0fc48ae3a&indexName=cortado_production_autocomplete] Oysters Rockefeller [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/5075-oysters-rockefeller?queryID=7baad123f7a509e13b2c1e0cb985811d&indexName=cortado_production_autocomplete] Oyster Po' Boy [https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/5503-oyster-po-boys?queryID=950eea6169dba639ac0cc84016fa0910&indexName=everest_search_cortado_production]