Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take part in a home cooking show? Our own tester, Beth Fuller, jumped at the chance and found out just how much fun it can be.
Ever wonder how someone gets cast for a cook-off show? Well, as with many other things, a bit of luck and timing is certainly required, but an intense interest in all things cooking coupled with a lively personality can help.
Sometimes a random email can also be helpful.
An LC tester accepts the casting call
A story begins right here at Leite’s Culinaria. About a year ago, David Leite, the site’s founder, shared with his recipe testers an open casting call he’d received, thinking that someone from this super-talented crew might not only be interested, but might be perfect for the job.
Beth Fullera successful food photographer and new tester, answered this call in December 2021.
Beth’s application included a video audition. “This is my silly video, take it or leave it,” Fuller says. Casting agents loved it, which resulted in her being cast in Cook at All Costs. a new Netflix cook-off show.
This is how “cooking at any price” works.
Due to an ironclad non-disclosure agreement, Beth can’t reveal much about the behind-the-scenes of the show, but the trailer (above) gives us a glimpse. Home cooks start with $25,000 in credit to bid on boxes of ingredients (some are a mystery), and the winner keeps the remaining cash in their coffers.
Three contestants per episode vie for the show’s culinary glory. It’s both a cooking show and a strategy game. Does a contestant have to spend everything to win, or can the frugal dish be the winner? Will luxury prevail or can the modest triumph?
Left to right: Sue Keating, Beth Fuller and Stephaughn Patterson
With Canadian chef and restaurateur Jordan Andino as the host and celebrity judges Nancy Silverton, Richard Blais, Esther Choi, Melba Wilson, Rick Martinez, Gabe Kennedy, Melissa Cookson and Nyesha Arrington, it’s sure to be exciting, entertaining and, hopefully, delicious Adventure.
Beth’s episode was recorded in Toronto in April 2022 in one day and she counts it among the best moments of her life.
More about Beth
Although Beth is an avid home cook, she has no professional cooking experience. Of course, her marriage to Todd Fuller, a chef, must have taught her something. Beth is a big collector of cookbooks and sorts them by spine color like a rainbow. Favorites include Ina Garten, Yotam Ottolenghi and Julie Jones. She collects both through inspirational recipes and photos.
Tenacity, passion, determination, gratitude and a firm belief in herself led Beth to her successful career combining all things food and photography, now with a chance to shine on TV.
Cook At All Costs began streaming on Netflix on December 16th.