Karen Akunowicz on Boston’s Food Scene, Bib Gourmand, and the Importance of Powerlifting!!

The Chef's Cut

Adrienne and Joe are joined by Bib Gourmand award-winning Chef Karen Akunowicz to talk about the Boston food scene, excellent food at a great value, and the importance of finding balance in and out of the kitchen (if that’s even possible). In this episode, we also discuss:

  • Fork It or Forget It: Lobster Rolls (cold or hot?)

  • The booming Boston food scene and how Karen got her start as a Houston’s bartender

  • Prominent female chefs in Boston and the example they set

  • Her restaurants (including Fox & the Knife) achieving Bib Gourmand status

  • Training in Italy and making Italian food (with a very different chef background)

  • The influence of her time working at Disney World and what hospitality excellence looks like

  • Karen’s time spent outside the kitchen as a powerlifter

  • The illusion of work-life balance (especially when you’re building a career)

  • Walk In Confession: Karen’s first day as a line cook… and head chef for a night 

Follow Karen: @chefkarenakunowicz 

Follow the show: @chefscutpod

Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham 

Follow Joe: @insta.flamm


More description

Adrienne and Joe are joined by Bib Gourmand award-winning Chef Karen Akunowicz to talk about the Boston food scene, excellent food at a great value, and the importance of finding balance in and out of the kitchen (if that’s even possible). In this episode, we also discuss:

  • Fork It or Forget It: Lobster Rolls (cold or hot?)

  • The booming Boston food scene and how Karen got her start as a Houston’s bartender

  • Prominent female chefs in Boston and the example they set

  • Her restaurants (including Fox & the Knife) achieving Bib Gourmand status

  • Training in Italy and making Italian food (with a very different chef background)

  • The influence of her time working at Disney World and what hospitality excellence looks like

  • Karen’s time spent outside the kitchen as a powerlifter

  • The illusion of work-life balance (especially when you’re building a career)

  • Walk In Confession: Karen’s first day as a line cook… and head chef for a night 

Follow Karen: @chefkarenakunowicz 

Follow the show: @chefscutpod

Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham 

Follow Joe: @insta.flamm


2026-04-27 51 min
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