In this powerful episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with culinary trailblazer Chef Tiffany Derry — Top Chef fan favorite, two-time James Beard Award finalist, and now the first full-time Black judge on MasterChef — for an inspiring, unfiltered conversation about resilience, representation, and reclaiming your power in the kitchen and beyond.
From humble beginnings at an IHOP in Beaumont, Texas to commanding national television screens, Chef Tiffany shares how determination, mentorship, and authenticity shaped her journey to becoming one of America’s most respected voices in food. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating male-dominated kitchens, and building a restaurant group that celebrates Southern heritage, food equity, and cultural preservation through beloved concepts like Roots Southern Table, Roots Chicken Shack, and Radici Wood Fired Grill.
You’ll hear Chef Tiffany and Chef Emme dive deep into:
- What it means to lead with purpose as a Black woman in the culinary industry
- How Top Chef and MasterChef shaped Tiffany’s career and gave her a national platform
- The real talk behind opening restaurants, franchising, and building community wealth
- How Southern and Italian cuisines connect through history, flavor, and heart
- Why representation in food media and fine dining still matters more than ever
- Practical advice for young chefs and entrepreneurs on finding their voice, trusting the process, and creating their own seat at the table
Chef Tiffany also shares a personal look at what it takes to maintain balance, stay grounded, and keep growing even when the world is watching — reminding us all that “it’s not a deserve, it’s yours.”
Whether you’re a chef, food lover, entrepreneur, or creative, this conversation will leave you inspired to own your story and cook without limits.
✨ About the Guest:
Chef Tiffany Derry is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for her soulful Southern cooking and culinary advocacy. She is the owner of Tiffany Derry Concepts, Roots Southern Table, Roots Chicken Shack, and Radici Wood Fired Grill, and serves as a judge on FOX’s MasterChef and PBS’s The Great American Recipe. Follow Chef Tiffany Derry @mastercheftd
🎧 Listen now for a powerful dose of honesty, humor, and inspiration — and discover how Chef Tiffany is redefining what it means to lead, create, and uplift the next generation of chefs through food and storytelling.
Follow @dishingupdiasporapodcast and @chefemme_ on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes stories, culinary inspiration, and upcoming guests.
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