Episode
304: Top Chef 23 Exit Interview: Brandon Deaden on Restaurant Wars & Fighting With His Brother
- Published
- May 22, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1170
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8907061
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Summary
The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Brandon Deaden, joins The Exclusive to break down the Restaurant Wars service that sent him home. Brandon reflects on taking the line cook role to help his team succeed, why he believes focusing too much on service hurt his individual dish, and the inconsistent rice pudding mistake that ultimately sealed his fate. He also opens up about the behind-the-scenes chaos viewers didn’t fully see, including communication breakdowns during service and why he believes timing and luck can play a huge role in Restaurant Wars. Plus, Brandon also discusses competing against his twin brother Jonathan, the sibling bickering and trash talk that didn’t fully make the edit, and why the two intentionally tried to “put on a show” whenever the cameras were rolling.