Chef's Day Off – Details, episodes & analysis

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Chef's Day Off

Marcus D Najera

Arts

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/13d. Total Eps: 9

Want to elevate your home cooking with Chef tips from one of the best culinary minds in the game? Celebrated Chef Matthew Dolan: Co-owner of 25 Lusk Restaurant in San Francisco (Food Network Regular, Cookbook author, US Department of State Cutural Envoy) and "Marcus D." Najera (National iHeart Radio personality and food enthusiast) will dig into flavor, foolproof cooking hacks and pro-tips, all while serve up tasty stories peppered with plenty of laughs! Come join us and learn a ton on Chef's Day Off!

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Data updated on 14/07/2026

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https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-chefs-day-off-288394978
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Score global : 59%

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French Fries: The Lost Episode: Tales From The Deep Fryer

Season 1

Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 11:36

We were clearing out the hard drive as we continue to produce Season 2 and we discovered a yet-to-be-published gem. Call it the "Lost French Fry Episode." Marcus and Chef Matthew go all in on why fries hit so hard, the science behind potato happiness (there is a reason we love them), and which cuts actually deliver. They break down toppings, poutine philosophy, and the chef-level method for making PERFECT fries at home.

Parboiling, drying, starching, freezing, air frying, shallow frying: t’s all here. A full, step-by-step guide straight from the kitchen at 25 Lusk righ to your house.

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Bananas Foster: Fire, Rum & Ice Cream Dreams

Season 1 · Episode 8

Saturday, September 20, 2025 • Duration 11:51

Bananas Foster: part dessert, part pyrotechnics. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus and Chef Matthew dive into the story behind this New Orleans classic, why it’s flambéed, and how to make it at home without torching your kitchen. They cover the origin at Brennan’s in the French Quarter, the science of sugar and fruit, why bananas need just the right ripeness, and how other fruits (cherries, peaches, plums, apples) can swap in for a twist. Chef shares pro tips on getting the flames right, while Marcus… mostly tries not to set himself on fire. Pair it with ice cream, waffles, or even beer (yes, beer), and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert.

Executive Producer: Terry Fung, Rickhouse Media

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Mac and Cheese: How To NAIL It. The Cheesiest Episode Yet

Season 1 · Episode 7

Friday, September 12, 2025 • Duration 11:27

Mac and cheese: comfort food, kid favorite, and apparently the cause of Marcus’ cooking anxiety. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus and Chef Matthew dive into what makes the perfect mac and cheese. From smooth, creamy cheese sauces (and why they go grainy) to beer vs. wine in the base, boxed grated cheddar vs. “real cheese,” and whether nut milk belongs anywhere near the pot, no angle is off-limits. Chef drops pro tips like protecting breadcrumbs with a little cheese, why the broiler might ruin your dish, and why burnt edges are secretly delicious. Grab a fork, because this one’s cheesy in the best way. Executive Producer Terry Fung, Rickhouse Media

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Stocks vs. Broths: The Schmutz, the Secrets & the Bitterness Trap

Season 1 · Episode 6

Friday, September 5, 2025 • Duration 13:36

Stocks and broths sound fancy, but they start the same — bones, water, and a simmer — until one takes a left turn and the other a right. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus and Chef Matthew break down the real difference between a stock and a broth (and where the sexy term “bone broth” actually fits). You’ll learn why cold water matters, why bitterness is the enemy, how long to simmer fish, chicken, and beef bones, and why parsley stems might be your secret weapon. Plus, what not to do (boiling, oversalting, or cooking for two days straight). It’s funny, it’s nerdy, and it’s everything you need to know before you grab that ladle.

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Hot Dogs: Street Meat, Corn Dogs & Chef Controversies

Season 1 · Episode 5

Friday, August 29, 2025 • Duration 11:40

Hot dogs aren’t just ballpark food — they’re a cultural obsession. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus D. Najera from iHeartRadio San Francisco (The Marcus and Corey Morning Show) and Chef Matthew Dolan (25 Lusk, Food Network regular, cookbook author) go all in on America’s favorite guilty pleasure. From cheese dogs and bacon-wrapped Sonoran street dogs, to the legendary Seattle dog, Chicago-style purism, and even pigs in a blanket with champagne — nothing is off-limits. They swap stories, debate ketchup vs. mustard, and confess their surprising favorites (spoiler: corn dogs and cream cheese both make the list). Grab a seat, grab a dog, and join the fun.

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The Leftovers Episode: Waste Less, Flavor More

Season 1 · Episode 7

Friday, August 22, 2025 • Duration 10:14

Leftovers don’t have to be sad. In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Marcus D. ("Marcus and Corey" on iHeartRadio) and Chef Matthew Dolan (25 Lusk, Food Network regular, cookbook author) explore how to turn “what’s in the fridge” into something worth bragging about. From comforting soups like congee and ham bone & white bean, to crispy taquitos, leftover pizza breakfasts, and even breakfast burrito hacks — it’s all about saving money, reducing waste, and eating better. Plus, a real talk on food insecurity, food waste, and how small changes at home can make a big impact.

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The Four Sauces Every Home Cook Should Master

Season 1 · Episode 3

Friday, August 15, 2025 • Duration 20:33

Level up every meal with just four sauces. In this episode of Chefs Day Off, Chef Matthew Dolan breaks down the essential set you actually need: a bright, balanced vinaigrette, a versatile red pasta sauce, a proper Hollandaise (plus the exact fix if it breaks), and a fast pan sauce you can riff on for chicken or pork. Clear rules, chef tips, and no fluff—so you can cook restaurant-quality food at home tonight. What you’ll learn
• The ratio for a perfect vinaigrette that won’t separate
• A weeknight red sauce that doubles as a base for bolognese or shakshuka
• Hollandaise fundamentals—and how to rescue a broken sauce in minutes
• A pan-sauce formula from fond to finish for chicken or pork

Download the podcast

• iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-chefs-day-off-288394978

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Salt Is Greedy, Pepper Is Genius, and Acid Might Ruin Your Soup

Season 1 · Episode 2

Friday, August 8, 2025 • Duration 20:37

Why does restaurant food taste so much better than what you make at home? In this episode of Chef’s Day Off, Michelin-starred chef Matthew Dolan and radio host Marcus D. go deep on the holy trinity of seasoning: salt, pepper, and acid. You’ll learn why salt is greedy and thirsty, how pepper adds more than just heat, and why a splash of vinegar or citrus can make or break a dish. Plus: the truth about kosher salt, the danger of pre-ground pepper, and why chef-level seasoning starts with tasting as you go. Whether you're cooking steak, marinara, or compote for Sunday crepes, this episode gives you the exact how, why, and when to season like a pro. Takeaways include:

When to salt meat for the best results
Why kosher salt beats Himalayan in cooking
How to fix a dish with too much vinegar
Pepper as a floral finish—not just heat
The worst seasoning sin (hint: pre-made spice blends)

🎧 Hosted by @itsmarcusd of Star 101.3 (iHeartRadio SF) and Chef Matthew Dolan of 25 Lusk.
📍 Recorded in San Francisco, CA

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Everything You Need To Know About Rice. Does the "TikTok Method" Actually WORK?

Season 1 · Episode 1

Friday, August 1, 2025 • Duration 12:01

Episode 1 – Rice: How to Cook It, Hack It, and Make It Taste Like a Chef Made It.

In the very first episode of Chef’s Day Off, hosts Marcus D. and Chef Matthew Dolan (of San Francisco’s 25 Lusk) break down one of the most misunderstood ingredients in your kitchen: rice.

We’re talking how to cook the perfect pot of rice, why that viral TikTok rice method actually works, and what to do with leftover rice that’s better than tossing it in the trash. Chef Dolan explains the science of rice cooking — including why rinsing matters, how salt behaves with moisture, and how to master rice with or without a rice cooker.

If you’ve ever struggled with mushy rice, burnt bottoms, or flavorless fluff, this episode is your shortcut to chef-approved results at home. New episodes drop every Friday.

🎧 Listen now on the @iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Chef's Day Off – Details, episodes & analysis

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Chef's Day Off – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

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