The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Chef José Andrés, Nick Offerman
Date: October 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show features chef and humanitarian José Andrés and actor Nick Offerman. The main theme is culinary creativity and fun, as chef Andrés leads Stephen Colbert and Offerman through making his unique take on the Philly cheesesteak. Along the way, there is playful banter, cultural commentary, and plenty of laughter, all in the signature witty tone of the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Chef José Andrés' Twist on the Philly Cheesesteak

• Introduction of the Dish
  • Colbert introduces José Andrés as a Michelin-starred chef and humanitarian (04:17).
  • Andrés reveals they’ll be making his version of the Philly cheesesteak, blending Spanish and American traditions (04:48).
• Origins of the Dish
  • “Thirty years ago, I wanted to do a version of American classics. And this is my version of an American classic.” – Chef José Andrés (05:06)
  • Colbert jokes about the passionate reactions from Philadelphians when their staple foods are reimagined (05:13).

2. The Innovative Cooking Process

• Techniques and Tools
  • Instead of the classic bun, Chef Andrés uses a hollow puffed bread similar to pita (05:42).
  • The team uses an actual drill to make a precise hole in the bread.
    • “I really feel like the drill is overkill.” – Show Host/Announcer (06:28)
  • They fill the bread with espuma (cheese foam) using a nitrous oxide canister (06:43).
• Assembling the Cheesesteak
  • American Kobe beef is seared on the spot with a torch, then placed atop the cheese-filled bread.
  • The combination is finished with a brush of oil, sea salt, chives, and “onion spaghetti” (07:34–09:16).
  • “And ladies and gentlemen, people of America, people of the world, the Philly cheesesteak was created now.” – Chef José Andrés (09:18)

3. Taste Testing and Guest Participation

• Nick Offerman, the Judge
  • Nick Offerman, renowned steak and meat lover, is charged with the all-important taste test (09:46).
  • Andrés and Colbert banter about steak doneness preferences: “You like rare? You like well done or you like rare, Nick?” – Chef José Andrés (10:09)
  • Offerman tries both, and his physical reaction speaks louder than words:
    • “Yeah, yeah, that one. Oh my God.” – Nick Offerman (10:28)
    • “This is absolutely delicious.” – Offerman (10:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• José Andrés on Philly Reaction
  • “They wrote an editorial saying why they give green cards to people like me.” (05:21)
• The Drill Bit Moment
  • “We’re gonna get this drill… Nick will use this to make some wood work, but we’re gonna use it, we are gonna use it.” – Chef José Andrés (05:56)
  • “I really feel like the drill is overkill.” – Show Host/Announcer (06:28)
• On the Traditional Elements
  • “A good Philly cheesesteak has onion. And now you’re gonna warm it up. Don’t worry. They’re like onion spaghettis.” – Chef José Andrés (07:39)
• On Cooking Tools
  • “Man, so many tools in cooking these days.” – Chef José Andrés (08:53)
• Playful Food Commentary
  • “Don’t you see that the meat is kind of telling you—‘Hey, baby. Hey, Stephen Colbert. I’m sorry, so hard with you.’” – Chef José Andrés (07:58)
  • “And then you know what? I’m gonna call HR on the meat if this keeps up.” – Show Host/Announcer (09:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 04:17: Introduction of Chef José Andrés
• 04:48: Announcement and explanation of the dish (Philly cheesesteak)
• 05:55–07:06: Using the drill to prepare the bread and filling with cheese espuma
• 07:14–09:18: Assembling, torching the meat, finishing with chives and salt
• 09:46–10:43: Nick Offerman’s taste test and reaction

Guest Highlights & Restaurant News

• Chef José Andrés mentions his Bazaar Meat restaurants are now open at the Ritz Carlton Nomad New York and the Venetian, Las Vegas (10:47).

Episode Tone

With playful repartee, improvisational humor, and culinary enthusiasm, the episode reflects the late-night show's friendly, irreverent spirit. Chef Andrés’ infectious energy, Colbert’s wit, and Offerman’s dry humor make the cooking demonstration as entertaining as it is informative.

Best Quote Summary:
"People of America, people of the world, the Philly cheesesteak was created now." – Chef José Andrés (09:18)

Offerman’s verdict:
“This is absolutely delicious.” – Nick Offerman (10:37)