Behind the Magic: How We Created Magician in the Kitchen

When you think of cooking shows, you probably picture a polished chef effortlessly chopping, sautéing, and plating a restaurant-quality dish. When you think of magic shows, you imagine sleight of hand, impossible illusions, and a little bit of wonder. But what happens when you put those two worlds together?

That question became the foundation for my brand-new YouTube pilot, Magician in the Kitchen, premiering September 28th.

The Spark: A Magician Who Loves Cooking

I’ve been a professional magician for over two decades, performing around the world and even appearing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. But long before television appearances and keynote speaking stages, I’ve loved spending time in the kitchen.

Here’s the twist: I’m not a trained chef. I don’t have a culinary degree or years of restaurant experience. I’m just a magician who enjoys cooking, experimenting, and learning. Growing up, cooking was something I enjoyed sharing with my brother and sister - they loved trying my latest culinary experiment. My mother and father also played a huge role in inspiring my love for both magic and cooking, always encouraging me to try new things and blend my interests.

I realized that combining my passion for magic and my love for cooking could be the perfect foundation for Magician in the Kitchen.

The Concept: A Magical Learning Experience

The format of the show is simple, but playful:

I’m the host—a magician with a love for food but no formal training.
Each episode features a professional chef teaching me how to prepare one of their favorite dishes. Sometimes, as part of a magical trick or recipe, I have to eat something unusual to complete the illusion or impersonate a flavor.
Along the way, I perform magic using the ingredients, utensils, and items around the kitchen. The host and chef decide together which recipe or magic trick to attempt in each episode, making each choice a pivotal moment that shapes the show.

Imagine a tomato vanishing from my hands, only to reappear inside a chef’s apron pocket. Or an egg from the recipe transforming in midair before it ever hits the pan. It’s part cooking show, part magic act, and completely entertaining. Sometimes, the magic can lead to a bit of danger or unexpected results in the kitchen, adding suspense and excitement to the experience.

Each episode builds on the last, creating a season of magical culinary adventures that keeps viewers coming back for more.

The show is premiering as a pilot on YouTube, and the video format enhances the magic by letting viewers see every trick and reaction up close. Filmed from the host’s point of view, the audience gets an immersive look at both the cooking and the magic as it unfolds.

The Collaboration: Partnering with Bob Jaffe

To bring this vision to life, I knew I needed someone who understood both television and magic. That’s where Bob Jaffe came in. Key members of our production team, including Bob as executive producer, Bart Camarata as director, and David Perault as cinematographer, each brought unique expertise and creativity to the project.

Bob isn’t just any producer—he’s a legend in the world of televised magic, with a rich history in the industry. In the 1990s, he produced all five installments of the iconic World’s Greatest Magic specials, which brought the art of illusion into millions of living rooms years ago. Working with him has been an honor and a masterclass in blending performance with production.

Our goal is to build a community of magic and cooking enthusiasts, uniting viewers who share a passion for creativity, learning, and togetherness.

His guidance helped shape Magician in the Kitchen into a show that’s both polished for the screen and true to the wonder of live magic.

The Production Process: Bringing Magic to the Set

Bringing the enchanting world of Magician in the Kitchen to life required a blend of creativity, teamwork, and a love for both cooking and magic. The production team set out to make every magical moment feel real, using a mix of practical magic effects and dynamic visual images to transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary spells.

Behind the scenes, food stylists and prop masters worked their own kind of magic, helping select the show’s iconic dishes and mysterious ingredients with incredible attention to detail. Every meal, every spell, and every magical mishap is there to captivate viewers of all ages. The result is a world where food and magic blend seamlessly, inviting kids and families to believe in the impossible—and maybe even try a new recipe or two at home.

The Premiere: September 28th on YouTube

After months of brainstorming, filming, and perfecting, the pilot episode of Magician in the Kitchen is ready to share with the world. The premiere happens September 28th on YouTube, and I’d love for you to be part of the very first audience. The show is suitable for children and families, making it a perfect choice for viewers of all ages to enjoy together.

If you love cooking shows, you’ll enjoy watching professional chefs walk me through their craft. If you love magic, you’ll get to see brand-new illusions performed with unexpected kitchen props. And if you love both? This show was made for you. Take a moment to rest, relax, and enjoy the premiere with your family.

👉 Watch the premiere of Magician in the Kitchen on YouTube September 28th!

Don't forget the premiere date—mark your calendars!

We hope the show will inspire and delight everyone who watches. If the show is successful, there could be more episodes and even a season finale in the future. Fingers crossed that the show may expand to more seasons.

Why Food + Magic Works

Magic is about wonder. Cooking is about creativity. Together, they celebrate the joy of discovery. Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of illusion, or just looking for something fresh and fun to watch, Magician in the Kitchen offers a brand-new recipe for entertainment.

The show can inspire any person to try something new in the kitchen or even experiment with a little magic of their own.

So grab a seat at the table. The show begins September 28th—let’s make some magic together.

Behind the Magic: How We Created “Magician in the Kitchen”