Wildcard Kitchen “James Beard Brawl (Food Network, Tuesday, January 21, 2025)

Wildcard Kitchen Key Art

Food Network’s “Wildcard Kitchen” is back, and things are about to get saucy—literally. In Tuesday’s episode, “James Beard Brawl,” airing at 9 PM Eastern Time, three James Beard Award-winning chefs—Stephanie Izard, Jonathon Sawyer, and Karen Akunowicz—enter the culinary arena. Host Eric Adjepong presides over this high-stakes poker game where the ante is not chips, but cold, hard cash, and the pot is, well, bragging rights, mostly.

The format, as always, is a blend of cooking competition and high-stakes poker. Chefs bet their own money on their dishes, a twist that adds a palpable layer of tension to the proceedings. While it’s doubtful any of these culinary titans will be hitting the pawn shop after a bad hand, the competitive spirit and the prospect of losing to a rival should make for some compelling viewing. With mystery guest judges making the final call based on blind tastings, the outcome remains anyone’s guess.

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“Wildcard Kitchen” airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Food Network.

Mia Silva is a talented entertainment reporter whose passion for storytelling and diverse background (half Mexican, half English) adds a unique perspective to her coverage. With a keen eye for detail and an accessible, direct and witty style, she brings the latest features, news and previews to our avid readers.