Ep 5. Skywalker Ranch

In The Chef Show season 2 episode 5, named Skywalker Ranch, Jon Favreau and Roy Choi visit the famous Skywalker Ranch in Northern California. The episode begins with the pair driving through the vast and strikingly beautiful landscape of California’s Nicasio Valley region en route to the ranch.

Once there, they get a tour of the iconic film production and post-production facility, responsible for producing blockbuster films such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Some of the other noteworthy films that have been produced here include Black Panther, The Lion King, and The Incredibles.

The hosts are warmly welcomed by the executive chef of Skywalker Ranch, Brian Schaeffer, who introduces them to the kitchen that serves over 800 people at the Ranch every day. Schaeffer takes the time to walk Favreau and Choi through some of the impressive equipment in the kitchen and offers some tips on how he manages to keep such an enormous operation running smoothly.

Favreau and Choi then get to work in the kitchen with Schaeffer and his sous chef, Ben Ford. They are tasked with cooking up a meal featuring some of the locally sourced ingredients the ranch is known for, including prime beef and heirloom vegetables.

The meal begins with a classic Caesar salad with grilled romaine hearts, followed by a main course of melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef short ribs braised in red wine and served with creamy polenta and a side of blistered, blackened green beans. The meal is rounded off with a peach cobbler featuring peaches sourced from the ranch’s own orchard.

Throughout the episode, Favreau and Choi share anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from their experiences working on film sets, such as the time Favreau made a grill out of an old prop wagon on the set of The Lion King. They also discuss their shared passion for cooking and how they both got into the culinary arts.

The Chef Show season 2 episode 5 is a delightful watch for foodies and film buffs alike, as it offers fascinating insights into both the world of food and the world of filmmaking. It’s a testament to the wonderful chemistry between Favreau and Choi, who effortlessly blend their passions and create an entertaining and informative show that will leave viewers hungry for more.