Episode Archives

Chef Andrew Black Talks Perle Mesta and Grey Sweater

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, host Emmanuel Laroche dives deep into the world of Chef Andrew Black, a James Beard Award-winning chef whose restaurants are redefining Oklahoma City’s culinary landscape. With three acclaimed establishments—Grey Sweater, Black Walnut, and the newly launched Perle Mesta—Chef Black combines his Jamaican and Indian heritage with a philosophy of…

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Dinara Kasko: Redefining Pastry with 3D Art

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, host Emmanuel Laroche sits down with Dinara Kasko, the Ukrainian pastry artist who’s revolutionized the world of baking. Combining her architectural background with a passion for pastry, Dinara creates breathtaking edible sculptures using cutting-edge 3D printing techniques. Her unique approach has earned her international acclaim, inspiring bakers and artists…

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Nancy Silverton: Culinary Icon on Cooking and Travel

In today’s episode of Flavors Unknown, I’m delighted to sit down with the iconic Nancy Silverton—Los Angeles-based chef, award-winning baker, restaurateur, and celebrated author. Known for co-founding Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and Chi Spacca, Silverton is a James Beard Foundation Award winner for Outstanding Chef, an honor she received in 2014 for her remarkable…

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Top Chef Winner Danny Garcia on Leadership and Legacy

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m sitting down with Chef Danny Garcia, the Top Chef Season 21 winner and Executive Chef at Saga Hospitality Group. Chef Danny is preparing to launch Time and Tide, a highly anticipated seafood restaurant opening in Manhattan in late 2024. In this episode, we explore his culinary journey—from his early days…

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Robbie Felice Talks Wafu Italian and His NJ Restaurants

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Robbie Felice, the New Jersey-based culinary innovator and co-founder of several renowned restaurants, including the exclusive pop-up pasta RAMEN,Viaggio Ristorante, Osteria Crescendo, and Fatto con Amore. A James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist, Chef Felice is known for his inventive approach to Wafu Italian cuisine—a fusion of Japanese and Italian…

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Shota Nakajima Talks Top Chef, Taku, and Japanese Food

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, we sit down with Chef Shota Nakajima, the culinary force behind Seattle’s acclaimed restaurant Taku and a finalist on Top Chef Season 18. Shota Nakajima shares how his family cultivated his passion for food and hospitality from a young age, and how his career has evolved from his early…

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AI in Kitchens: James Passafaro and Opsi.io Lead the Way

In this episode, I’m joined by Chef James Passafaro, co-owner of the revolutionary app Opsi.io, which is changing the way restaurants manage their operations. Opsi.io is a cloud-based tool that streamlines recipe management, food costing, inventory, and more—eliminating the need for old-school binders and paperwork. James shares his incredible journey from working alongside some of…

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Chef Corey Siegel’s Journey from CIA to Electrolux

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Corey Siegel, the North American Corporate Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Development at Electrolux Professional. Based in Charlotte, NC, Corey is a culinary innovator who has left a remarkable imprint on the industry. Known for his unique blend of culinary mastery and passion…

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Best Food in Boston: Insights from Top Chefs

In this episode of the Flavors Unknown podcast, we bring you an exclusive panel discussion from StarChefs Boston’s Rising Stars, sponsored by Symrise NA. Join me as I sit down with some of Boston’s most innovative culinary minds: Chef Will Gilson of Puritan & Co., Pastry Chef Monica Glass, co-founder of Verveine Cafe & Bakery, Bartender…

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Norman Van Aken’s Culinary Journey & Legacy

Today, we delve into the fascinating journey of Chef Norman Van Aken, considered one of the founders of New American Cuisine. A true culinary legend, Van Aken is a pioneer who expertly blends old-world techniques with new-world flavors, coining the term “fusion.” With numerous books, his own Netflix series, and a legacy of inspiring and…

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