Episode Archives

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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David Skinner on Indigenous Cuisine

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, Emmanuel Laroche sits down with David Skinner, James Beard–recognized chef and founder of Ishtia, to explore the deep intersection of heritage, excellence, and emotional memory. David’s story does not begin in a boardroom. It begins in his grandmother’s kitchen—standing beside a pastry chef, breathing in the scent of cakes…

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Madagascar Food & Culture with the Ambassador

In this special episode of Flavors Unknown, Emmanuel Laroche sits down with the Ambassador of Madagascar, Lantosoa Rakotomalala, for a conversation recorded inside the Embassy of Madagascar in Washington, DC. On the day his new book A Taste of Madagascar is released, this discussion explores how Madagascar tells its story through food, biodiversity, and cultural…

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Inside Domu: Chef Sean Nguyen on Food, Focus & Success

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Sean Nguyen, one of the chefs helping redefine Orlando’s culinary landscape through precision, restraint, and deep respect for Japanese cuisine. Chef Nguyen shares the story behind Domu, the restaurant that brought his dream to life — and the philosophy that guides his growing portfolio…

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Seattle’s Rising Culinary Voices on Food, Drinks & Balance

In this engaging conversation, a panel of Seattle chefs and mixologists discusses the evolving food scene in Seattle, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They share their experiences of the Seattle Culinary Scene and navigating challenges such as rising food costs and minimum wage, while also highlighting the innovative spirit that has emerged, with…

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Sam Diminich on Local Farms, Craft, and Responsibility

In this conversation, Chef Sam Diminich shares his journey in the culinary world, discussing his experiences from competing on television to running a restaurant and engaging with local farmers. He emphasizes the importance of service in cooking, the impact of sobriety on his culinary creativity, and the need for a supportive community in the industry….

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Madagascar Flavor: Chefs on Creativity and Travel

As many of you know, I’m in the middle of an exciting moment: the launch journey for my new book, A Taste of Madagascar.To celebrate—and to give myself the space this project deserves—I’m taking a short creative break from the regular Flavors Unknown format. Our usual chef interviews will resume in January 2026.Until then, the…

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