Taste of Space 2025: Meet Our Celebrity Chefs

Our favorite star-studded culinary experience, “Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef,” returns this year November 15 with a mix of fresh faces and returning fan favorites! This year’s event celebrates international cuisine in honor of the 25th anniversary of the International Space Station.

Celebrity chefs will take the stage to showcase their expert techniques — joined by NASA astronauts Robert “Bob” Cabana, Nicole Stott, and Michael López-Alegría — and share custom menu creations with the audience in a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration.

Chef Amanda Freitag returns to “Taste of Space: Celebrity Chefs” — this time not just as a featured chef, but also as the event’s host.

A New Jersey native and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef Amanda has built a dynamic career as a chef, TV personality, and author.

Her culinary journey spans top NYC kitchens like Vong, Il Buco, and The Harrison, and includes international experience under Chef Alain Passard in Paris. Chef Amanda’s passion for making cooking accessible shines through her cookbook, The Chef Next Door, her viral series “EasyAF,” and her latest venture — the “On The Line” podcast with Chef Dan Holzman.

Signature style:

• Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
• Approachable recipes

Where you know her from:

• Iron Chef America
• Next Iron Chef
• Beat Bobby Flay
• Unique Eats
• Tournament of Champions
• Chopped
• The Today Show

Chef Jet Tila makes his debut on the “Taste of Space: Celebrity Chefs” stage this year, bringing star power and global flavor to the event.

From battling the legendary Masaharu Morimoto on Iron Chef America, opening Encore Hotel in Las Vegas, and being a guide to Anthony Bourdain, Chef Jet is a familiar face on Food Network and beyond. A three-time Emmy and James Beard nominee, he’s also a best-selling author and holds six Guinness World Records for culinary achievements.

Raised in a Thai food family and trained in French and Japanese culinary schools, Chef Jet blends tradition with innovation. He was appointed the first-ever Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine by the Royal Thai Consulate, representing his heritage on a global stage. He’s also a businessman, leading culinary operations as VP of Pei Wei (160+ restaurants) and Managing Partner of Dragon Tiger Noodle Co.

Signature style:

• Thai and Chinese cuisine
• French technique

Where you know him from:

• Iron Chef America
• Tournament of Champions
• Cutthroat Kitchen
• Chopped
• Beat Bobby Flay
• Guy’s Grocery Games

Chef Jon Ashton also returns to “Taste of Space: Celebrity Chefs,” bringing his signature bold flavors the event.

Guided by the belief that “cooking has the power to inspire anyone,” Chef Jon is passionate about sharing the beauty and accessibility of food with audiences around the world. His culinary style celebrates bold, global flavors, with a special love for the aromatic and layered cuisines of Southeast Asia.

Born in Liverpool, England, Chef Jon began cooking at age eight alongside his grandmother. After graduating from a French-inspired culinary school, he traveled the world, shaping a vibrant and inclusive approach to food. Now based in the U.S., he’s built a career partnering with iconic brands like Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World, Four Seasons, Crystal Cruises, GEICO, Cuisinart, and Condé Nast. As founder of Jon Ashton Productions, he combines culinary expertise with storytelling to create meaningful connections through food and travel.

Signature style:

• Southeast Asian cuisine
• Bold, aromatic experience

Where you know him from:

• The Great Food Truck Race
• The Today Show
• The Tonight Show
• Parade Magazine
• Maratha’s Vineyard Magazine

Tickets to the event include:

• Samplings from the chef demonstration menu
• Two (2) alcoholic drink tickets
• Cash bar
• Astronaut photo opportunities
• Signed commemorative piece by the chefs and astronauts
• Custom event pin

Buy tickets for “Taste of Space: Celebrity Chefs” on November 15 here.