Lost Top Chef, Won the Internet: Eric Adjepong is 'The People's Champ' — Now Chasing a Michelin Star at DC's Elmina

He lost Top Chef's finale — and somehow won the internet anyway. Chef Spike welcomes back Eric Adjepong, the Bronx-raised, first-generation Ghanaian-American chef the internet crowned "The People's Champ." Since then: multiple Food Network shows, a James Beard hosting gig, and a cookbook the Washington Post named one of the best of the year. Now he's opened Elmina, his DC restaurant named for a treasure town in Ghana — and he calls it his current romantic partner.In this episode, Eric opens up about the five-continent, five-year journey behind his cookbook (and the arrest in Ghana that came with it), what it means to feel a "civic duty" to represent West African cuisine, how he's quietly chasing a Michelin star by cutting brunch and obsessing over a new tasting menu, and why his toughest critic in the kitchen is his own mother. Plus: he and Spike play a round of Head Chef, and things get ridiculous fast. Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://www.intheweedspod.com/itw-linksWe have teamed up with Odd Chef for an official merch collab! Check it out here and get 10% off your order with code INTHEWEEDS10.🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org