From Italian Grandmas to Route 66: The Culinary Journey of Chef K

Send Johni & Jess a textOn this episode of The Hook, Johni and Jess sit down with Chef K—a chef, cookbook author, TV host, and culinary tour guide whose passion for food began in a small village in Northern Italy. What started as learning recipes from local grandmothers turned into a full-blown career that spans professional kitchens, television, and global culinary travel experiences. Chef K has two seasons on Eat This TV Network, and is filming a third season this year!  Chef K shares how those early lessons shaped her philosophy around cooking with intention, simplicity, and heart—and how she carried that into high-pressure New York City kitchens as an Executive Chef. The conversation dives into the realities of restaurant life, leadership in the kitchen, and the balance between speed and soul when creating food that truly nourishes.From there, the story expands beyond the kitchen. Chef K talks about her transition into media with her show Chef K’s Kitchen, her appearances on national television, and the inspiration behind her cookbooks—each rooted in making cooking approachable, local, and meaningful. Listeners will also get practical takeaways, including Chef K’s go-to “K Hacks” for creating flavorful meals on a budget, essential pantry staples, and common mistakes home cooks make (and how to avoid them).But this episode isn’t just about cooking—it’s about experience. Chef K gives a behind-the-scenes look at her “Take Your Tastebuds Traveling” culinary tours, from regional Italian food journeys to upcoming adventures in Greece. She also previews an exciting Route 66 culinary trip planned for 2026, celebrating the iconic highway’s 100th anniversary through food, culture, and hidden gems across America. This episode is a celebration of food, culture, and the stories that connect us—all served with a side of inspiration.Learn more about Chef K:Website: chefkcooking.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/chefkssoupersalads/?ref=bookmarksIG: https://www.instagram.com/chefkcooking/X: https://x.com/ChefKCookingMusic has the power to bring people together — and this September, Lightmakers is doing exactly that.Join the Richmond International Film Festival Thursday, September 24th for the Lightmakers Signature Series, a special night of live music featuring The Joey Davis Band, Rodney Stith and Richmond’s own Kyle Davis.It’s all part of RIFF’s 15th annual celebration of film, music and creativity happening September 22nd through the 27th.Support the showThank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.comFollow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.