Jeff Mauro’s worn a lot of hats during his career — from a chef’s toque to a ball cap — but he’s best known for his cooking shows. From the love of the humble sandwich to a hard-won place in the Food Network Canada roster, Jeff’s sampled a smorgasbord of skills on his way up. Here are 10 things you may not know about the host of the new Food Network show Kitchen Crash.
He’s Been a Comedian From Childhood
Born and raised in Chicago, Jeff’s been joking around since he was a kid — he started doing plays and comedies in the second grade and began honing his improv chops at Second City youth classes the next year. He even did standup comedy (briefly) in his 20s.
He’s Studied the Art of Television
Jeff’s ease with the camera comes through some serious studying: he has a degree in communications, radio, and television production from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. and was the valedictorian of his graduating class in 2000.
He Cooked His Way Through College
As the kitchen steward at the Sigma Chi fraternity house at Bradley, Jeff paid for his room and board by practicing his cooking skills on his fellow students. “I remember making everyone sit down and enjoy a nice dinner with wine,” he said in an interview with Spoon University. “It was pretty funny turning this crazy animal house into a place where we enjoyed a civil supper.”
He Has Professional Training in Cooking
During a stint in Hollywood pursuing his comedy and cooking career, Jeff made his bones the old school way — by enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu culinary program to hone his cooking chops, according to his bio.
Deli Runs in His Blood
After moving back to his hometown of Chicago, he opened up Prime Time Deli & Catering in Westmont, Ill., with his older cousin Dave, a chef. Jeff was also behind the now-defunct Pork ’n Mindy’s and now builds sandwich kits for his brand, Mauro Provisions.
Chef By Day, Actor By Night
Jeff split his time between slinging sandwiches and singing on stage at Piper’s Alley Theatre as Tony in the Chicago production of the interactive and kitschy musical, Tony and Tina’s Wedding. “I auditioned as a waiter and worked my way up to the Tony role,” he told Love In The Time Of Coronavirus.
He Has a Podcast With His Sister, Emily
One of four siblings, Jeff gets in lots of family time — especially with his sister Emily, with whom he does the podcast Come On Over (which has recently been spun off into a cookbook). Jeff jokes about the high ratings amongst his family members: “We are the ‘#1 New Podcast hosted by siblings’ as voted on by at least 6 of my 9 Aunts,” he posted on Instagram.
He’s No Stranger to the Food Network Canada Audience
Although Jeff auditioned three times for The Next Food Network Star before ultimately winning season 7, he’s making up for lost time. He’s made appearances on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, and judged Chopped Junior and Cupcake Wars. He also spun off his niche from The Next Food Network Star into three seasons of Sandwich King and currently co-hosts The Kitchen and his new show, Kitchen Crash.
He Has Two Mini Golden Doodles Called Jojo and Pinot G
Jeff’s fallen in puppy love with his two tiny doggos, who have their own Instagram account (@jojoandpinot) which currently sits at over 6,300 followers. The pups apparently prefer yak bones and turkey to sandwiches, however.
His Family Sometimes Acts As His Camera Crew
During pandemic times, Jeff’s wife Sarah and son Lorenzo helped out with camera and styling duties during socially distanced filming for some of his television appearances.
And Once More With Feeling: Jeff Loves to Belt Out the Classics
Whether he’s serenading a ballpark with an enthusiastic version of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during a Cubs game or taking a happy birthday wish to operatic heights, Jeff isn’t afraid to attack each song with gusto.
Watch Kitchen Crash January 10 at 10ep and stream all your favourite Food Network Canada shows through STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, or with the new Global TV app, live and on-demand when you sign-in with your cable subscription.