HBO Max Releases Trailer for Selena Gomez’s Cooking Series “Selena + Chef”

Things are cookin’ up for Selena Gomez

The 28-year-old Mexican American singer/actress is putting her cooking chops to the test in the new HBO Max series Selena + Chef.

Selena Gomez

From perfecting French omelettes to undercooking cheese soufflés, Gomez said working on her culinary skills helped get her out of the quarantine rut.

“I was definitely getting down and a lot is going on,” said Gomez.  “[The show] was an opportunity to make something that could make people smile.”

Gomez says her first unscripted series afforded her the skills and confidence to take on challenging dishes. While some of the show’s featured recipes, including one for a spicy miso ramen, have become staples for the singer, Gomez said there are a few she’ll never tackle again.

“I really, really didn’t like that. It’s a whole process never doing it  again in my life,” Gomez said of a challenging octopus dish featured in the trailer.

The 10-episode series, which begins streaming on HBO Max on August 13, was filmed remotely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Wizards of Waverly Place star, who has been quarantining with friends and family, detailed the “strange” process of shooting the series remotely in her new home.

Crew members, who were regularly tested for the virus, received temperature checks upon arrival and wore face coverings at all times; did not come in contact with Gomez and those who quarantined with the singer. Instead, they operated remote cameras, rigged in the singer’s living room and kitchen, from outside.

“There was no one in my house but here are these cameras everywhere,” the singer said motioning to her ceiling. “That’s so crazy it comes out so well. It comes out like a normal cooking show but also very odd because everyone is outside everywhere.”

Angelo Sosa, Candice Kumai, Daniel Holzman, and Ludo Lefebvre are among the culinary experts who instructed Gomez in the new series.  Additional chefs include Nancy Silverton, Nyesha Arrington, Roy Choy, Jon & Vinny and Tanya Holland.

Selena + Chef  is executive produced by Gomez via her July Moon Productions.