Five Celebrity Chefs Cooking with Cannabis

While shows like Netflix’s Cooking on High and Vice’s Bong Appetit introduced the country years ago to fine cannabis cuisine, it hasn’t stopped fine chefs from exploring and working with the herb, either publicly or privately. As we all know, cannabis can heighten the appetite and the enjoyment of all sorts of food. It’s long been an open secret that chefs consume cannabis as well, even though the number of chefs that have come out of the cannabis closet to integrate it into their dishes is relatively small. Every year, however, a few more begin to make inroads into the mainstream, with even a few established names placing their names on brand new products. This 2023, Hytiva® is showcasing five chefs who’ve either made a name with their fine infused cuisine or are beginning to diversify their brands with brand new offerings. We’re certain at least one of them will be to your taste.

Miguel Trinidad:

Early on in the 2010s, Trinidad made his mark in New York City with the Filipino gastropubs Maharlika and Jeepney. While those two restaurants are no more, Miguel has continued on with The 99th Floor, which extends the infused fine dining he’s been providing New Yorkers in pop-up locations throughout the city for years now. Pairing elaborate meals, from soups to beet risottos to slender cuts of beef, with specific strains and terpenes, Trinidad has tailored his meals and the highs that accompany them to build atop each other. His clientele, which according to New York magazine reflects a who’s who of professional go-getters, has helped spread his work towards national coverage on Vice and CBS This Morning. You can find out about future dinners on the 99th Floor’s IG page.

Chef Nikki:

When you’re Dave Chappelle’s personal chef, it’s likely that cannabis is going to end up on the menu at some point or another. However, Chef Nikki’s High-End Affair goes beyond mere infused dishes to create a true event. Expect mixologists with THC/CBD cocktails, locally sourced entertainment and comfort food that integrates Thai, Caribbean, American and perhaps even her own bechamel-enhanced “Smack & Cheese.” The portions are generous, and Nikki’s integrates her own background as a pharmacist to ensure that yours will not be an overwhelming experience. She’s in particular demand with hip hop celebrities like DJ Khaled, Quavo and Snoop Dogg, so catch her if you can.

Roy Choi:

Through his Kogi food trucks and the late, lamented Chego, Korean-American chef Roy Choi has inspired foodies with his rags-to-riches story and his savory fusion fare, which merges Korean staples with American and Mexican dishes like hamburgers and burritos. So it was only a matter of time before he decided to embrace cannabis. In partnership with TSUMo Snacks — who collaborated with Snoop Doog on his Snazzle Os — Roy did just that with their two new offerings: the Spicy Cheese Ramen curls and Spaghetti & Meatballs puffs. Each bag contains 100 mg of THC, and just like a joint, they’re made to be shared.

Todd English:

Few exemplify the term “celebrity chef” quite like Todd English. He’s hosted a PBS show Food Trip with Todd English and has lent his name to restaurants throughout the country, touching on everything from four-star Mediterranean cuisine to stylish comfort food. Last year, he announced the arrival of a cannabis food company called LastLeaf. English began working with cannabis when cooking for his sister, who was dying of breast cancer at the time, and he noted the relief it gave her in her final days. Since launching with Mac & Cheese, LastLeaf has since released an infused olive oil and pasta shells with white cheddar. At a reported five mg of THC per serving for the mac & cheese and the pasta shells — it can be a good way to start a Netflix-and-chill sort of evening.

Thaninthorn “Noom” Chantrawan:

This former Iron Chef Thailand contestant made his name at Chim by Siam Wisdom, where he dug deep into his country’s history to resurrect vintage Royal Thai dishes, earning him a spot in the Michelin Guide. And as it turns out, cannabis leaves have been integrated into ancient Thai food, so leave it to “Chef Noom” to revive these dishes for a country that’s going through a cannabis renaissance. For the Tourism Authority of Thailand, he prepared a special infused “omakase” meal and told Thai PBS World that he will introduce infused dishes at Chim.