The Kitchen is one of the few cooking shows that I record, so when a friend asked if I wanted to go to a taping with her, I was all in. I love the chefs and how they interact with each other, and equally love how most of the recipes they share are super simple to make and usually don’t require a massive tri-state area hunt for exotic ingredients. If you’re not familiar with the show, the chefs are Katie Lee, Sunny Anderson, Jeff Mauro, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
And now, after attending the taping, I love them even more. They were seriously so funny to watch. Jeff and Sunny act like misbehaving teenagers, with Geoffrey playing the role of the strict dad. They clearly love what they do, and their passion is evident, and as an audience member, it was definitely a good time.
Despite the fact that Food Network is based in New York, The Kitchen, surprisingly, tapes in Montclair, which meant a super easy drive and on-street, metered parking. Hurrah! In fact, I scored the first space right in front of the studio and the meters are good for three hours (without you having to rush out mid-taping to refeed them), so it was perfect. Our taping started at 9, and you waited outside until the very dot of 9, so keep that in mind if you happen to visit during inclement weather.
A staffer checked our ID before we were ushered into the small audience area and we grabbed a seat on the folding chairs. When I say “small,” I’m not kidding. There were five rows of chairs, about six seats across, so the audience for each taping is minimal. The chairs are fairly close together, and there isn’t really optimal viewing from every seat, so you may find yourself watching the large tv screen in the room more than you’re watching the actual people. I vacillated between both, sneaking peeks in between the people sitting in front of me. I heard the ladies in the last row complain about the fact that they couldn’t see that well … and yet they refused to fill out a feedback form at the end of taping. Go figure.
Brielle was the audience coordinator, and she gave us a rundown of what we would see. Unlike Rachael Ray’s taping, we were allowed to keep our phones ON, but just had to silence them, which really made me happy. If my kids aren’t with me, I don’t like to be so completely disconnected from them. We were also allowed to take photos, but couldn’t share specifics on social media until the episode actually airs. I *think* I’m safe with what I’m sharing here.
The focus of this episode is Dinner in a Snap, and I think it will be airing sometime in September or October. Once I see it on the schedule, I’ll do an update with the details and recipes (and I already have two of the recipes on my list for this week). Each of the chefs made recipes, and we got to sample three of them. Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen also made a guest appearance on the show and shared a sheet pan recipe from her new cookbook, Smitten Kitchen Every Day.
The taping itself was more laid back and low-key than others I’ve gone to, which surprised me a little given the fact that there are four celebrity chefs on set. That being said, it made it heaps more enjoyable. At the end of the taping, the chefs came over to the audience area and each of us were allowed to go up and get a picture with them (the audience coordinator took the photos on our phone, mine was horrible so it will never see the light of day). And during one fifteen minute break period towards the end, Sunny actually came out and sat with the audience. She was interacting with everyone as if they were her long lost friends, talking about bears and birds she’s seen in her neighborhood and what grocery store she shops at. I loved her before, and I love her even more now. So down to earth, real, and completely relatable.
The taping was supposed to last “approximately three hours,” but it ended up lasting four and a quarter. There *are* opportunities to run out and replenish your parking meter, and use the restroom, which is awesome. I always love getting behind the scenes peeks at how things work, whether it be a tv show or a business, and this was no exception.
Hungry for more?
This post is from our recent visit to a Rachael Ray taping in New York City.
And our experience when we attended a taping of Martha Stewart’s show.
Sounds like a great time! I’m glad it was a positive experience.
Sounds like a great day! The only live taping I have been to is Wendy Williams, and not by choice. I would much more enjoy a taping of the kitchen as I watch every Saturday. How did you score tickets? I remember reading a year or so ago that there was no live audience and information was scarce on that. Would love to surprise family members with tickets for Christmas!
Hello , loved your article but I do have one question. How were you able to get on to the set ? Did you have to be put on a wait list ?
How did you get tickets? I would love to go.
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
Hi there! How did you get the tickets?
Please let me know how I can get tickets for a taping of The Kitchen.
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
I have been trying to figure out how to get tickets for this, could you share how your friend got them???
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
Please let me know how I can get tickets for a taping of The Kitchen.
Two questions! Do you get to taste any of the food they make? What time do you suggest for arrival to get a good seat?
We, unfortunately, did not get to taste any of the food they made, and arrived about an hour before it began.
I absolutely love The Kitchen. How ca I get tickets to attend a taping? Please let me know. Thank you..
Jennifer
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
Thanks for posting this! It sounds like so much fun! The Kitchen is my favorite show, how did you get the tickets? I’ve been searching but can’t find them. Thanks!
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
My parents love this show and will be in NYC this October. I would love to surprise them with tickets, if they are taping when they are in town. Any pointers on getting tickets?
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
You’re amazing! Thank you ??
My husband 70 th bday and would love to attend a show in December from Dec 9 to Dec 13
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
My husband Eddie and I are really big fans and would Love to be in the audience at a taping of the Kitchen.
Thank you so much
Melissa
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
Is the outside patio set really outside or on sound stage??
It’s really outside!
I would love to be on a show how can I get tickets?
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
This sounds great! How did you get the tickets. I have been searching high and low lol. Thanks!!
Hoping we can find out how to sign up. My parents have had a rough year and this would be a wonderful surprise for them.
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
You can request tickets via e-mail at tickets@bstventertainment.com
Had tickets for the taping Thursday August 15 and just received notice it is cancelled. Had bought a plane ticket which is non refundable. They gave no reason for the cancellation.
That really sucks, I hope your able to find something else to do while your in New York.
I’m sure you’ll find something.
Thanks for this recap. I’ve been watching this show for years and absolutely love all the chefs. I’d love to watch it live, and this info helps me to know what to expect.
Also…I have to commend you for your incredible patience with so many people asking the exact same question about where to get tickets. I won’t ask because I spent ten whole seconds reading the many other comments containing that information in clear, easy-to-read print. ;)
Thanks again for sharing, and very happy you had a good experience!
Same! And her patience with the people who seem to think she has some kind of control over who gets them!
I’m curious what happens to all the uncooked food on the show? They will start a dish but then switch to one that is finished.
They were sharing and eating off camera. I’m sure they have plans so no food is wasted.
I keep trying to use that email address but it’s not working ?. My husband and I would love to go!