Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Amanda Freitag

Amanda Freitag is an celebrity chef, , personality, and author renowned for her expertise in and her prominent role as a on Food Network's competitive cooking series Chopped, where she has appeared since 2009. She has built a distinguished career in City's dining scene, serving as executive chef at acclaimed restaurants such as The Harrison in and co-owning the revitalized in from 2014 to 2015, while also authoring The Chef Next Door in 2015 and launching her EasyAF lifestyle brand in 2019 featuring recipes, spice blends, and bottled cocktails. Born and raised in , Freitag developed a passion for cooking early on, inspired by family meals and her high school teacher who encouraged her to pursue a culinary path. She graduated from in , in 1989, where she honed foundational skills in classes like egg cookery under rigorous instructors. Following graduation, Freitag launched her professional career in , starting as a rotissier and at Vongerichten's Vong in 1993, where she mastered French techniques blended with Southeast Asian flavors. She advanced to at Diane Forley's in 1994, emphasizing local and organic ingredients, and later staged briefly at Alain Passard's three-Michelin-starred L'Arpège in after traveling through and in 1999 to study regional markets and cuisines. Freitag's restaurant leadership includes co-opening Cesca Enoteca & Trattoria on Manhattan's Upper West Side in 2003 as chef de cuisine alongside Tom Valenti, where the Italian-inspired spot earned two stars from The New York Times, and serving as executive chef at Gusto in the West Village before taking the helm at The Harrison in 2007 under owner Jimmy Bradley, which also received two New York Times stars for its seasonal American fare. In 2014, she partnered to reopen the iconic Empire Diner, transforming it into a modern comfort food destination with dishes reinterpreting classic diner staples, though it closed in late 2015 amid financial challenges after she stepped back from the kitchen earlier that year. On television, beyond Chopped, she competed against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America, vied for the title in The Next Iron Chef, and co-hosted American Diner Revival with Ty Pennington, while making guest appearances on shows like Beat Bobby Flay, Unique Eats, and Guy's Grocery Games. In recognition of her contributions to the culinary world, Freitag received the Culinary Institute of America's Augie Award in 2018 for her leadership, creativity, and knowledge, and she currently co-hosts the podcast On the Line with chef Dan Holzman, sharing insights on professional kitchens and home cooking.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Amanda Freitag was born on May 11, 1970, in . She was raised in , by her parents, Paul and Kathleen Freitag, alongside her two brothers, Jason and Justin. Her family maintained traditions of comforting meals, influenced by her grandfather's heritage, including weekly Sunday , which fostered an early appreciation for home cooking. Freitag's father, Paul, worked as a at Best Foods Baking Group and later developed an interest in baking as his daughter's culinary pursuits advanced. Growing up amid the fast-paced suburban life of Cedar Grove, Freitag found inspiration in local mom-and-pop diners, which sparked her ongoing fascination with casual American eateries and family-style dining. These experiences, combined with the structured yet hearty family meals at home, ignited her passion for food during her childhood. She attended Cedar Grove High School (formerly Memorial High School), where her interest in cooking deepened through classes taught by Joan Levine, who encouraged her culinary ambitions. During high school, Freitag gained initial exposure to professional kitchens by working part-time as a busgirl at the Friar Tuck Inn on Pompton Avenue, a role that introduced her to the rhythms of restaurant operations and solidified her desire to enter the field. This foundational period in shaped her approach to food as both a comforting tradition and a dynamic , leading her to enroll at for formal training.

Culinary training

Freitag enrolled at (CIA) in , where she earned an Associate's degree in in 1989. During her time at the CIA, she engaged in rigorous hands-on training that emphasized classical techniques, such as precise knife skills, sauce preparation, and foundational cooking methods central to the institution's curriculum. Her experiences included early-morning egg cookery classes starting at 4 a.m., where she honed basic protein handling, as well as challenges in bread baking and her first encounter with like sweetbreads, all under instructors who stressed "working clean" to maintain hygiene and efficiency in professional kitchens. The program also exposed her to diverse cuisines, notably authentic fare, which she preferred over Americanized versions, broadening her appreciation for global flavors beyond traditional foundations.

Culinary career

Early professional roles

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America and gaining initial experience at Vong under , Freitag advanced her career in the mid-1990s at in , where she rose to the position of under Diane Forley. She honed her skills in utilizing local, organic ingredients sourced from the Union Square Greenmarket, emphasizing seasonal rhythms and innovative preparations that built her foundation in farm-fresh cooking. This role marked a significant progression in her ability to manage kitchen operations and develop menus that balanced tradition with contemporary flair. In 1999, Freitag traveled to for a two-week stint at L'Arpège under acclaimed chef , immersing herself in vegetable-centric French . The experience emphasized the paramount importance of ingredient quality, with Passard's kitchen operating on a of using only the freshest produce and minimizing waste, which profoundly influenced Freitag's approach to flavor purity and Mediterranean influences. This international exposure refined her techniques in and reinforced her commitment to sustainable, high-impact cooking practices. Returning to , Freitag served as at Cesca Enoteca & Trattoria from its opening in 2003 until 2006, collaborating closely with owner Tom Valenti to emphasize Tuscan-inspired Italian dishes. In this salaried role, she developed the menu from the ground up, focusing on wood-fired preparations and regional Italian flavors while building and managing the kitchen staff, which earned the restaurant two stars from . Her innovations, such as subtle tweaks to classic pastas and proteins, showcased her growing expertise in team leadership and menu evolution within an established venue. In 2006, Freitag became executive chef at Gusto in the , where she received critical acclaim for her focused on fresh, seasonal dishes. She held this position until early 2008, further developing her leadership in high-profile kitchens. From early 2008 to September 2010, Freitag took on the role of executive chef at The Harrison in , under owner Jimmy Bradley, where she directed the kitchen toward American fare using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Over her tenure, she revitalized the menu with bold, straightforward dishes that highlighted fresh produce and proteins, managing a preexisting team to shift the restaurant's culture and earning a two-star review from along with widespread media acclaim. This position solidified her reputation for operational efficiency and creative menu innovations in high-volume settings.

Restaurant ownership and collaborations

In 2014, Amanda Freitag co-owned and served as executive chef for the revitalization of in City's Chelsea neighborhood, transforming the historic Art Moderne landmark into a modern American featuring updated takes on classic dishes such as made with New York strip and matzo ball soup enriched with bone marrow. The restaurant operated from January 2014 until its abrupt closure in December 2015, prompted by mounting financial pressures including four months of unpaid rent and impending eviction proceedings. Freitag had stepped away from her daily kitchen role in July 2015 while retaining her ownership stake, but the venture ultimately shuttered after less than two years. Freitag expanded her entrepreneurial efforts in 2020 by partnering with Hospitality Alliance to open Rise & Thyme, a seasonal café in Dallas's Discovery District, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients in an accessible menu of sandwiches, pastas, salads, grab-and-go items, and baked goods. The launched on September 18, 2020, amid the early stages of the , and focused on community hospitality through collaborations that highlighted fresh, comforting fare. However, the café closed on August 31, 2022, due to post-pandemic operational challenges, including shifting market dynamics and the need for greater flexibility in a recovering ; plans for relocation to a larger Victory Park space were announced but did not materialize under Freitag's direct involvement, with the later incorporated into another venue as an original collaboration rather than ongoing ownership. Beyond direct ownership, Freitag has engaged in restaurant collaborations through her media work, notably as co-host and culinary consultant on the series American Diner Revival (2015–2016), where she assisted in revamping struggling across the U.S. by updating menus and operations to preserve their cultural significance while enhancing appeal. These efforts drew on her expertise in diner and , often tied to surprise renovations that blended nostalgia with contemporary twists. The closures of and Rise & Thyme underscored broader challenges in restaurant ownership, including pre-pandemic rent escalations and the profound disruptions from , which strained viability through reduced foot traffic, supply chain issues, and evolving consumer behaviors during and after lockdowns. Freitag has since shifted toward consulting on menu development, pop-up events, and guest appearances rather than full ownership, reflecting lessons on the high risks of brick-and-mortar ventures in a volatile ; as of 2025, she owns no restaurants.

Media career

Television appearances

Amanda Freitag has been a regular judge on the Food Network's Chopped since the show's debut in 2009, appearing in hundreds of episodes where she evaluates contestants' dishes based on flavor, presentation, and execution under time constraints. Known for her fair and insightful critiques, Freitag emphasizes culinary technique and creativity in her assessments, often prioritizing thoughtful ingredient use and precision over mere speed during the high-pressure rounds. Freitag first gained prominence as a competitor on in 2009, challenging Iron Chef in a featuring Alaskan , where she narrowly lost by one point despite strong performances across multiple courses. Her competitive television career continued with appearances on , where she finished fourth in Season 2 (2009) after advancing through intense challenges testing innovation and skill. In Season 5 (2012), titled Redemption, Freitag reached the finale as one of three remaining chefs but was defeated by in a head-to-head battle emphasizing creative use of proteins like , , and . Freitag further showcased her expertise as a runner-up in the 2020 season of Food Network's Tournament of Champions, advancing to the final against in a bracket-style competition that pitted top chefs against each other in rapid-fire culinary showdowns. In the sixth season of Tournament of Champions in 2025, Freitag competed but was eliminated in the first round by qualifier Carlos Anthony. Her culinary background as executive chef at notable restaurants like The Harrison provided the foundation for her credible judging and competitive presence on these programs.

Podcast and other media

In 2015, Amanda Freitag co-hosted American Diner Revival on alongside , a series focused on renovating and revitalizing classic American diners across the country by updating their menus and aesthetics while preserving their nostalgic charm. Freitag expanded her media presence into with the launch of On the Line in April 2024, co-hosting the weekly show with fellow chef Daniel Holzman to interview prominent figures in the culinary world, such as and , on topics including sustainability, industry challenges, and innovative trends. Building on her television judging roles, Freitag has made guest appearances on radio and podcasts to discuss accessible home cooking techniques, including tips for beginners during the on KQED's Bay Area Bites, emphasizing simple pantry-based recipes. In 2019, she launched the EasyAF lifestyle brand, which includes an online series sharing quick, approachable recipes via to empower everyday cooks and foster a sense of confidence in the kitchen.

Publications and products

Cookbooks

Amanda Freitag's primary cookbook, The Chef Next Door: A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home Cooking, was published on September 29, 2015, by Clarkson Potter. The book features more than 100 recipes designed to make professional culinary techniques accessible to home cooks using everyday ingredients, emphasizing simplicity and confidence-building in the kitchen. Key themes revolve around demystifying restaurant-style cooking for the average home, with sections covering pantry staples and basics like sauces, stocks, and rubs; quick meals and easy dinners; entertaining dishes such as first impressions (appetizers) and salads; and more intimidating "scary stuff" recipes to expand skills. Freitag draws from her experiences to integrate personal anecdotes into introductions, sharing career insights and tips that highlight practical adaptations for home settings. The cookbook received positive reviews for its practicality and approachable style, with praise from chefs like for encouraging home cooks to "think like chefs" through easy-to-follow instructions and seasonal ingredients. Critics noted its vibrant photography and focus on fun, fearless cooking, making it a valuable resource for beginners and enthusiasts alike. As of 2025, Freitag has not published additional cookbooks.

Culinary product lines

As part of her launched in 2019, Amanda Freitag has expanded her culinary influence into consumer products, emphasizing accessibility and quality for home enthusiasts. The Freitag Cocktails brand debuted in late 2022 with a limited release of bottled ready-to-drink options, including Negronis, Manhattans, and Margaritas, crafted to deliver balanced, booze-forward flavors with minimal preparation. Developed in partnership with Kettner Distillery in , these 375 ml bottles prioritize high-quality ingredients like house-made and fresh to align with Freitag's "Easy AF" philosophy of simplifying sophisticated tastes. By 2025, the line remains available primarily through online sales via freitagcocktails.com and select retailers, priced at around $24.99 per bottle, with marketing focused on effortless entertaining for casual gatherings. Complementing her cocktail venture, Freitag introduced a collection of spice blends in 2021 through a collaboration with New York-based spice company La Boîte. This five-blend set includes (a herbaceous mix evoking her roots), (a bold Latin-inspired ), (bright and citrus-forward), Green Queen (fresh with herbs and greens), and Sweet Baking (warm for desserts and pastries), all formulated as versatile, all-in-one mixes to streamline home cooking without complex measurements. The development process involved close work with La Boîte's experts to source premium, globally inspired ingredients that reflect Freitag's emphasis on approachable, flavor-packed results, echoing the simplicity themes in her The Chef Next Door. As of 2025, these blends are sold online at laboiteny.com and amandafreitag.com, with sets priced from $25 to $50, and promoted via Freitag's for everyday meal elevation in channels like stores. No additional product expansions beyond these lines have been announced.

References

  1. [1]
    Amanda Freitag Bio | Food Network
    Amanda Freitag is the chef and owner of Empire Diner in New York and appears regularly as a judge on Chopped. Find out more about her on Food Network.
  2. [2]
    About | Amanda Freitag
    ### Summary of Amanda Freitag's About/Bio Section
  3. [3]
    Amanda Freitag's Empire Diner Revamp Fizzles Out After ... - Eater NY
    Dec 14, 2015 · One of the owners of this establishment is Chopped star Amanda Frietag, who opened the restaurant in January 2014 as chef/partner. She stepped ...
  4. [4]
    Amanda Freitag CIA Alumni Bio | Culinary Institute of America
    Amanda had the “ground-up” experience at Cesca Enoteca & Trattoria, where she developed the menu and kitchen staff herself. And later, at The Harrison in ...
  5. [5]
    Amanda Freitag : Chef Bio | D'Artagnan
    ### Amanda Freitag Career Summary
  6. [6]
    Take 5 with Amanda Freitag - NJ.com
    Mar 4, 2013 · Amanda Freitag, a native of Cedar Grove, became enamored with the restaurant business in high school while working at Friar Tuck Inn, a former ...
  7. [7]
    Paul Freitag Obituary (2009) - Newark, NJ - The Star-Ledger
    Paul was the beloved husband of 47 years to Kathleen (Grazioli) Freitag, formerly of Weehawken; devoted father to Amanda Freitag of Brooklyn, N.Y., Justin ...Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  8. [8]
    Amanda Freitag Net Worth
    Jun 19, 2025 · Amanda Freitag was born in May 1972 and raised in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Her interest in cooking began early, thanks in part to her ...
  9. [9]
    Amanda Freitag of 'The Next Iron Chef:' She can stand the heat
    Sep 30, 2009 · Her father, Paul, was a systems analyst at Best Foods Baking Group who became a baker himself as his daughter's career progressed, and ...
  10. [10]
    Episode 12: Amanda Freitag on her Cedar Grove Girlhood
    Mar 22, 2016 · With two hard-working parents, mealtimes at Amanda Freitag's house were hectic. She developed an early and ongoing love of diners.Missing: interview family
  11. [11]
    Celebrating Women in Foodservice | CIA Culinary School
    Things certainly changed at the CIA by the '80s, and Amanda Freitag '89 took full advantage, parlaying her education into a highly accomplished career as a chef ...Missing: 1989 | Show results with:1989
  12. [12]
    Chopped Judge Chef Amanda Freitag '89, The Chef I am Today
    She got to work the line for, and sometimes with, Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Vong, where she discovered exciting Thai flavors. She then took a job in the ...Missing: 1989-1994 | Show results with:1989-1994
  13. [13]
    Baby Steps on a Road of Good Intentions - The New York Times
    Oct 5, 2005 · ... Amanda Freitag. She was the chef de cuisine at 'Cesca, the hugely successful Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, from ...
  14. [14]
    Amanda Freitag: I Put the Harrison Back on the Map - Eater NY
    Sep 7, 2010 · She tells Eater, “After seven years of the Harrison, I really put it back on the map. When I look at the link to the New York Times review ...Missing: executive 2008-2010
  15. [15]
    TV Fixture Amanda Freitag Leaves the Kitchen at Empire Diner
    Jul 10, 2015 · Although the Chopped star is still involved with the restaurant as part of its original ownership team, Freitag is no longer working as its ...
  16. [16]
    https://ny.eater.com/2015/7/10/8928895/amanda-freitag-empire-diner
  17. [17]
    Chef Amanda Freitag and Hospitality Alliance to open seasonal café ...
    Sep 17, 2020 · “Chopped” judge and Food Network star Amanda Freitag is set to open her first Texas restaurant on Sept. 18 called Rise & Thyme, in partnership with Kevin ...
  18. [18]
    Cafe at Dallas' AT&T District from famous Food Network chef closes
    Sep 1, 2022 · A downtown Dallas cafe from celebrity chef Amanda Freitag has closed: Rise & Thyme, which served as a linchpin of the buzzy AT&T Discovery ...
  19. [19]
    American Diner Revival | Food Network
    Amanda Freitag is a judge on Chopped, and the co-host of American Diner Revival, alongside Ty Pennington. Amanda has battled Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America ...Missing: collaborations | Show results with:collaborations
  20. [20]
    American Diner Revival (TV Series 2015 - IMDb
    Rating 8.1/10 (34) American Diner Revival: With Ty Pennington, Amanda Freitag, Laura Rothschild. Beloved diners, that are in need of a makeover, are spruced up as a surprise ...Missing: consulting collaborations
  21. [21]
    How Many Restaurants Does Amanda Freitag Have? - OysterLink
    Learn how many restaurants Amanda Freitag owns in 2025 and why her culinary career emphasizes media presence and consulting over restaurant ownership.Missing: 2022 | Show results with:2022
  22. [22]
    Amanda Freitag | Food Network
    Amanda Freitag is a judge on Chopped, and the co-host of American Diner Revival, alongside Ty Pennington. Amanda has battled Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America.
  23. [23]
    The Worst Dish Amanda Freitag Ever Ate On Chopped - Exclusive
    Mar 5, 2024 · The New Jersey native has been with the series since its debut in 2009. In celebration of the show's 15th anniversary, we at Mashed sat down ...<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    Amanda Freitag Reveals What It's Really Like On Chopped And ...
    Nov 11, 2021 · Like for me, I was a chef in restaurants for 20 something years. Right now, I'm not in a restaurant ... To be able to diversify my career and do ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Chopped judge Amanda Freitag reveals judging secrets
    Sep 21, 2010 · She said the judges really experience the suspense because while the chefs get a tour of the pantry before the competition starts, she told me, ...Missing: technique | Show results with:technique
  26. [26]
    Flay vs. Freitag | Iron Chef America | Food Network
    New York Chef Amanda Freitag enters Kitchen Stadium ready to take on Iron Chef Bobby Flay. Will Chef Freitag s cuisine bring home a win for her?
  27. [27]
    Iron Chef America - Flay vs. Freitag: Alaskan King Crab - IMDb
    Rating 8.3/10 (7) Freitag: Alaskan King Crab. Episode aired Feb 22, 2009; TV-G; 42m. IMDb RATING. 8.3 ... New York chef Amanda Freitag gets ready to take on Iron Chef Bobby Flay.
  28. [28]
    Amanda Freitag | Chopped Wiki - Fandom
    She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1993, and soon after took a position at "Vong" New York working under chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
  29. [29]
    Alex Guarnaschelli Wins Next Iron Chef: Redemption - Eater
    Dec 26, 2012 · New York chef Alex Guarnaschelli beat out Amanda Freitag for the title of Iron Chef on Sunday in the series' first all-female finale.
  30. [30]
    'Tournament of Champions': What Are the Winners Up to Now?
    Brooke won TOC I in 2020, beating Amanda Freitag in the final elimination by a single point. Fun fact: Brooke has competed in the final elimination three times.
  31. [31]
    On the Line - Apple Podcasts
    Rating 5.0 (14) On the Line is a weekly podcast where award-winning chef/entrepreneurs Amanda Freitag and Daniel Holzman host some of the world's most inspiring innovators.Missing: Pod | Show results with:Pod
  32. [32]
    Introducing On the Line, your new favorite podcast and the most ...
    Apr 1, 2024 · 912 likes, 45 comments - chefamandaf on April 1, 2024: "Introducing On the Line, your new favorite podcast and the most exciting release since
  33. [33]
    Need Help Cooking Through The Coronavirus Pandemic? Chef ...
    but what if you're clueless in the kitchen? Chef Amanda Freitag has some tips on pantry ...<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Amanda Freitag: Home
    Cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious. That's why Chef Amanda launched EasyAF, an online series designed to help home cooks feel confident, ...Contact · About Amanda · Shop
  35. [35]
    The Chef Next Door - HarperCollins Publishers
    In stock Free delivery over $35 30-day returnsThe Chef Next Door. A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home Cooking. By Amanda Freitag,. On Sale: September 29, 2015. $37.50 ...
  36. [36]
    A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home Cooking - Amazon.com
    "Ms. Freitag encourages home cooks to think like those chefs with easy-to-follow recipes that pair seasonal ingredients with culinary shortcuts.Missing: 2015 | Show results with:2015
  37. [37]
    Cookbook review: The Chef Next Door - Delicious Living
    Oct 12, 2015 · The cookbook: The Chef Next Door: A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home Cooking. The author: You probably recognize Amanda Freitag from ...
  38. [38]
    The Chef Next Door: A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home ...
    $$37.50 In stock $6.99 deliverySep 29, 2015 · “In her lovely new cookbook, The Chef Next Door, Ms. Freitag encourages home cooks to think like those chefs with easy-to-follow recipes ...
  39. [39]
    The Chef Next Door: A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home ...
    Rating 3.6 (111) Sep 29, 2015 · Filled with beautiful color photographs that show how achievable good food really is, The Chef Next Door makes confident home cooking a breeze.
  40. [40]
    Books by Amanda Freitag (Author of The Chef Next Door) - Goodreads
    Rating 3.6 (111) Amanda Freitag has 2 books on Goodreads with 411 ratings. Amanda Freitag's most popular book is The Chef Next Door: A Pro Chef's Recipes for Fun, Fearles...
  41. [41]
    Amanda Freitag Is Dropping Some New Cocktails
    Oct 28, 2022 · On November 1, Freitag is dropping a limited release of only 500 batches of each one of her signature bottled cocktails, complete with her signature "Easy AF" ...
  42. [42]
    Amanda Freitag Wants to Make Cooking and Cocktails Easier
    Feb 5, 2024 · Celebrity chef Amanda Freitag now has a line of bottle cocktails and a collection of spice blends made in collaboration with La Boîte, a respected NYC spice ...Missing: culinary | Show results with:culinary
  43. [43]
    About - Freitag Cocktails
    Amanda Freitag partnered with Kettner Distillery to create her bottled cocktail line because of their shared commitment to using high-quality ingredients ...
  44. [44]
    https://www.mashed.com/1075986/amanda-freitag-is-dropping-some-new-cocktails/
  45. [45]
    Shop | Amanda Freitag
    Inspired by her worldwide culinary experiences, Chef Amanda's new line of spice blends is exactly what you need to breathe new life into your everyday cooking.
  46. [46]
    As a chef, I've always believed that the right seasoning ... - Facebook
    Mar 14, 2025 · Each blend – Jersey Italian, Chica Adobo, Mediterranean Lemon, Green Queen, and Sweet Baking – is designed to take the guesswork out of seasoning.
  47. [47]
    Chef-Approved Product Ranges : Amanda Freitag - Trend Hunter
    Sep 7, 2023 · Amanda Freitag, a well-known celebrity chef and Chopped judge, has expanded her brand to include bottled cocktails, custom spice blends, ...