My Culinary Journey: Katie Lee Biegel Reveals Her Favorite Comfort Dish

Food is a central theme in Katie Lee Biegel’s professional life, from cohosting Food Network’s The Kitchen to running her podcast, “All On the Table.” However, food also holds significant memories for the chef throughout her personal journey, spanning from childhood to the present.

Katie Lee, aged 43, vividly remembers her order from her first date with her spouse, Ryan Biegel, as well as the meal they shared when they became engaged in 2018.

“We met while I was shooting Beach Bites and he was producing, leading to our secret romance,” she opens up in her My Life in Food feature located in the latest edition of Us Weekly, currently available. “For our first date, we visited a quaint little restaurant in Puerto Rico, which was quite a hidden gem. We enjoyed a whole fried fish that was incredibly tasty. We often reminisce about it, so whole fish has become one of our cherished meals. If we spot it on a menu, we just have to order it.”

Before long, Ryan proposed during a romantic escape in Paris, where their meal included Pommes Bearnaise from Chez l’Ami Louis. They married in September 2018 and welcomed their daughter, Iris, two years later.

Although Katie Lee is a chef, an essential part of her culinary approach involves spirits — she even operates her own organic wine label, Kind of Wild, to ensure great spirits are always present.

“For me, food and wine are intertwined like the hip bone is connected to the leg bone,” the Kitchen host shared with Us at an event marking the launch of Purvi Padia’s Revelry Holiday Collection. “I have a deep love for comfort food, and I consider wine to be in that category. To genuinely feel comforted by your food or wine, it’s vital to understand its origins — how it was produced, how it arrives at your plate or glass, and how you will ensure a positive impact on the environment for future generations.”

Continue reading for more delightful food-related anecdotes from Katie Lee:

What special dinner would your parents prepare for you on your birthday?

I find that question so interesting. I often ask it on my podcast. I adore discovering people’s childhood birthday meals. For me, as a kid, I always hoped my grandmother would whip up pot roast and mashed potatoes for my birthday. That was my favorite, along with her homemade rolls.

Do you remember your order on your first date with your partner?

We initially crossed paths when I was filming Beach Bites and he was my producer, leading to our secret romance. We had our first date in Puerto Rico at a quaint little restaurant that felt like a hidden treasure. We savored whole fried fish, which was unbelievably delicious. We still reflect on it, so whole fish has become one of our treasured meals. Whenever we see it on the menu, we order it.

Is there a snack you can’t stop eating?

I’m completely hooked on Top Seedz crackers dipped in Bitchin’ sauce. It’s irresistible. They are available at Whole Foods, and I often order several packs online because I consume them so rapidly. They’re just that good.

What would your last meal on Earth be?

I adore — in fact, it’s the same restaurant where we were engaged in Paris — Chez l’Ami Louis. Their roast chicken and Pommes Bearnaise — a delightful crispy potato cake with garlic and parsley — is, for me, the ultimate comfort meal.

Is there a food you disliked as a child but enjoy now?

Tomatoes! When I was younger, if I spotted a tomato seed on a lettuce leaf, the whole salad was off-limits. I couldn’t be anywhere near a tomato. Nowadays, I consume them regularly.