KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s star-studded culinary experience, “Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef,” returns on Nov. 15, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the International Space Station with a showcase of international cuisine. The event brings together renowned chefs and NASA astronauts for a unique fusion of culinary arts and space exploration.
Celebrity Chef Lineup
Amanda Freitag - Event Host The New Jersey native and Culinary Institute of America graduate returns not just as a featured chef but as the event’s host. Known for her Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, Freitag brings expertise from top NYC kitchens and international experience under Chef Alain Passard in Paris. Viewers may recognize her from Food Network shows including Iron Chef America, Chopped, and Tournament of Champions. Her commitment to accessible cooking shines through her cookbook “The Chef Next Door” and viral series “EasyAF.”
Jet Tila - Featured Chef Making his debut at the event, Chef Jet Tila brings an impressive culinary pedigree as a three-time Emmy and James Beard nominee. Appointed as the first Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine by the Royal Thai Consulate, Tila blends his Thai-Chinese heritage with French culinary training. His extensive television appearances include Iron Chef America, Tournament of Champions, and Cutthroat Kitchen. Beyond his TV presence, Tila serves as VP of culinary operations for Pei Wei and manages Dragon Tiger Noodle Co.
Jon Ashton - Featured Chef Returning chef Jon Ashton brings his passion for bold, global flavors to the event. The Liverpool native, known for his Southeast Asian cuisine expertise, has built partnerships with prestigious brands including Disney Cruise Line and Four Seasons. His culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen and led to appearances on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, and various culinary publications.
NASA Astronaut Participation
The event features distinguished NASA veterans:
- Robert “Bob” Cabana
- Nicole Stott
- Michael López-Alegría
Event Details & Inclusions
Each ticket includes:
- Samplings from chef demonstration menus
- Two alcoholic drink tickets (cash bar available)
- Astronaut photo opportunities
- Signed commemorative piece from chefs and astronauts
- Custom event pin
Fall Menu Offerings
Throughout the celebration (through November 16th), visitors can enjoy special seasonal menus at two locations:
Orbit Cafe Selections:
- Hearty lentil chili served with crisp tortilla chips
- Warm apple blossom with caramel sauce drizzle
- Spaetzle tossed with mushrooms in brown butter sauce
Moon Rock Cafe Specialties:
- Crispy pork schnitzel sandwich with tangy slaw
- Golden potato latke dippers served with cranberry ketchup
- Chocolate Bundt cake topped with tart raspberry sauce
A Unique Culinary Experience
“It’s basically the best of a food festival and the best of everything you love about space all in one place. It’s a very unique experience,” explains Chef Tila. The event celebrates the international cooperation that defines the International Space Station, reflected in the diverse culinary offerings and multicultural expertise of the featured chefs.
Beyond Traditional Cooking
Drawing from his extensive television experience, Tila shares insights about the unique nature of culinary demonstrations versus restaurant cooking. “Cooking on TV is completely different because in a restaurant, diners eat your whole plate. They pay a fee and expect a certain amount of value per dish or experience,” he explains.
Tickets are available through kennedyspacecenter.com for what promises to be an extraordinary blend of culinary expertise and space exploration enthusiasm. The event offers an unprecedented opportunity to interact with both celebrated chefs and astronauts while experiencing the wonder of Kennedy Space Center.