National TV beckons for two local chefs

Kevin Lee appears on a new Food Network show tonight; Stranger goes 'Feral'

Another day, another opportunity to watch chef Kevin Lee’s star rise. The owner/chef of Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee has practically taken up residence on Food Network in the past year, which will be self-evident if you tune into the premiere of “Last Bite Hotel” tonight at 8 p.m.

Lee, who was the Cinderfella story on Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Champions” in the spring, is among eight chefs who received a mysterious invitation to stay and cook at a spooky hotel in isolation.

The host is comedian and actor Tituss Burgess (“The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt,” “Schmigadoon”). He will welcome the eight chefs, who were instructed to bring a trunk with 13 ingredients with them. Whatever they bring in their trunk will be the only rations they have to work with during their stay.

Lee and the chefs will be faced with a new VIP guest each episode. Their check-in will trigger unique challenges for the chefs with demanding requests. The chef who impresses the VIPs the least is eliminated. Before their final departure, the fallen chefs write their last will and testament, deciding who will inherit their remaining ingredients.

At stake is $25,000, which Lee would add to winnings from Food Network’s “Alex Vs. America,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” and “SuperChef Grudge Match.” Lee is hosting a watch party at the restaurant tonight; make reservations here.

Stranger goes “Feral”

Chef Jonathon Stranger will appear on multiple episodes of the new season of the Outdoor Channel’s “Feral.”

The host is chef Yia Vang, who folks around the 405 diningscape will recall did a collaboration with chef Jeff Chanchaleune at Ma Der Lao Kitchen last year. Vang is a member of the nomadic Hmong people, born in a Thai refugee camp. A classically trained chef, avid traveler, angler and hunter, he invites fellow chefs onto the show to join him on a culinary challenge.

No stranger to hunting and fishing, chef Jonathon will appear on two episodes, the first an Okie hog episode set for Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m., the second a catfish episode will air October 21 at the same time. 

You can watch The Outdoor Channel on FreeCast, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo streaming services or on DirectTV, or Dish Network. You can also catch it on the Outdoor Channel App. 

Stranger owns One Hospitality group, which includes El Coyote, Bar Cicchetti and the soon-returning Osteria.

At Bar Cicchetti tonight, Stranger will do a "Cicchetti In Paris" pop-up. The entire restaurant will be converted into a dirty French bistro for the evening with a special a la carte menu. Reservations are encouraged.

Cookie!!!

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Twisted Tree Baking Company $2K Cookie Contest, celebrating the local baking scene. Contestants range from professional chef to passionate home baker all showcasing their best cookie using this year’s secret ingredient: Candy bits.

This year’s event will be at Venue 102 , 94 W 1st  St. from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30, which allows attendees to sample and vote on each of the baker’s cookie creation, enjoy savory snacks prepared by Farmer’s Grain, drinks from Evoke’s mobile coffee bar, and the chance to decorate and take home your own creation from the decoration station. Find tickets here.

The inaugural event in 2023 sold out, featuring 16 bakers across Oklahoma competing for a cash prize and bragging rights for the next year for themselves and their bakery.  Twisted Tree has assembled a noteworthy panel of veteran industry judges from around the state to judge cookies on the following criteria: taste, appearance, creativity, and use of the special ingredient.

First place wins $1,000, second $500, and third, $250. There will also be a people’s choice award for an additional $250.

Food Dood & Friends podcast returns

The latest episode of The Food Dood & Friends is now up and available. You can now subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen, or you can sit back and hit play as we check in with Jared Gleaton, who recently became a contributor for The Feed, as we dive into what’s delicious in Green Country. The podcast is sponsored by VisitOKC.