S23 Ep 12: Appalachian Celebration

S23 Ep 12: Appalachian Celebration

From Pack Your Knives by Count The Dings

May 27, 2026 · 2h 15m

About this episode

Tom and Sara recap an episode of Top Chef that highlights Asheville, NC, and discuss the elimination of a chef.

Look at those stares … Tom and Sara recap an episode that presented a wonderful ode to Asheville, NC., and ended with an all-time crashout. It’s time to get out our rule sheet and make a ruling on what happened. Sara shares some intel about what may have gone down and the words that were said — allegedly. Tom and Sara try to get to the bottom of the eliminated chefs gripes and propose an alternate theory. Sara shares a story about her gimper’s sour corn. What’s a gimper? She’ll explain, just after she roasts Tom some more about the standings. With only a couple more episodes left, you need to get your leather britches on and get ready for the home stretch. Plus, the fourth segment of a six-part Savor Charlotte series presented by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Tom is joined by Chayil Johnson, who you might recognize from his appearance as a guest judge in the season premiere episode of Top Chef Season 23 Carolinas. He’s a James Beard nominee for Best Chef Southeast and executive chef of Community Matters Cafe in Charlotte, a Charlotte hidden gem that also functions as a non-profit, helping men and women on their journey to recovery. Subscribe to the PYK…

People in this episode

Hosts: Tom, Sara

Guest: Chayil Johnson

Topics covered

  • recap
  • Top Chef
  • cooking competition
  • chefs
  • Asheville
  • food culture

Keywords

  • Top Chef
  • Asheville
  • cooking
  • chefs
  • competition
  • food
  • Savor Charlotte

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Community Matters Cafe, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Places: Asheville, NC

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