This week on Chefs Without Restaurants, I speak with Brian Baumgartner, the actor best known for his role as Kevin Malone on the TV show "The Office."Brian’s portrayal of Kevin provided countless laughs and unforgettable moments, especially the iconic chili scene. Beyond his on-screen persona, Brian has ventured into the culinary world, turning a 30-second cold open into a culinary journey that includes a best-selling chili cookbook and an upcoming barbecue book.On the show, we dive deep into Brian’s experiences on "The Office," uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic that made the show a cultural phenomenon. We discuss the initial fears of cancellation, the unique documentary-style filming, and why the show still resonates with audiences today.We also explore the famous chili episode, discussing how it was conceived, what went into filming that messy, memorable scene, and how it led to Brian’s unexpected foray into the culinary world. Brian shares his adventures at chili cook-offs, the diversity of chili recipes, and his tips for creating the perfect pot of chili.But the culinary talk doesn’t stop there. Brian shares his love for barbecue, his favorite techniques and recipes, and the communal joy of outdoor cooking. Whether it’s grilling with friends or perfecting a tri-tip, Brian’s passion for cooking shines through.BRIAN BAUMGARTNERBuy Brian's books Seriously Good Chili Cookbook and Seriously Good Barbecue Cookbook as well as Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The OfficeBrian's Instagram and TikTok Brian's podcast: Off the Beat with Brian BaumgartnerCHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTSIf you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).Get the Chefs Without Restaurants NewsletterChefs Without Restaurants Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTubeThe Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook GroupChris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little BitesSupport the Show.