The Bear Star Liza Colón-Zayas Dishes on Her Season 2 Culinary Journey: Discover What's Cooking!

The second season of The Bear continues the story of a young chef who returns to his hometown of Chicago to take over his family's sandwich shop after a tragic loss. In the first season, Carmy decides to transform the small shop into a trendy dining destination. Season 2 picks up right where it left off, following the team as they face the challenge of rebuilding and discovering more about themselves in the process.

One of the key characters, Tina, portrayed by Liza Colón-Zayas, has been with the team since the beginning but has dealt with the fear of ageism and misogyny in her workplace. In the new season, she takes a bold step by enrolling in culinary school to further develop her culinary skills.

The highly anticipated second season of The Bear premiered on June 22 and all ten episodes are now available for streaming on Hulu.

Screen Rant had a conversation with Liza Colón-Zayas regarding the tremendous growth of her character, The Bear, throughout the first season. She also shared her delightful experience of tasting the delectable food on set, expressed her anticipation for what fans would witness in season 2, and revealed how the show has unexpectedly influenced her personal life. Liza also opened up about her emotions upon receiving such a positive response to the first season of The Bear.

Liza Colón-Zayas on The Bear Season 2

Screen Rant: I love this show. What did it feel like to get such a positive response to the first season from viewers?

When I first read that Sydney asked Tina to become her sous chef and go to culinary school in the script, I felt a sense of excitement and curiosity. It seemed like such a unique and intriguing storyline. However, being a bit peculiar myself, I wasn't sure how it would resonate with others. Nonetheless, the fact that the show got picked up and the overwhelming love and respect from people in the industry is truly unbelievable. It feels like a dream come true and I still can't believe it.

Liza Colón-Zayas: It's been an incredible experience. I've been an avid viewer of cooking shows for years, immersing myself in them. And now, to have the opportunity to portray a character who goes to culinary school, it feels like a validation of my passion. Last week, I had a minor mishap where I accidentally cut off the tip of my finger while trying to show off a bit. Luckily, it wasn't a serious injury, but it made me feel even more connected to The Bear family and their world. As for training, yes, I did undergo some real culinary training to bring authenticity to my character's journey.

During the preparation for the second season, I underwent a week-long intensive training with David Waltuck, the former owner of Chanterelle restaurant. On my first day, I experienced countless cuts because of the incredibly sharp knives, but surprisingly, I couldn't feel them slicing through my skin. David was extremely patient and had a great sense of humor. However, he would jokingly remind me, "Try not to get blood all over the potatoes." We worked diligently on improving my skills.

Additionally, Courtney Storer, the sister of our co-showrunner Christopher Storer, is an outstanding chef. I have immense admiration for her. She stayed in the same building as me, and we spent our time together slicing, dicing, and preparing stocks to help me become more proficient in the kitchen. Unfortunately, my attempt to engage in more culinary activities was hindered when I accidentally cut my finger.

I hope that Tina continues to find employment opportunities and that people will continue to appreciate and have faith in the work I am doing. It is important for this respect to extend to all work environments and for individuals who resemble me to not be disregarded. I envision a future where they are treated with dignity, given fair treatment, and compensated adequately.

All the food showcased on this show appears incredibly appetizing. Is there an opportunity for you to indulge in any of it?

Liza Colón-Zayas: I don't have as much desire as I would like to! You feel the urge to explore, but sometimes things have been left untouched for a while. However, when we're sampling, we genuinely savor the flavors. Jeremy stands right in front. He is actually the mastermind behind the delectable chicken piccata, even though I usually dislike capers. It was truly remarkable. There are countless other dishes worth mentioning, such as the risotto and the mashed potatoes. Courtney Storer and Matty Matheson are always there to support you. I have immense love and admiration for them. My only goal is to do justice to Tina's culinary expertise and show the respect she deserves for the level at which she operates. She may not be on the same level as Sydney, but she continues to see Sydney as her equal and embraces that.

Screen Rant: Yeah, Sydney believes in her.

Liza Colón-Zayas: Yeah, she does, and she trusts her. I'm excited to see those bonds and that growth deepen.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to elevate my performance and showcase my skills in The Bear season 2.

Liza Colón-Zayas appreciates the current season for its exploration of the characters' personal challenges, vulnerabilities, aspirations, and sources of inspiration. She highlights the parallel between their experiences and the restaurant's journey, emphasizing the close-knit and intentional nature of their chosen family.

The bond between these actors is truly genuine. While we may not spend every waking moment together, there is a deep love, camaraderie, and respect among us. The laughter is contagious, especially when I'm around Matty Matheson and Ebon Moss-Bachrach - they have a way of making me burst into giggles. Every action they take is like pure gold to me. I genuinely cherish and adore all of them.

Tina's growth since the beginning of season 1 can be seen in her genuine fears and struggles. She has had to navigate ageism, misogyny, and the challenges of surviving in a male-dominated environment. Her behavior and demeanor were shaped by these circumstances. However, what stands out is her ability to open herself up to trust and embrace learning. This aspect of her character is crucial, as it highlights the importance of these qualities. It's a luxury for women of my age to be given such opportunities in that kind of environment. The show does a great job of portraying the real fears and insecurities that come with gentrification and turnover. What I appreciate most is that it demonstrates that not everyone is replaceable.

About The Bear Season 2

In Season 2 of FX's critically acclaimed original series, The Bear, Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, Sydney Adamu, and Richard "Richie" Jerimovich embark on a mission to elevate their rundown sandwich joint into something extraordinary. Alongside the physical transformation of the restaurant, each member of the team is confronted with their own personal journey, forcing them to confront their past and determine their future selves.

However, the challenges they face are not limited to the task of running a restaurant. Opening a new establishment brings with it the complexities of navigating permits and contractors, while simultaneously engaging in the creative process of menu planning. As they navigate through these obstacles, the team also discovers a renewed emphasis on hospitality. The entire staff must come together in unprecedented ways, pushing the boundaries of their own capabilities and relationships, all while learning the true meaning of service to both their customers and one another.

Check out our other The Bear Season 2 interview here:

Lionel Boyce

Ebon Moss-Bachrach

The Bear season 2 is now streaming in its entirety on Hulu.