The Chef's Cut

Hospitality Series (Pt. 2): Drew Nieporent on Creating Celebrity Chefs, A-List Partnerships, and Going 40 for 40!!

March 23, 2026·52 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Adrienne and Joe are back for part two of our three part hospitality series, this time with legendary restaurateur Drew Nieporent of Nobu and Tribeca Grill fame. They talk about his memoir ‘I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult’ and share tales from his storied career. In this episode, we discuss: Drew’s role in the rise of celebrity chefs, starting with putting their names on the menu James Beard awards and the changing role of the restaurateur Working with celebs like Robert De Niro to launch new ventures How to deal with tough critics Rising prices in fine dining and tasting menus getting out of control Discovering and working with some of the biggest chefs in the world How to start a restaurant the right way, and when to walk away Why he brought a fax machine on the road to keep an eye on reservations Walk In Confession: Cruise ship beginnings and lessons from the high seas Follow Drew: @drewnieporent  Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham  Follow Joe: @insta.flamm

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