Episode Archives

Maksut Aşkar: Istanbul Beyond Turkish Food

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, Emmanuel Laroche speaks with Chef Maksut Aşkar, the chef behind Neolokal in Istanbul. This is a conversation about much more than one restaurant. It is a journey into Istanbul’s food culture, the difference between Anatolian and Ottoman cuisine, the flavors of Antakya, Turkish breakfast, heirloom ingredients, sustainability, pistachios, desserts,…

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Does Gullah Food Need to Be Elevated?

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I speak with Chef Carlos Brown, a Charleston-born Gullah Geechee chef and the chef behind Pandora on the Square near Atlanta. The conversation explores the cultural depth of Gullah cuisine, the difference between “Southern food” as a broad label and Gullah Geechee food as a specific heritage, and how…

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The New Las Vegas Food Scene, Off the Strip

The episode of the Flavors Unknown podcast explores the tension between the old image of Las Vegas — buffets, the Strip, spectacle, celebrity restaurants, and viral dining — and the newer reality of a city shaped by local chefs, immigrant influences, neighborhood energy, off-Strip creativity, cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and craft. The guests are: Chef Dylan…

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World Central Kitchen’s Laura Hayes on Chef Corps

In this conversation, Laura Hayes discusses her role as the Director of Chef Corps at World Central Kitchen, emphasizing the organization’s mission to provide meals in disaster situations. She highlights the importance of cultural relevance in meal preparation, the role of local chefs in disaster response, and the need for community engagement. The conversation also…

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Mexico City Chefs on Tradition, Tacos & Trends

The conversation explores the vibrant culinary scene of Mexico City, highlighting its rich history, diverse influences, and the unique perspectives of the following culinary leaders: Chef Mikel Alonso from BikoChef Lula Martín del Campo Cascabel restaurantChef Oswaldo Oliva from Lorea in Roma NortePastry Chef Gaby de SouzaMixologist José Luis León from Licorería Limantour The panel…

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Chef Jordan Rubin on Sushi, Seafood, and Mr. Tuna

In this conversation, Chef Jordan Rubin shares his journey into the world of sushi, discussing his early experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of his restaurant, Mr. Tuna, in Portland, Maine. He emphasizes the significance of local seafood, sustainability in sourcing, and the need for consumer education about seafood. The discussion highlights the…

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Tradition and Innovation with Chef Jon Matsubara

In this conversation, Chef Jon Matsubara shares his journey from childhood memories of cooking with his father to becoming a renowned chef in Hawaii. He discusses the importance of storytelling in culinary training, the influence of local ingredients, and the evolving food scene in Hawaii. Chef Jon Matsubara reflects on the balance between local culinary…

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Chef Mayank Istwal | Inside Musaafer

In this engaging conversation, Chef Mayank Istwal shares his journey through Indian cuisine, reflecting on his childhood memories, the influences that shaped his culinary path, and the unique concept behind his restaurant, Musafir. He emphasizes the diversity of Indian cuisine, the importance of regional ingredients, and the storytelling aspect of dining, creating a rich collection…

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DC Chefs on Food Scene, Culture, and Reality

This conversation features a group of DC chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists discussing their journeys in the culinary world during the Rising Star event in Washington, D.C. They share their personal stories, the passion that drives them, and the unique cultural influences that shape their culinary practices. The panel includes Chef Angel Barreto – Anju,…

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The Hidden Power of Culinary Bookstores

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m talking with Matt Sartwell, owner of Kitchen Art and Letters in Manhattan. He shares insights on the evolving world of food books, the importance of niche markets, and the future of culinary literature. Discover how curated bookstores thrive in the digital age, the impact of diverse culinary cultures like Madagascar,…

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