Episode Archives

JWU’s Dean Evans: A New Era in Culinary Education

Join us today from JWU as we delve into the transformative world of culinary education with Dean Jason Evans of Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. With a unique blend of economics and a visionary approach to food sustainability, Dean Evans is steering JWU towards a future where culinary education intertwines seamlessly with health and…

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Inside LA Food Scene: Rising Star Panel Discussion

Join us for a special episode of our podcast featuring a dynamic panel discussion that took place during the StarChefs Rising Stars event in Los Angeles. Today, we dive into the heart of the LA food scene with some of its most innovative culinary leaders: Chef Sandra Cordero at Xuntos, Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, Mixologist…

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From Jail to Chef at Down North Pizza

Join us today as we explore the compelling narrative of Chef Mike Carter at Down North Pizza in North Philadelphia, where his passion for culinary innovation and social entrepreneurship takes center stage. As a chef who has navigated the journey from incarceration to leading one of Philly’s best pizza restaurants, Mike’s story is a profound…

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Aaron Bludorn’s Food Tales: From NYC to Houston

Today I’m talking to Chef Aaron Bludorn. Born in Minneapolis and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he’s known for his refined and personal style. He’s the creative force behind Bludorn Restaurant and Navy Blue, both located in Houston, Texas. You’ll hear about his youthful excursions catching fish in Seattle and his experiences working in some…

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Nina Compton: From Caribbean Flavors to NOLA

Today I’m talking to Chef Nina Compton, a James Beard award-winning chef based in New Orleans,Louisiana. She’s the owner and creative mind behind Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro. You’ll hear about her experience on Season 11 of Top Chef, – Saint Lucian roots What you’ll learn from Nina Compton Chef Nina Conpton’s  unique and…

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SXSW 2024 Panel: Immigrant Flavors Reshape America

This episode is the recording of the SXSW 2024 panel discussion I moderated with local chefs in Austin at a live SXSW event called Global Bites, Local Delights: How Immigrant Flavors Are Shaping the U.S. Food Scene. I’m joined by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Chef Edgar Rico from Nixta Taqueria,…

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Inside ‘The Dish’ with Author Andrew Friedman

Today I’m talking to Author Andrew Friedman. His most recent book is called The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food. It takes a deep dive into one Chicago kitchen to explore the nature of our food system and the professionals who plate and prepare the food we eat. He’s also the…

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A Taste of Philly: Chef and Bartender Innovations

Today, I’m exploring A Taste of Philly with a StarChefs Rising Stars panel of talented chefs in Philadelphia. You’ll hear from Chef Michael Vincent Ferreri at Irwin’s, Chef George Madosky at Fork, Chef Yun Fuentes at Bolo, Bartender Fred Beebe at Post Haste, and Pastry Chef Amanda Rafaiski from Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Discover how their…

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Chef Simone Tong: Blending Asia in Austin’s Zoe Tong

Today, I’m talking to Chef Simone Tong of the restaurant Zoe Tong in Austin. Her cross-cultural upbringing exposed her to many flavors throughout Asia, informing a blending of influences that resulted in a style uniquely her own.You’ll hear about her early food influences, from street foods in China to her days working in her mother’s…

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Panama to LA: Chef Jose Carles’ Culinary Journey

Today, I’m talking to chef Jose Carles, the creative mind behind Venice’s newest restaurant, Si! Mon. Carles is originally from Panama, where he ran Donde Jose and currently operates Fonda Lo Que Hay in bustling Panama City. You’ll hear about his early start in the kitchen and the encouragement his family provided to get him…

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