Where stand-up comedians battle it out in a live cooking competition. Two teams, twenty-five bucks, one secret ingredient, three chef judges. May the best dish win.
Each team of two comedians gets $25 to buy whatever ingredients they want before the show.
At showtime, we reveal a surprise ingredient. Both teams must incorporate it into their dish.
While the food is cooking, comedians trade off stage time doing their stand-up sets live for the audience.
A panel of three professional chef judges — some Michelin-starred — taste and score each dish. One team wins.
84 shows of chaos, cooking, and comedy — analyzed. Including a lineup predictor.
Emergent stats worth knowing
Pick four comics and let the data make its case
Sautéed Standup is a live entertainment experience unlike anything else in Chicago. Two teams of stand-up comedians compete in a cooking competition while performing their sets for a live audience.
Before the show, each team shops for ingredients with a $25 budget. Once the show starts, we reveal a secret ingredient they must incorporate. While the food cooks, the comedians rotate on stage performing their material.
At the end of the night, a panel of three professional chefs — including Michelin-starred talent from Chicago's restaurant scene — taste and judge both dishes. One team wins. Everyone eats.
We've been running since February 2020 — yes, we started right before the world fell apart, took a break, came back, and haven't stopped since. That's commitment (or delusion).
Tad Walters is the host and ringleader of Sautéed Standup, keeping order (barely) while comedians cook and chaos reigns. A culinary professional himself, Tad brings genuine expertise to the judging process and genuine pandemonium to the rest of it.
Has hosted all 84 shows since February 2020.
The people who make the chaos look intentional
Sautéed Standup is always looking for funny people and great palates. Whether you want to perform or taste, there's a spot for you.
Compete as a stand-up comedian while cooking under pressure. You'll be assigned to a team, shop for ingredients, and perform your set for a live audience — all in the same night.
Apply as a Comic →Sit on our panel of three judges and score the teams on taste, creativity, and presentation. We look for culinary professionals, chefs, food writers, and serious enthusiasts.
Apply as a Judge →