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Chef's Day Off

Chef's Day Off

By: Marcus D Najera
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About this listen

 Want to elevate your home cooking with Chef tips from one of the best culinary minds in the game? Celebrated Chef Matthew Dolan: Co-owner of 25 Lusk Restaurant in San Francisco (Food Network Regular, Cookbook author, US Department of State Cutural Envoy) and "Marcus D." Najera (National iHeart Radio personality and food enthusiast) will dig into flavor, foolproof cooking hacks and pro-tips, all while serve up tasty stories peppered with plenty of laughs! Come join us and learn a ton on Chef's Day Off!Chef's Day Off/Marcus D. Najera/Matthew Dolan Art Cooking Food & Wine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • French Fries: The Lost Episode: Tales From The Deep Fryer

    French Fries: The Lost Episode: Tales From The Deep Fryer
    Nov 17 2025
    We were clearing out the hard drive as we continue to produce Season 2 and we discovered a yet-to-be-published gem. Call it the "Lost French Fry Episode." Marcus and Chef Matthew go all in on why fries hit so hard, the science behind potato happiness (there is a reason we love them), and which cuts actually deliver. They break down toppings, poutine philosophy, and the chef-level method for making PERFECT fries at home.

    Parboiling, drying, starching, freezing, air frying, shallow frying: t’s all here. A full, step-by-step guide straight from the kitchen at 25 Lusk righ to your house.
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    12 mins
  • Bananas Foster: Fire, Rum & Ice Cream Dreams

    Bananas Foster: Fire, Rum & Ice Cream Dreams
    Sep 20 2025
    Bananas Foster: part dessert, part pyrotechnics. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus and Chef Matthew dive into the story behind this New Orleans classic, why it’s flambéed, and how to make it at home without torching your kitchen. They cover the origin at Brennan’s in the French Quarter, the science of sugar and fruit, why bananas need just the right ripeness, and how other fruits (cherries, peaches, plums, apples) can swap in for a twist. Chef shares pro tips on getting the flames right, while Marcus… mostly tries not to set himself on fire. Pair it with ice cream, waffles, or even beer (yes, beer), and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert.

    Executive Producer: Terry Fung, Rickhouse Media
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    12 mins
  • Mac and Cheese: How To NAIL It. The Cheesiest Episode Yet

    Mac and Cheese: How To NAIL It. The Cheesiest Episode Yet
    Sep 12 2025
    Mac and cheese: comfort food, kid favorite, and apparently the cause of Marcus’ cooking anxiety. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus and Chef Matthew dive into what makes the perfect mac and cheese. From smooth, creamy cheese sauces (and why they go grainy) to beer vs. wine in the base, boxed grated cheddar vs. “real cheese,” and whether nut milk belongs anywhere near the pot, no angle is off-limits. Chef drops pro tips like protecting breadcrumbs with a little cheese, why the broiler might ruin your dish, and why burnt edges are secretly delicious. Grab a fork, because this one’s cheesy in the best way. Executive Producer Terry Fung, Rickhouse Media
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    11 mins
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