Not So Serious Keto Interview #1 - Dennis from Black Tie Kitchen

In this monthly series, I will be interviewing other KZbin keto content creators - some more famous than others, but all are fantastic contributors to the keto community.
This month, I'm interviewing Dennis from Black Tie Kitchen. I realize I've had him on a few co-podcasts, but this is the first formal "interview". Plus, as I state in the video, I figured he'd be a lot more forgiving as I work out any bugs in the process.
Black Tie Kitchen KZbin channel: / blacktiekitchen
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:09 The beards
2:18 BTK backstory
5:30 Filming challenges
7:49 Biggest screwups
10:44 Keto cocktails
14:16 Coffee
19:04 Why Dennis started keto
21:24 Dogmatic keto
25:46 Keto is an individual thing
29:01 Common viewer questions
33:14 Kitchen chemistry
34:58 The reach of KZbin
38:56 Keto interviews
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[@BlackTieKitchen]

Thanks for having me on Steve!

[@SeriousKeto]

Always a pleasure.

[@canileaveitblank1476]

I love how Dennis doesn’t try to pretend he’s without kitchen fails. In fact, he usually repeats his fails in slow-motion, for added self deprecation! 😂❤️🍀 Genius!

[@claypool0]

its prolly not easy to expose yourself like that but its a good idea, makes the viewer feel more confident that if their having trouble or making mistakes, thats just part of the process.

[@cayce9320]

I am sooooo glad you two have taken the Keto journey in the public way. I'd be a bit lost without your help, sage advice, AND HUMOR!!!

[@arbonneladyTN]

My hubby & I as well !!

[@MrBDezno]

Great advice, Steve, about letting people "come around" rather than trying to convince people. Many people act like I'm trying to sell them on a new-age fad diet. So? Now I just go along my way with what I eat and know. My entry point was reversing diabetes.

[@jameswoods6900]

I'm a great Italian chef and now I can't share my knowledge! I stopped drinking any alcohol on November 3rd 2021 and I feel much better and the reason I stopped was because my hands were getting numb and once your nerves are damaged they don't come back. A life of a binge drinker does not work for me! Just ended with a 72 hour fast with chicken soup, no alcohol for 5 months!

[@karenblack7117]

Congratulations! Great job!

[@pattireznik5547]

You go, James!

[@teresaspensley5640]

Thank you guys for all the effort you go to to help those of us that are struggling. You are 🌟🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧👍🏻🎖

[@wgpbsb]

I love Dennis! I remember watching him for the first time. I was so intrigued and entertained that I just couldn't get enough. So uniquely wonderful. Thank you both for what you do. Couldn't do it w/o you.

[@bethmahoney2233]

I love watching both of you guys! Great conversation!

[@Ethanboy231]

Love watching you and Dennis together. Thanks

[@sunflowerrosem.8651]

I appreciate Dennis’ comment about Keto being a tool, and that one’s purpose in going keto isn’t necessarily the same as another’s . Also, not all bodies react in the same manner to certain foods and/or ingredients. I appreciate all the research, time, effort, and talent you both put into your recipes and your videos. All workplaces come with people that are irritating; KZbin content creators just have lots of those irritating people leaving comments! Unfortunately, the more successful creators end up with more irritating people to deal with!😏

[@marymaryquitecontrary9765]

I'm shocked that Dennis @Black Tie Kitchen has so few subscribers... Over a year ago Wes @Highfalutin' Low Carb , 1st introduced me to Dennis' channel I loved it immediately. I appreciate his humor as well as his great recipes. I for one appreciate the work all 3 of you guys put into your videos/channels & try to spread the word to others about your work. Keep it up & don't get discouraged with slow growth...

[@wildflower1335]

The life wisdom you share is so very appreciated & inspiring. I am better for "knowing you".🤗

[@cw1626]

This was a great interview. I enjoy Dennis. I've learned so much from you both. Thank you.

[@gemmagold1992]

Steve, I really enjoyed listening to this conversation. Yes, the best way to win people to the keto/low carb side is by attraction, rather than by being dogmatic and almost religious about it. My two best friends (very slender vegans) have supported me my entire journey, and now have given up all added sugar/processed junk...I never thought I'd see the day. It makes me so happy. They saw my health and happiness increase and started investigating for themselves. Also, good point about how there are many ways to be healthy, and to do keto - I am militant because I use it to control my weight, eating disorder and mood, but other folks have different motivations. I wasn't put on earth to fix people or to police others - just to focus on being the best version of me! Thank you both for using your intelligence, creativity and problem-solving skills to make this lifestyle more sustainable for so many!

[@charliehowell6015]

My two favorite channels! I remember like a year ago , asking Dennis how to start a youtube channel . He said just do it! I couldnt believe the amount of time thats was consumed with this work. I knew it wasnt for me when I got a less desireable comment!The New Jersey roots came to the surface, I was like " I will hunt you down!" lol ok game over !

[@wildflower1335]

Because ants... I so adore you both🤗 Thank you for all you do for us❗❗

[@Lisa-laine]

I enjoy these interviews because they flow into so many topics. Blacktie videos are def not only fun to watch, but solid dishes too. Alysia at keto upgrade has a unique and very delicious bread recipe titled-Low Carb Bread Loaf Recipe with yeast-no gluten or nuts. I think she'd make a great interview with her background AND now that she is venturing out to open her own bakery! You handled yourself well in the presence of his coffee drinking, Steve! 😆

[@OneEyed_Jack]

I want to give this one more likes. Dennis is the best, and his narrator is bloody brilliant!

[@irenefrom5248]

More please… ❤️

[@rebeccagreenwell3934]

My interest is peaked. I have never heart of Dennis of Black Tie Kitchen. Will check him out as soon as I finish watching this interview.

[@exchangestudent2]

You should check him out. I was glad to find his channel. You're gonna love it!

[@festussmom6364]

Y’all compliment each other so well and I understand the no caffeine thing Steve. I’ve never drank coffee but when I first went low carb back in 1993 I quit soda and it was the worst 2 weeks of my life. I’ve been out of Ketosis plenty since then but I’ve learned to drink Gatorade Zero or some other electrolytes and I’ve never had Keto Flu again...💋🧚🏻‍♀️❤️🇺🇸

[@MsArana]

I came to Dennis because of the ketogenic recipes, I stayed because he is an adorkable hunk. 🖤

[@KetoUpgrade]

Still weird to hear my name, lol, thanks for being interested in what I'm doing. It is hard to go against what you know with baking to think outside the box but it helps knowing how you can use eggs, dairy products, and pastry techniques in any kind of baking to improve the outcome of keto baked goods. Ahh the elusive pizza crust, I've gotten close and have an idea from making gumpaste, I just haven't had time to test it. I'll get there one day!

[@psychicgambler9883]

Final post 😂😂😂😂 Love you both ❤️❤️ I laughed out loud about being a baker 😂😂😂😂😂 Some of the knowledge is helpful, but a bunch can burn you 😂😂😂 I still have hope in making a pumpkin drop cookie from your proud cake recipe. The thing I keep in mind when adapting a recipe is for anything moist you add to a recipe, you must add an equal part dry. It is like chemistry. Couldn’t agree more with you on that point. I used to create such wonderful wedding cakes, but I guarantee I couldn’t make it low carb. Now that they have the keto cake mixes, I might get closer, but who orders Keto Wedding Cakes hahahaha!?!? My cakes were far too expensive to create back then, but Keto would be outrageous 🤪 Love to you both ❤️❤️ You both have helped me sooooo very much on this journey. I am grateful for everything you do 🙏👍

[@KetoUpgrade]

I made my keto wedding cake, it was delish! Lol

[@mjfar-lee9885]

200K subscribers, congrats 👏 It's nice to hear the conversation about caloric restriction. Like it or not the topic needs to be discussed for those of us trying to drop some pounds. I feel SOOOO much better on the keto protocol and realized early on that I needed to get some tracking experience under my belt to understand the bigger picture. Keep up the great work guys!

[@Christineeve]

Love Dennis. His content is so much fun. The one thing that people seem to forget is that you work hard to make this content. You do all the research, invest your time and expenses to make the content. I just think the Internet has all kinds and not all of those kinds are kind. You're both wonderful. PS: I love Dennis' beard.

[@SeriousKeto]

He texted me yesterday telling me that I shamed him in to trimming it. 😄

[@markbrown1622]

love black tie kitchen. When I first saw the videos and heard the British narration, I thought of monty python or even "The Gods Must be Crazy" movies as a comparison. The videos are a joy to watch. I love the creativity......"and then he cleans. because... ants" haha! I love it!

[@JulieMelberg]

This was a great help. I need to listen again. I have always loved to bake. But for me I've found it a fun challenge to change. The chemistry draws in my curiosity and makes me wonder all the why questions on an ingredient. It's a fun adventure and I feel good as well. It's a win, win. Thanks again you two. Your very hard work and diligence is to our huge benefit. May you be rewarded hugely for all the lives you've help transform for health and renewed joy!

[@cindysheen7417]

Im so glad you two collaborate!! You seem to compliment each other in many ways! I love the beard!

[@psychicgambler9883]

I think my most favorite videos of Dennis @BlackTieKitchen was Mr. Potato Head 😂😂😂 That was great! ❤️ You are very entertaining Dennis 🤗

[@BlackTieKitchen]

Thanks!

[@Carol32547]

Great video guys. Thank you!

[@williamwerner8874]

Good stuff, as always. My wife has been able to use much of her baking/ingredient knowledge and skills to cross over "traditional" recipes to keto recipes. As always there was a learning curve and trial and error. Thanks, Steve, we will have to check out Black Tie soon.

[@lindaperkins8500]

Oh my goodness Steve you are looking so healthy.

[@peggyunderhill601]

Love Black Tie Kitchen.

[@m.obscura5009]

I’ve subscribed to you both for a long time. Somehow I just realized how much I love your voices!

[@tammyternosky8368]

I love this!! BOTH my favorite people in one video!! I am new to all this keto and KZbin channels and I was so happy to come across BOTH your channels!! Thank you for all you do and sharing it with us

[@patrickd596]

Love this chat. One of my favourite videos from both of you. There is a place for the long form chat. Continue to call out the keto police nuts for what they are.

[@Leonardokite]

Interesting! My big surprise was how much work goes into making a video! Thanks for your hard work Steve.

[@jaredrobertson1955]

I really love y’all podcast together. I have wrote both of y’all before. And both of y’all were nice enough to wire back. I appreciate that, thanks again for the help. Well I’ve been off keto for over 2 months. I carb out bad. I’m not sure how much I gained back but I’ll weigh my self soon. Today was my start date to jump back in. I just feel worse off of keto. My acid reflux is back worse. I know the next few weeks will be crazy till I get adapted. You are correct Dennis, making a KZbin video looks easy till you make one yourself. I really appreciate both of y’all hard work.

[@jaredrobertson1955]

I made a video not long ago. Not keto but it is when me and my son went hiking the Appalachian trail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJanfaGggthsqdE

[@jaredrobertson1955]

Hopefully I can figure out how to make some keto Cajun dishes videos soon.

[@Kro_man_tx]

I was Keto for 2 years before my wife said... hmmm, this must work. I had lost about 65 pounds by that point. She is down 25 or so since the first of the year. DONT PREACH AT PEOPLE LIKE A CROSS FITTER!! There is nothing more annoying. Two people that annoy the crap out of others; crossfit junkies and Tesla owners. Be as good as you can, others will start to notice. Then explain it to them logically.

[@SeriousKeto]

I agree

[@cynthiaanderson14]

I discovered Dennis channel because you mentioned him in your videos. I love his videos! Thank you Steve for expanding my Keto resource library.

[@viannehiggins8610]

Thanks for this totally enjoyable conversation! Just went and subscribed to his channel and will go back and listen to your previous interactions.

[@theophilusmann7869]

My two favorite Keto chefs.

[@Defender_of_men]

Another great interview bud!!

[@arbonneladyTN]

Thank you introducing me to Black Tie Kitchen back about 6 weeks ago! Hubby & I love his talent!! I think our favorite the red lobster holding the chicken hostage and cheese biscuits.😂 This ‘interview’ was cool to watch.

[@sarahowland2896]

I love both your channels; I learn from them and am entertained by them. Steve, congrats on your subscribers! And Dennis, I'm sure your numbers will keep rising too. BTW, I first heard about Black Tie Kitchen from Wes at HFLC, and I love it. Both y'all do things that I'll probably never do, but I get tons of ideas and inspiration. Thank you both so much for doing what you do.

[@dimo4756]

I first found Dennis’ videos when you referenced them on your channel. I really enjoy his content as I enjoy yours. I only wish he had time to put out more videos.

[@felipaschwartz1342]

I enjoy both your channels. I started Keto in May of 2021 when I was told I was diabetic and looked on KZbin for Keto recipes. I came across Steve and Steve happened to mention Dennis on one of his videos so now if I’m looking for a recipe I look at Steve’s channel if I can’t find it there I’ll go to Black Tie Kitchen if I can’t find it there then I guess I didn’t need it anyways. 😂😂 Thanks for all you two do for the Keto Community. And my A1C is now at a 6. Still trying to bring it down to low 5’s, No meds for me any more. 🙏🏽😁🙏🏽

[@SeriousKeto]

Well done!

[@cindysheen7417]

I would love to see a Bloppers video from both of you!!! That would be sooo cool. 🤣

[@karapeers28]

Good things have come to Dennis congratulations to him. I don't know when he will be on pbs but it will be in the fall

[@giselesmith7795]

Nice chat guys. Actually I thought Dennis reminded me of all the Orthodox Jews I knew when I lived in NY (but much cooler and more funny). I love that you both admit to massive failures, since we all have our kitchen failures...but most of us don't film it and put it out for the world to see. Love you both.

[@BlackTieKitchen]

They used to live down the street from me when I lived up north. Im jealous of their curls 😄

[@peggydid]

Y'all are great! I totally get the baking distress. I'm a baker! I was mentioning the other day about a certain baked good being difficult with the limited ingredients. They say, "Well, you just use flour and...." Me, "No, don't use flour." This person was claiming to have stopped using anything with gluten. Still can't figure out where they are from!

[@LouiseLovesCheese]

This was so good. Loved it, thanks so much you guys!

[@garrettmineo]

Steve and Dennis these videos are great! So much better than reviews of “keto” foods, in fact I like that y’all mentioned that there is no keto food, only a keto metabolic state. I think a discussion of how keto can be a gateway to intermediate fasting would be great…we can all probably use some help learning how to fast, it feels so good if only I could get myself to do it more.

[@pinehillart]

Love both of your channels! Thanks for what you do.

[@FrannyBeepsAttic]

Thank you that was fun watching.

[@farmgirl4958]

2O0,000 🎉🎊🎊🎉❤️🎈Congratulations Steve!!!!!

[@cmariaification]

Steve: "There's a plot around making scrambled eggs..." Me: You know that Chicken is watching this podcast and is giving you a "look" right now....

[@SeriousKeto]

😄

[@suyapajimenez516]

Hi guys I enjoy your conversation. Black Tie I like your pizza crust recipe, technicality and video. You should do live chats guys

[@gabrielsyt]

I enjoy the discussion and insights. Keep up the good work!

[@iaayj9114]

Love this guy! Great videos!

[@chaserock4675]

Two of my most favorite people on KZbin! ❤️🥳

[@roncenti]

That was a nice interview I could listen to while I cleaned my kitchen. I am using Keto to loose weight right now. Its not working so I am fudging around to see why. I think my metabolism is just so low that the 1500 calories I am eating sustains me. I don't know.... I will find out someday and meanwhile I am trying to add muscles to burn more. BUT what Keto is good for for me, and that alone is worth it... The cravings are gone. I don't really care if I eat. I can go all day till dinner and not have a bite. While before when I just eat one bagel, I am hungry for 2 days. This little voice (not really, I am not crazy) nudging me to eat more and more. That alone is worth the Keto lifestyle and I miss nothing... Maybe pasta... But not really.

[@rickhoupt6933]

Great interview. Love BTK,.

[@farmgirl4958]

Steve, I don’t remember, have you ever said how much coffee you drank daily? You are such a good example for all of us wanting to improve our health! Thank you!!!!

[@SeriousKeto]

3 cups, all before noon. I used to have a couple of no sugar energy drinks in the afternoon, but I've mostly given those up this year.

[@cyndimanka]

Great interview. I will do keto forever. Not 100% but mindful most of the time.

[@vaughnprecision]

Love both your channels

[@alisonva9494]

I enjoy both of your channels.

[@pattypatterson9751]

Good example of information we can all use

[@lotsofus]

"That Valley of Being a Dick." This is the best.

[@djathome6764]

Great guys-great channels👍

[@lrey832]

Awesome Guys! ... I love both of your channels!! Steve, please have Alycia, Indigo Nili, and Janet Greta on (just to name a few). I'm a Retired Pastry chef and trying to learn how to keto-bake... (yes, everything I've ever known is irrelevant now).. I follow Carolyn (Ketchum) and others now, to guide me.. keep up the good work guys.. recipes, guidance, advise, and knowledge are always welcome.. 😎

[@1corinthians-138]

Congrats on hitting 200K. I enjoyed this video so much. Never fails, no matter what recipe you make, someone will say what can I replace this item for. It could be an almond cookie recipe, and someone will ask if they can use coconut flour....no they are almond cookies. 😀😀😀

[@ShaneZettelmier]

One thing I would like to hear from you guys because I watch all your cooking shows is to see kind of “what I eat in a week“ video. I see you guys cooking in Mixing but it would be interesting to see what you actually eat. I like making that stuff but a lot of the stuff is kind of difficult to make with tons of ingredients and I just don’t do that every day and I always wondered if you guys actually made this kind of stuff a lot or if you just made it once in a while and just what you eat as your staples from day today.

[@candiceb3235]

Great podcast.

[@renpilak6048]

Some alcohol talk while Steve’s backdrop is a tall wine rack 😉! No judging here, I just discovered that I like Chianti myself! Love you both!!

[@VintageDiscoveries]

Congratulations on your 200k BTW

[@psychicgambler9883]

Oops, I lied lol!!, congratulations on reaching your 200,000 subscribers Steve 👏👏👏🏅🎊🎉Yeah!!!

[@robynf.617]

Great video Steve! One thing I noticed was that I had a hard time hearing Dennis sometimes. I don’t know if that was because of his mic set up or what. But other than that it was fascinating.

[@SeriousKeto]

I think his beard muffles his voice. 😄

[@robynf.617]

@@SeriousKeto that makes sense 🙂

[@iaayj9114]

I love his King Arthur keto flour video!

[@BlackTieKitchen]

Thanks!

[@alanacreates]

one of my fav interviews yet! becuz... ANTS!😂🤣🤣🤣

[@erics1503]

I enjoy both channels. Interesting thing about the gums is I made a taco soup with keto chow. My mom-in-law had given me a yelowstone gift pack of hot sauce. I was very intrigued that the hot sauce ingredients contained xanthan and guar gums. The hot sauce really added a great flavor.

[@erics1503]

Now that I look at the sauces, they are dat'l do-it sauces. The Yellowstone is jalapeno, and the others are named after other locations.

[@SeriousKeto]

hot sauces and other condiments will often include gums to inhibit syneresis (or "weeping").

[@LoveWinsMovement]

Oh my heavens Steve… don’t encourage Dennis to invent another character! #1 … his mind is wild enough #2 … I spit out enough tea as it is #3 … I fear he will accidentally hit his melon, develop amnesia and poor Dennis will be forgotten in lieu of one of his other alter egos! 😁

[@VintageDiscoveries]

I didn’t realize I was not subbed to BTK until today , just did . entertaining.

[@psychicgambler9883]

What people say on KZbin can change a person. People can be mighty hateful. Though, while doing an intro for one of my fellow slot channels, someone posted some serious hate at me about my weight. I was my wake up call. I started back on low carb right after that. I have pretty much stopped posting on KZbin because KZbin stopped letting people go live that didn’t have 1,000 subscribers, and then they don’t push videos that don’t have the subscribers. I can’t waste my time with learning editing on a channel that’s not going anywhere. Gambling is quite expensive for it to go nowhere. I’d still like to learn how to edit on my channel, but working a more than full time job, and having immune disorders, I’m just too tired. My plan was to be a KZbin creator and retire early from baking…I applaud both of you for all your fantastic efforts 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️

[@bonitasawyer99]

This is awesome....you guys are so good!!!!!!! Brothers from other mothers?

[@ChrisBairKeto]

Hey hey, looks good 👍

[@EK--ry3lr]

42 minutes hard pass. Not 😂 had to break it up into 2 viewing sessions though. Y'all look like you're having fun for sure. I think Dennis will get to 100k as well. Seems to happen exponentially from my viewpoint. Thanks for posting.

[@roncenti]

OH... And the thing with alcohol is... If you take one addiction away (carbs), the mind is looking to replace it. I learned about transferaddiction a while ago when I trained for my weight loss surgery, so I am really careful not to drink. I never drank due to some family members having an alcohol problem but I am extra careful now.

[@SeriousKeto]

I actually discuss this in a video I’m releasing later this week.

[@suyapajimenez516]

I agree with the ingredients we need them so be it if you feel fine with this way of eating and also with the bad and fake keto channels

[@ShaneZettelmier]

🙌🏼 Love black tea kitchen. Because…. Ants. 😂😂😂

[@cheryldoorbar7187]

It's always good to see Dennis. I love his channel. Thanks to Steve for making me aware of him a while back.

[@lizaltenstadter8519]

Hi, I was wondering if you have done anything with pork rind “bread crumbs“? If corn starch is added to the rind crumbs, would it make the coating crunchier

[@SeriousKeto]

Here you go: Amazingly Crisp Two Ingredient Keto Breading - The Idea Came from TikTok Pickle Chips kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnzNkoabgcmngK8

[@ahealthierkirk2558]

I want to know if the "because ants" line was based in a real life experience where his messy kitchen was overrun by ants?

[@SeriousKeto]

He's told me that it's something his mom (I believe) used to say.

[@BlackTieKitchen]

Yes! Here in FL, you can get ants super easily. She was always paranoid, so we were clean freaks lol

[@ahealthierkirk2558]

@@BlackTieKitchen better safe than sorry lol I've never had ant problem luckily But I can imagine how horrible it would be

[@riche5101]

Quite the wine collection

[@SeriousKeto]

It used to be bigger...

[@joyceedwards9652]

Who told us that we needed 3 meals a day?? The government. When has the government had our best interest at heart? They may do things that benefit us but it's still

[@cyndimanka]

Hey Steve I have a question for you. It’s a personal question. I’m just curious if you use keto chow and how do you use it? I’m kind of curious everybody’s doing what I eat in a day and I was just wondering what you do

[@SeriousKeto]

Yes. I have a 2-3 Keto Chow shakes per week. I also make some of their recipes from their websites.

[@cyndimanka]

@@SeriousKeto ok. Ty

[@finagill]

I really wish that all nutritional labels would list the nutrition of the entire package along with what they call a serving. Potato chips are a great example. Serving size may only be 9 chips but once you start eating them you had half the bag before you realize it. I stopped eating chips because of that. Also, so many foods play the numbers game to make their products look healthy. A tsp may be classified as 0 carbs but it make have .75 grams of carbs. Add enough of these together and your numbers are not what you were trying to hit.

[@SeriousKeto]

Many countries do require that. Some also list the nutritional info per 100g, which makes it great for comparing two brands against one another.

[@finagill]

@@SeriousKeto Why am I not surprised that many countries do it but not the USA? As far as per 100g, most people are not going to weigh their food so they will still have no idea what their intake is. I agree that listing per 100g would allow easier comparison between products.

[@mikeware1764]

If Dennis's beard gets much longer he will be able to join ZZ Top.

[@SeriousKeto]

True

[@chrisrayot2433]

Datex Omeda Madison? I spent alot of time there. Anesthesia