Welcome to season 4 of Feeding the Birds. During these COVID times the world looks a little different. But we have found a way to bring you a spicy season of the podcast where football and food collide. Before the virus made socializing safely a nearly impossible feat, the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria was a happy and delicious place. Players, coaches and staff mingled, caught up and feasted on the best food in the NFL. First Chef, Tim Lopez, will be serving up stories from his 13 years of cooking for the best team in the league. You’ll hear the origin of player favorite foods and traditions such as 'Crispy Boy' pancakes and 'Breakfast fried rice', our popular player 'Spotlight' meals and 'Patio dinners' - where we cook on a sizzling 8 foot grill mere feet away from the 50 yard line of the practice field. Chef Tim’s memory is amazing and he knows food, so it is the perfect combination for a tasty season. Check it out!

Feeding The Birds Podcast

Episode 1 - Setting the Scene

Breakfast for some is arguably the most important meal of the day. In the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria the breakfast spread can leave those who are not accustomed to it - speechless. If you are visiting you may run into Harold Carmichael who loves to come in for some slow-cooked grits and eggs. After other players saw what Harold was eating, they gave those creamy grits a try, perhaps this breakfast staple is a key to the Hall of Fame. Brandon Graham loves a breakfast steak, but that’s too heavy for Coach Josh Hingst. He gravitates towards a less beefy start to his day. But what’s his go to meal? Get ready to hear about crispy boys and Dave Spadaro’s favorite breakfast. And if grits and steak aren’t for you, Chef Tim shares what else might tempt you for a sweet start to your day. Check it out!

Episode 2 - Breakfast with the Eagles

What happens when you have a Philadelphia Eagle plan the lunch menu? Amazing things! The Player Spotlight Meal showcases the foods and food culture of the team. The meals open a small window into who these men are when they are not suited up on the field. These Wednesday lunches are a highlight meal of the week. What do Sun Tzu and Chef Tim Lopez have in common? They are both all about getting into the mindset of your opponent. Chef Tim does this through serving up popular dishes from the cities where the Eagles are playing that week. If you eat Cinicinatti’s skyline chile, the week you play the Bengals, chances are you are going to beat them! And when your body is a temple and you need it to perform at the NFL level - do you ever get a cheat day when it comes to your diet? Check it out!

Episode 3 - Lunch with the Eagles

Cooking for the best team in the NFL really stretches a kitchen team’s culinary creativity. Keep in mind that each meal needs to provide the right balance of nutrients and fuel. It is the top priority of the NovaCare Complex kitchen’s team to help players achieve their diet goals, but as professional chefs, it’s in their DNA to pile on the flavor and push culinary limits. When you cook three meals a day, seven days a week, for the same people, you want to carve out something out of the routine. Wednesday and Thursday night dinners are the chance to give the players and coaches some Michelin star treatment. Now, we aren’t talking white linens and polished cutlery, but we are talking high-end ingredients prepared in unexpected ways. Patio Dinners are a Wednesday night staple at the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria. Delicious meats and seafoods grilled to perfection rain or shine. Can you guess how many grilled oysters the team can eat over the course of one of these meals and which player is the biggest fan? On Thursdays, who can resist a themed dinner - certainly not the Eagles. The team travels to Brazilan steakhouses and New England beachside crab boils without leaving Pattison Avenue. And if you are looking for a decadent side dish to whip up, look no further than ‘crack potatoes’, so you can eat like an Eagle tonight! Check it out!

Episode 4 - Patio Dinners with the Eagles/Team Dinners

Pizza! We could probably just stop the description of this episode right here, but, of course, there is an Eagles’ spin on this team favorite. Tucked in the corner of the kitchen is a gas-powered pizza oven. It can handle five to six pies at a time. The toppings run the gamut from your traditional items, pepperoni and sausage to more gourmet, black truffle and runny egg. That’s the go-to combo of Jeffrey Lurie. This pizza oven has quite the origin story. It even involves a member of the kitchen team being sent on a grand pizza field trip to learn his pie-making technique from a master all the way in… Brooklyn. It was so popular that the nutrition team had to step in and slow the team’s pizza intake. It was a sad day at the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria, but pizza ovens can be used for cooking all sorts of tasty dishes. Check it out!

Episode 5 - Pizza

It’s game day in Philadelphia. While you might be preparing your tailgating menu, dreaming of your loaded nachos or out buying your secret spice for your game day wings, at the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria preparations are underway cooking the food that will lead to victory. Game day meals are the one day during the week that a player’s diet is highly regulated. The menus are designed and overseen by the kitchen nutrition team. There is still the variety and flavor players expect, but certain tweaks are made to give each player what they need to get through the game. Sadly, there is no pre-game gorging on local specialties when the team is on the road. Members of the nutrition team travel with the Birds to ensure the same dietary requirements are met wherever guys are. In fact, being able to provide the controlled menu is a requirement for any hotel. The pressure! Have mayonnaise, will travel. That was the motto of the food staff who accompanied the team to London in 2018 to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. The comforts of home were shipped ahead of time, so on game day at Wembley Stadium, there were a few familiar (jar) faces. If you are an athlete on any level, this episode will give you some ideas of how you can eat to win, even if it’s a victory of getting off the sofa! Check it out!

Episode 6 - Pre-Game Meals

Some at the NovaCare Complex might argue that the sandwich is the true winner of the lunchtime rush. It’s hyper-customizable and you can run out the door with it. Of course, this being the Eagles, it’s not just a ham on wheat, oh no, it’s whatever your stomach desires. And the sandwiches all come with nicknames - there’s the Wolfpack and the J-Matt. Each player and staff member have a special spin on a sandwich and the kitchen team is there to accommodate the request. If Dave Spadaro wants his ham and cheese warm, but his bun untoasted - it can be done. If a player wants a burger piled with fries and cheese on his cheat day - order up - with no judgements! Plus, Chef Tim was tasked with creating a sandwich to represent a few Eagles players, so if you are wondering, what a sandwich version of Carson Wentz might be, listen to this to get your answer!

Episode 7 - Sandwiches

A parking lot in South Philly is not really the place one expects to find top notch barbecue, but the chefs at the NovaCare Complex have been turning out smoked delights since 2007. But everything changed for the kitchen team when they went from a single barreled smoker to a double-barreled beauty. It opened up a world of smoky possibilities. From meat, fish, vegetables and even cheese, there was nothing that wasn’t smoked. You could say an addiction to the smoker was developed. It elevated the everyday and provided an opportunity for the kitchen staff to learn something new. From curing meats to making brisket, the possibilities really did seem endless. Coaches and players were fascinated by what came out of the two barrels. We have cooked mac and cheese on it, brussel sprouts and a spicy, sweet, smokey cornbread. It’s almost like the kitchen had a new chef on the team… almost. Check it out!

Episode 8 - The Smoker

Welcome to the final episode of the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso’s. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez had some time on his hands. So he has been answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices, while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. The Fourth of July is approaching faster than a Roman Candle and Chef Tim says you have to “plan out your cook out”. If you are at a loss for what to prepare, this final episode is packed with ideas that would make any forefather or mother excited for a seat at the table. Chef Tim shares traditional favorites along with some salads that will keep you and your socially-distanced guests feeling fat and happy until the last firework fizzles. If you haven’t subscribed to Feeding the Birds yet, now is the time to do it. We’ll be back with our next season soon and we don’t want you to miss a minute of what we have in store! Go Birds!

Ask Chef Tim: Menu ideas for the most delicious Independence Day ever

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso’s. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he’s answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices, while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. The official start of summer is just over one week away. It’s June 21 for those of you keeping track, but Chef Tim knows that you have already been firing up the grill and he has a little grilling guide for you. Chef Tim answers a question from a listener about the best vegetables to cook over coals. He has an easy marinade for your broccolini and portobellos, or any vedge and it’s just like he makes at NovaCare for the team. Matt Groark of Groark Boy's BBQ is back on the podcast with some tips for grilling steak and getting your coal to the perfect cooking temperature. If you have a question, leave us a review and ask Chef Tim whatever cooking query is on your mind - he’d love to hear from you!

Ask Chef Tim: It’s almost officially summer and grilling is about to get easier and tastier

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso’s. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he’s answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices, while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. JJ Arecega-Whiteside uses seafood to refuel after a tough practice. Eagles number 19 has a penchant for Cajun cooking, but when he can’t find enough rice in the supermarket he turns to Chef Tim for some tips on alternative carbs he can use to make his favorite Cajun Shrimp and Rice. And Eagles long snapper Rick Lovato has grilled up a bit too much salmon. Fish can be a bit tricky to reheat. It can dry out and become tough. No one wants salmon jerky. Well, Chef Tim has a few ideas for Rick to help keep his seafood moist and delicious. And a listener left a five star review with a question about freezing extra herbs. Chef Tim has some thoughts on how to help your flavorful leaves last. If you have a question, leave us a review and ask Chef Tim whatever cooking query is on your mind - he’d love to hear from you!

Ask Chef Tim: Tips for cooking shrimp and salmon with JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Rick Lovato

Return Game runs it back like never before. This Official Eagles Podcast takes you deep inside the most iconic moments in Philadelphia Eagles history, bringing you first-hand accounts of unbelievable games, unforgettable plays, unrelenting rivalries, and undeniable characters. Each season of Return Game features a never-heard-before take on a different time, team, personality, or moment in Eagles lore. Buckle up— this is team history straight from the people who lived it. Subscribe now!

Welcome To 'Return Game'

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso’s. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he’s answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices, while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. Today, it’s all about breakfast. Coach Jeff Stoutland loves an omelette, but he is struggling to create this perfect eggy delight at home. Chef Tim has some thoughts on what makes fillings and eggs. It's an easy-cheesy recipe to replicate at home. Since 2001, Friday breakfast fried rice has been a tradition at the NovaCare Complex. And Eagles Insider, Dave Spadaro, is a man of tradition. He is missing his weekly rice and thinks it’s time to make this recipe at home. So to help, Chef Tim serves a perfect do-it-yourself version that even a non-traditionalist would love. Check it out!

Ask Chef Tim: Go on, create breakfast traditions, it’s easy and delicious

XWelcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso’s. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he’s answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. Today, Ross Tucker, Eagles preseason analyst, is missing some of his press box favorites - especially pulled barbeque chicken. Chef Tim takes you through the steps of a try-at-home recipe that can be incorporated into sandwiches, salads, wraps - or Ross’ go-to - a sandwich constructed with a pretzel roll. Fran Duffy has his hands full - literally! Working from home for him means preparing lunch while looking after his 10-month old. Chef Tim suggests a chicken BLT, but then evelates it. The beauty of the sandwich - the combinations are endless. Plus, they are portable so they are a multi-tasking father’s best friend. Check it out!

Ask Chef Tim: Recreating football favorites at home

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso’s. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he’s answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players and coaches while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. First up, Nate Sudfeld is looking for lean protein options to throw on the grill and Chef Tim delivers with some solid and affordable options - how does a flank steak sound? And whether it's a healthy carb or a pile of greens, Chef Tim has some tasty side suggestions to help Nate and you round out your meal.

Ask Chef Tim: Nate Sudfeld wants to get grilling

This is the podcast for the hungriest fans in the world. Hosted by team chef Tim Lopez, Feeding the Birds is an Official Eagles Entertainment podcast where football and food are the main course. Chef Tim sits down with players, coaches, chefs, and celebrities to talk about foods they love, restaurants they can’t live without, their favorite food memories, nutrition, tailgating treats, and, of course, the occasional cheesesteak. Chef Tim knows the ins and outs of nutrition that helps build championship power and speed. It’s a perspective very few people have, so pull up a chair and join the fun.

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Feeding The Birds Podcast

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