MasterChef star and YouTube creator Nick DiGiovanni
In the fast-paced world of content creation, few have risen as high as Nick DiGiovanni. The young chef and YouTuber, who first rose to fame as a contestant on MasterChef, has become a culinary force in her own right, amassing millions of followers on social media platforms. Now, he’s set his sights on surpassing his former mentor, the legendary Gordon Ramsay, in YouTube subscribers — a goal that seems within reach.
A passion was sparked early on
DiGiovanni’s interest in cooking began at an early age, fostered by his family’s passion for food. „I’m really lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love food as much as I do now,” she shares. „My grandmother and great-grandmother in particular were both exceptionally good cooks.” This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong pursuit.
By the age of eight or nine, DiGiovanni was already compiling his own recipe book. „We had a little cookbook … it was a green binder filled with these little ideas and recipes that I compiled,” she fondly recalls. This early enthusiasm foreshadowed the creativity and dedication that would later define his career.
MasterChef was the turning point
DiGiovanni’s journey took an unexpected turn when he came across a MasterChef audition poster while walking to class at college. “I loved food and worked in restaurants to make some money during college,” he explains. „Then one day I was going to class and I passed out a poster board for MasterChef, and a few days later, I got this audition… And then, I know it’s so cliché, but the rest is history.”
This serendipitous moment would be a turning point in DiGiovanni’s career, introducing him to the world of food media and setting him on the path to becoming a content creator.
Finding her voice on social media
After MasterChef, DiGiovanni branched out into content creation in 2019, starting on TikTok. „I started making some random videos at home, first, playing around with an iPhone, and then I got this kind of little cute camera,” he describes.
His breakthrough came with an unexpected success – a video showing the process of making chocolate from fresh cacao pods. „People were really drawn to it,” DiGiovanni notes. „Nobody seems to have seen how chocolate is made. But we all know and love chocolate.” The video sparked a sense of his content strategy: combining educational elements with a wow factor.
DiGiovanni developed his signature style, including his trademark knife throwing at the start of the videos. „I see it as my way of drawing your attention to something a little rough and dangerous, and saying that we shouldn’t take the kitchen too seriously,” she explains.
YouTube Challenge: Outdoing Gordon Ramsay
The most interesting storyline in DiGiovanni’s career is a friendly rivalry with his former MasterChef mentor, Gordon Ramsay. DiGiovani has set his sights on surpassing Ramsey’s YouTube subscriber count, a goal that seemed far-fetched at first but is now within reach.
„Of course, I’m very grateful for my start on MasterChef, and I’d say it’s the most popular cooking show in the world, and I think that’s a lot because of Gordon Ramsay,” DiGiovanni admits. „I can say he’s my mentor … I think that says it all.”
Despite the rivalry, the respect and admiration between the two chefs is clear. „He’s got these incredibly sharp culinary skills. He’s got a huge business empire, but he’s also, and what I’m really excited about, is that he cares so deeply about sharing all of his talents with people who will listen.”
As for the YouTube challenge, DiGiovanni is optimistic: „I predict we’ll catch him by the end of the year.” He jokingly adds, „I think he knows at this point. I hate to say it, but I think he knows it’s going to happen. It’s just a question of when.”
Culinary Inspirations: From Family to Michelin Stars
While DiGiovanni’s journey has been shaped by his MasterChef experience and friendly rivalry with Gordon Ramsay, his culinary inspirations are deep and varied. When asked about his biggest culinary influences, DiGiovanni’s answer is both heartfelt and surprising.
„I wish Gordon would cover his ears if he was listening right now,” DiGiovanni jokes, „but I’ll tell my family.” He speaks with particular reverence of his great-grandmother, whose lifelong culinary experience left an indelible mark on him. „My great-grandmother … cooked all the way until she died at 101,” he recalls. „When I think about it now, the amount of knowledge and bravery she had in the kitchen, having worked in the kitchen for so long, it’s kind of priceless, and I took that for granted when I was a kid.”
This family influence underscores the importance of tradition and personal touch in DiGiovanni’s culinary approach. Although he pushes the boundaries of creating culinary content, his passion is a reminder that his roots are firmly planted in the home kitchens that first captured him.
But DiGiovanni’s inspirations reach beyond the family and into the world of high-end cuisine. She admires chef James Kent, who has worked with her on several videos. Kent, who died in June 2023 at the age of 45, left a lasting impression on DiGiovanni. „He had three Michelin stars, but he would go to work every day in this fancy pair of sneakers,” DiGiovanni fondly recalls. „What I loved and admired about him was … he didn’t take anything too seriously in the kitchen. And he was very nice.”
Kent’s approach—combining culinary excellence with a down-to-earth approach—clearly resonates with DiGiovanni’s own style. It’s an ethos that can be seen in DiGiovanni’s content, where high-end cooking techniques are presented with a playful, accessible touch.
These diverse influences – from his great-grandmother’s century-old home cooking to the innovative techniques of Michelin-starred chefs – have shaped DiGiovanni’s unique approach to food and content creation.
The future of food content
DiGiovanni’s content focus has shifted primarily to YouTube, where he appreciates the platform’s flexibility. „What I love about YouTube is that it has given me complete creative freedom to make any video I want,” he explains. This freedom allows him to create content ranging from quick five-minute videos to epic four-and-a-half-hour productions.
Looking ahead, DiGiovanni is excited about possible collaborations and expanding his reach beyond the culinary world. “We’re constantly expanding and creating things that we think are really fun and exciting,” he shares.
Beyond content creation, DiGiovanni also ventures into product development with his brand, Osmo, currently focused on salt and seasonings, but with plans to expand into other kitchen essentials.
As Nick DiGiovanni continues to push the boundaries of creating culinary content, one thing is clear: his passion for food and teaching others is at the heart of everything he does. Whether or not he surpasses Gordon Ramsay in YouTube subscribers, DiGiovanni has already carved out a unique and influential place in the world of food media. His journey from a young culinary enthusiast to a digital culinary sensation serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs and content creators.