This Valentine’s Day, forget the fancy reservations and overpriced menus—there’s a couple in the kitchen who’s redefining romance one recipe at a time. Meet Chuck Cruz and Hailee Catalano, the culinary duo whose online cooking videos are as heartwarming as they are mouthwatering. Every Friday night, thousands tune in to watch these two whip up everything from beach sandwiches to steak and potatoes, all while their dog, Gus, steals the show. But here’s where it gets controversial: their kitchen is the polar opposite of the high-stress chaos you’d expect from a chef couple. Instead, it’s a sanctuary of calm, creativity, and pure joy—a stark contrast to the intense kitchens of shows like The Bear.
Chuck and Hailee’s story began in 2012 at The Culinary Institute of America, where they were paired as station partners in a fundamentals class. Hailee thought Chuck was the intense, über-talented chef type—but the reality was far more charming. Chuck, who had worked at The Cheesecake Factory and a Chinese buffet, was a self-proclaimed ‘really bad’ cook compared to Hailee, a high school cooking competition winner. Their dynamic? Perfectly imperfect. ‘I was like, what the hell are mother sauces?’ Chuck recalls, laughing. ‘Hailee knew all of them. I was like, damn, how does she know that?’
Their partnership blossomed into romance in 2014, and they’ve been cooking up a storm ever since—both in professional kitchens and at home. But this is the part most people miss: their secret to success isn’t just their skill; it’s their ability to turn cooking into a shared hobby. Whether they’re hunting down regional hot dogs in new cities or experimenting with braises on their days off, their love for food is matched only by their love for each other. ‘It’s like having a partner to be nerdy and hobby with,’ Hailee says.
Their journey to TikTok stardom began in 2020, when Hailee joined the platform and quickly amassed nearly two million followers. Bold claim? Their videos aren’t just about food—they’re about connection. ‘Nowadays, cooking together is our time of enjoyment,’ Hailee reflects. ‘It’s not about the stress; it’s about spending time together.’
For their first Valentine’s Day as a couple, they skipped the fancy restaurants and opted for Burger King—complete with plastic pink tablecloths and slushies. Is this the most romantic date ever? Maybe not by traditional standards, but it’s a reminder that love is about shared moments, not grand gestures.
Dreaming of one day opening their own restaurant, Chuck and Hailee are currently content with their online community and each other. ‘It’s just nice to be with someone who loves what you love too,’ Hailee says. And this Valentine’s Day, they’re sharing a recipe that’s as elegant as it is approachable: Salmon and Citrus Tartare with Potato Chips.
Here’s the controversial part: surf and turf doesn’t have to be complicated. This tartare, studded with blood oranges and topped with a punchy guajillo chile oil, is a celebration of red—perfect for the occasion. It’s light, easy, and pairs beautifully with a ribeye cooked alongside your partner. But here’s the question: is simplicity the ultimate form of sophistication in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments—and while you’re at it, try this recipe and tell us how it turns your Valentine’s Day into a culinary adventure.
