Show & Tell: Sam the Cooking Guy LIVE!

You may be familiar with him as "The Cooking Guy", but this Today Show regular with 12 Emmys, two television series, two cookbooks (and a third on the way!), wasn’t always a star-studded chef. In fact, he hardly ever cooked.

A laid-back San Diego local turned celebrity, unpretentious chef Sam Zien worked his way through many different jobs before realizing that he was made for the scrumptious world of food. Since he hit the San Diego foodie scene nearly a decade ago, Sam has been mystifying the masses with his savory dishes and signature style. From baking and broiling, to grilling and simmering, we locals just can’t seem to get enough of his ‘big in taste and small in effort’ philosophy. And it's easy to see why...

Over the years, Sam’s award-winning talent has landed him gigs such as “Just Cook This! with Sam the Cooking Guy” on Discovery Health, as well as frequent guest spots on “The Today Show.” You’ve seen the show and no-doubt adore his simple and tasty recipes, but you still may not really know the man in the kitchen. Now our favorite “Cooking Guy” will launch an all-new show at the Joan Kroc Theater in a way he’s never done it before. 

On Friday, February 18th at 7pm Sam LIVE! will utilize mixed media with video, audio and photos, while our favorite Cooking Guy provides the audience with food demonstrations, discussions about food, and painful yet hilarious details of his mid-life career change that ended with him on TV. Think 'Las Vegas meets the Food Network'…minus the ostentatious acrobatic shows and theatrical music performances by mysterious blue-painted men. 

Tickets to the event cost $60 per person and are assigned on a 'best available' first come, first serve basis. Sam continues to support Joan Kroc's belief that given the opportunity, all children have the chance to discover their own passion. Because of his strong devotion to the cause, a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Salvation Army Kroc Center scholarship fund to help children achieve their dreams. For more information or to purchase your ticket today, please visit thecookingguy.com. 

Discover more local foodie tips and trends in our San Diego dining blog.