Episode #114 - Dan Jacobs of DanDan & EsterEv

This week, we're thrilled to welcome a culinary powerhouse, Milwaukee’s Chef Dan Jacobs, to the show. Known for his bold flavors and inventive takes on American-Chinese cuisine, Dan co-owns Milwaukee’s renowned restaurants DanDan and EsterEv. After a career working throughout Chicago and Wisconsin, he recently made waves on the 21st season of Top Chef, where he earned a top-three finish, showcasing the heart and soul of Midwestern hospitality. Despite living with Kennedy’s disease, a rare neuromuscular disorder, Dan's journey through the competition was a testament to his resilience and creativity, which he continues to showcase every day at DanDan. We dive into his approach to menu development, Bayview hotspots, the lessons learned from cooking under the intense pressure of the Top Chef kitchen, and so much more.