Chef and James Beard–nominated baker Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman joins Jaymee to share the story behind his iconic banana pudding and the Harlem roots that shaped his nostalgic, heartfelt desserts. He opens up about using baking as both therapy and storytelling, and what it meant to make history as the first Black man nominated in the Pastry Chef/Baker category.

Next Kareem reflects on his Food Network journey, from sharing his story on Dig In With to competing on Beat Bobby Flay. Plus the lessons, laughs, and dance breaks along the way.

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• Follow Kareem Queemen on Instagram: HERE
• Learn More about Dig in With : HERE

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Chef, restaurateur, and Top Chef Masters champ Rick Bayless joins Jaymee to talk about the mission that’s guided his kitchens for decades: celebrating regional Mexican cuisine through technique, nuance, and joy. He shares the “why” behind signature sauces and masa, and how insisting on real control over sourcing and recipes helped turn Tortas Frontera into an airport game-changer.

Then Rick previews his turn in the judge’s chair on Bobby’s Triple Threat and what he looks for first. He talks about how risk pays off only when rooted in skill, and the advice he’d give any chef walking into that kitchen. Rick also reflects on his day-one Iron Chef America duel with Bobby Flay, what he learned from that battle, and wraps with rapid-fire favorites from go-to chiles to perfect street bites.

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• Follow Rick Bayless on Instagram: HERE
• Learn More about Bobby’s Triple Threat : HERE

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Chef, author, and fashion icon Marcus Samuelsson joins Jaymee to talk about identity, style, and the journey that took him from Ethiopia to Sweden to New York. Marcus shares how his grandmother’s handmade clothes and early sneaker love shaped his look, why Harlem feels like home, and the global experiences (France, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore) that taught him to mix discipline with street-food soul.

Then it’s competition time as Marcus previews his rare turn from judge to gladiator on Alex vs. America: Alex vs. Chopped Judges, facing Alex Guarnaschelli alongside Maneet Chauhan and Scott Conant. He breaks down how judging thousands of dishes informed his strategy under the clock, what people underestimate about Alex, and the camaraderie among long-time Chopped colleagues. Marcus also reflects on Bobby’s Triple Threat, why competing keeps him sharp, and shares rapid-fire favorites… from bucket hats to a cocktail that blends sake, aquavit, champagne, and honey.

• Follow Food Network on Instagram: HERE
• Follow Jaymee Sire on Instagram: HERE
• Follow Marcus Samuelsson on Instagram: HERE
• Learn More about Bobby’s Triple Threat : HERE
• Learn More About Alex vs. America: HERE

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