Karen Akunowicz on Boston’s Food Scene, Bib Gourmand, and the Importance of Powerlifting!!
Karen Akunowicz on Boston’s Food Scene, Bib Gourmand, and the Importance of Powerlifting!!  
Podcast: The Chef's Cut
Published On: Mon Apr 27 2026
Description: Adrienne and Joe are joined by Bib Gourmand award-winning Chef Karen Akunowicz to talk about the Boston food scene, excellent food at a great value, and the importance of finding balance in and out of the kitchen (if that’s even possible). In this episode, we also discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Lobster Rolls (cold or hot?) The booming Boston food scene and how Karen got her start as a Houston’s bartender Prominent female chefs in Boston and the example they set Her restaurants (including Fox & the Knife) achieving Bib Gourmand status Training in Italy and making Italian food (with a very different chef background) The influence of her time working at Disney World and what hospitality excellence looks like Karen’s time spent outside the kitchen as a powerlifter The illusion of work-life balance (especially when you’re building a career) Walk In Confession: Karen’s first day as a line cook… and head chef for a night  Follow Karen: @chefkarenakunowicz  Follow the show: @chefscutpod Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham  Follow Joe: @insta.flamm