PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia’s dining scene is about to get incredibly personal. Production officially kicked off today, July 15, on Recipe Philly, a first-of-its-kind culinary competition show that invites local home cooks to battle for a spot on the menu of a brand-new brick-and-mortar restaurant.
A Menu Created by the City
Set to open this August at the bustling intersection of Broad and Arch streets in Center City, the Recipe Philly restaurant will serve as the physical culmination of the culinary contest. Instead of relying on a single executive chef, the opening menu will be entirely determined by the outcome of the show.
“Recipe Philly was created to celebrate the recipes that live in Philadelphia homes — the dishes passed down, perfected, reinvented, and shared around family tables for generations,” said Ed Baumstein, creator and founder of Recipe Philly and leader of its parent company, Homebred Hospitality. “Now that filming is underway and the restaurant is nearing its opening, we’re seeing this idea become real: a menu built by the people of Philadelphia, for Philadelphia.”
The Contestants and the Judges
Following a massive public casting call that drew over 1,000 entries from across the region, 60 contestants have been selected to compete. The diverse group includes passionate home cooks, family recipe keepers, bartenders, and experienced food creators, all looking to showcase the neighborhood flavors and personal stories that define Philly's food culture.
The show is hosted by Josh Randall, a casting producer known for his work on major competition series like American Idol and Building the Band. As the episodes progress, contestants will share their dishes and family stories in front of an all-star local judging panel:
- Josh Moore: One of Philadelphia’s leading food creators and a Philadelphia Magazine Food Influencer of the Year.
- Chef Clara Park: A Chopped champion and founder of the Philadelphia cooking school Eat Cetera.
- Chef Jennifer Carroll: A renowned Philadelphia chef and Top Chef All-Stars alum.
The contestants will advance through the competition not only for prize money but for the ultimate culinary bragging rights: having everyday Philadelphians order their winning dishes at a premier Center City dining destination.