About Amanda

Born and raised in New Jersey, Amanda Freitag is a celebrated chef, author, and television personality who has become a culinary icon. After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Amanda began her career in some of New York City’s most esteemed kitchens, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Vong, Verbena, and Il Buco. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-open Cesca Enoteca & Trattoria on the Upper West Side in 2003, where she served as chef de cuisine. She later took on the role of executive chef at The Harrison in Tribeca, earning widespread acclaim for her fresh, seasonal approach to cooking. In 2014, Amanda revitalized the iconic Empire Diner in Manhattan, reimagining the classic American eatery with her modern culinary style. These ventures established her as a driving force in the New York dining scene.

 

Amanda’s culinary expertise extends far beyond restaurant kitchens. She has become a beloved household name for her dynamic presence on television, most notably as a longtime judge on Food Network’s Chopped. Known for her insightful critiques and approachable demeanor, she has been a trusted voice for aspiring chefs since 2009. Her television work also includes appearances on Iron Chef America, Next Iron Chef, Unique Eats, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, and many more, where she showcases her creativity and competitive spirit.

 

Amanda’s mission to make cooking accessible and fun has driven much of her work outside of television. Her first cookbook, The Chef Next Door, empowers home cooks with professional techniques made simple, and her wildly popular social media series, EasyAF, has become a lifestyle brand spanning recipes, bottled cocktails, spice blends, and branded merchandise. What began in 2019 as a series of quick, approachable cooking tutorials filmed in her New York City kitchen has grown into a movement, inspiring thousands to find joy in cooking and creativity in their own kitchens.

 

Amanda’s latest venture, On The Line, is a podcast she co-hosts with Chef Dan Holzman. Together, they dive into the intricacies of the restaurant industry, offering behind-the-scenes insights and candid conversations with fellow chefs and industry leaders.

 

With her infectious energy, culinary expertise, and commitment to demystifying the kitchen, Amanda continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of food lovers. Whether in a restaurant, on-screen, or connecting directly with her fans online, Amanda’s work reflects her belief that cooking is a joyful, shared experience that brings people together.