Bobby Flay shared a lighthearted moment about his cooking habits during a recent episode of his podcast “Bobby on the Beat.” Flay’s girlfriend, and fellow Food Network star Brooke Williamson revealed that her son Hudson questioned Flay’s kitchen skills after learning he had never used a rice cooker.
The conversation came as the couple discussed their recent anniversary trip to Tokyo and how it inspired Flay to cook Japanese dishes at home.
Bobby Flay Admits He Never Used a Rice Cooker Before
During the April 6 episode of “Bobby on the Beat,” Flay explained how he prepared chicken katsu after returning from Japan. Williamson noted that he began experimenting with Japanese cooking at home.
“You came home and started cooking Japanese food. I love it,” Williamson said.
Flay added, “I got the rice cooker out that you bought me,” prompting Williamson to clarify his usual approach.
“You have always cooked rice on a stovetop,” she said. “You’ve never had a rice cooker.”
Williamson explained that she uses a rice cooker regularly and prefers the convenience. “I use it three times a week… you can walk away from it,” she said, while noting that Flay typically cooks rice on the stove so he can monitor it.
She said she ordered Flay a rice cooker and walked him through how to use it over the phone while her son Hudson was nearby.
“He was like, ‘does he not know how to use the rice cooker?’” Williamson recalled. “He was like, ‘You’re dating, like, one of the most famous chefs in the entire world, and he doesn’t know how to use a rice cooker?’”
Flay confirmed the moment, saying, “Literally never used a rice cooker in my life.”
Brooke Williamson Shares Family Update as Flay Praises Her Parenting
The conversation also turned to Williamson’s son Hudson, who was recently accepted to New York University.
Williamson shared her excitement about the milestone. “I’m super excited about it,” she said, while noting that he has not made a final decision yet.
She added, “But when you talk about parents who follow their kids to college, that would be really easy to do.”
Flay spoke about watching Williamson navigate the college process over the past year. “I always talk about what a wonderful mother you are,” Flay said. “You’re such a loving mom to your son.”
Williamson is also preparing for a new role on “BBQ Brawl,” where she will transition from judge to team captain in the upcoming season.
According to People, Flay previously discussed the change while speaking at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. “Brooke has been a judge since almost the beginning… and she’s always wanted to be one of the mentors,” Flay said.
He added that their relationship has shifted how they appear on the show. “But now, our rule between us is that we can’t judge each other… We can compete against each other in kind of friendly ways.”
Flay also noted Williamson’s competitive nature. “She’s becoming one of the captains on BBQ Brawl… she’s very competitive, so she’s tough to beat.”
“BBQ Brawl” premieres May 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network and streams the next day on HBO Max.
