Damaris Phillips reflects on how her Southern and Midwestern roots shaped her culinary style, with family playing a key role in her passion for food. She reminisces about learning to cook biscuits with her grandmother, revealing why biscuits and gravy remain her ultimate comfort food. Damaris shares her creative approach to hosting Kentucky Derby events with fun, themed outfits, like "Clown Couture" and "Animal Print Power Clash." As a passionate advocate for female friendships, she opens up about the importance of girls' trips and how her bond with fellow Food Network Star contestant Nikki Dinki blossomed into a lifelong friendship. The chef discusses her husband’s influence on her vegetarian cookbook, Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy, and shares stories from her time on Food Network Star, where Bobby Flay became a mentor and friend. She teases the new all-star season of Outrageous Pumpkins, where former contestants face off in intricate pumpkin carving challenges. Damaris touches on her love for fall traditions, including her tips for hosting the perfect autumn gathering.

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Chef Jonathon Sawyer shares his journey from engineering school to a celebrated culinary star, explaining how a backhanded compliment from a tough chef unexpectedly ignited his passion for cooking. He reflects on his early days as a rookie in the kitchen and memorable moments in culinary competitions, including a loss on Iron Chef America that still lingers in his mind. Jonathon offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his Chicago hotspot, Kindling, where a striking 13-foot wood hearth takes center stage. He talks about some of his more unconventional inspirations, like his famous wood-fired quesadilla inspired by late-night Taco Bell cravings, and his unique foraging adventures, including a roadside stop to marvel at a non-edible green parasol mushroom. The chef explains why wood-fired cooking might be the "sixth taste bud" that connects people to their primal love for flame-grilled flavors. Jonathon opens up about his journey to sobriety and how fatherhood has profoundly shaped his approach to mentoring young chefs and fostering creativity in the kitchen.

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Erica Barrett, winner of the fifth season of BBQ Brawl, opens up about her unexpected path to the competition, taking on the challenge despite the recent loss of her grandmother. She humorously recalls sprinting toward Bobby Flay when he called her name, comparing it to a schoolyard game where no one wants to be picked last. Erica dishes on more behind-the-scenes moments, including her almost burning her legs with hand warmers hidden in her pockets during the surprisingly cold Texas finale. The Alabama native discusses her deep Southern pride and how it shapes her culinary style, from her signature peach-infused barbecue sauce to her secret weapon, Alabama white sauce. She paints a vivid picture of what it means to be a Southern girl, from the joy of walking barefoot in the grass to embracing the relaxed rhythm of rural life. Erica dives into her entrepreneurial ventures, from her trailblazing Dough Boy Pizza concept—a tech-driven pizzeria with no cashiers or vent hoods—to her passion for creating unique food products. The chef reflects on her commitment to uplifting other black food entrepreneurs, sharing stories of how she has helped others bring their culinary dreams to life.

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