Hot Kitchen is the work and passion of a happy couple. We started the show after a day on the beach where we talked about how the Great Recession was killing the old “Date Night” tradition because nobody could afford to eat out, and restaurants were closing left and right. We wanted to share what we already did — basically make a thing of having date night at home. Dress up, make something really good that you might order when you’re in a restaurant, and go out of your way to make it all special.
Flash forward to 2021, when a multi-year pandemic and economic strife has kept many from enjoying a romantic night out, or any reprieve from dishes and daily cooking — our concept is more relevant than ever.
About the chef Since I was tall enough to peek over the counter, I’ve been cooking and experimenting with food. Then I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Portland at the top of my class. I interned at a local restaurant owned by a James Beard Award recipient. Some days I even got to chop 50 lbs of onions in front of him (yes, I cried)!
I spent a decade in food and beverage, as a full-charge store manager for a coffee giant, front-of-house manager for a coffee house and bakery in the Pearl District, a head server on the local catering circuit, and finally, a chef instructor at a local cooking school that sadly closed many years ago.
Although I left the industry for more lucrative work some years ago, my love for sharing good food hasn’t faded.
About the hungry hubby: He has always had an interest in film and television production, having mingled with some of the best in the business as a child. During the show, his talents as a camera operator, director, and editor shined brightly. His talents allowed us to produce the show end-to-end without any outside help (apart from some donated sexy costumes and television distribution through local community media networks). In addition to running the tech, he played the “hungry hubby” who always role-models how to treat your significant other after they make a meal for you.
Although we have stopped producing shows, we hope that you will enjoy our extensive library and our cookbook.
So be good to each other, and remember to turn up the heat in your kitchen too!
Watching your shows on YouTube. It seems like the endings are cut off? Hope you two are still going strong. Your love for good food and each other is endearing!
I wish you would make more shows! They are sweet and fun and the food looks delicious. My husband and I get a kick out of them!
It’s great. How it has come full circle!
I love watching your show Tracy and Wendy. I have made a few of your dishes from the many shows and they have turned out great! I hope that you continue to be on TV and all the best in your Hot Kitchen.
REGARDS
John McGuire
San Francisco, CA
Hi John!
So glad to hear that you’ve had success with our recipes. Thank you so much for saying hi!
Love,
Hot Kitchen