Taste Radio

Acclaimed chef Spike Mendelsohn first made his name as a contestant in the cooking competition TV series “Top Chef” before establishing himself as a well-known restaurateur and television personality. As he becomes increasingly immersed in the emerging world of NFTs, however, he may end up being just as recognized as the co-creator of CHFTY Pizza, an online community that connects chefs with foodies and fans. Launched earlier this year, CHFTY Pizza was developed in partnership with Tom Colicchio, the longtime "Top Chef" host and founder of restaurant group Crafted Hospitality. In March, CHFTY sold its first collection of NFTs, which Mendelsohn described as avatars of “a ‘foolish’ pizza slice.” The sale raised over $500,000 and established a funding base for CHFTY, whose stated mission is to “bridge the hole between the food-and-beverage neighborhood and web3.”  In an interview featured in this episode, Mendelsohn, who is also co-founder of better-for-you fast food chain PLNT Burger and sustainable snack brand