Nelson German is Digging Deeper Into His Afro Caribbean Roots
I talk to Chef Nelson German, a Top Chef Season 18 Alumni turned culinary entrepreneur. He runs two popular Oakland, California Restaurants, alaMar Kitchen and Sobre Mesa Cocktail Lounge. You’ll hear about his deep connection to his Latin and African roots, and how the...
The Passion to Be Better by Joe Sasto
In today’s episode, I talk to Joe Sasto, a Celebrity Chef, pasta expert, creator, and consultant. He has had a vibrant and fulfilling career so far, having worked at Michelin star restaurants in the Bay Area, including Quince and Lazy Bear. Today, he expresses...
Bridging the Gap between Classic Pastry and Modern Trends by Alyssa Gangeri
In today’s episode, I talk to pastry chef Alyssa Gangeri from Buttermilk Ranch in Nashville. She is a passionate pastry chef who has worked with the likes of certified master pastry chefs Frank Vollkommer and Antonio Bachour. You’ll hear about her dedication to laminated...
Tacos in Tuxedos and Creative Salsas by Maria Mazon
In today’s episode, I talk to chef Maria Mazon, a two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and contestant on Season 18 of Top Chef. She’s also the owner of Boca Tacos and SONA Tortillas in Tucson, Arizona. You’ll learn her inspiration for tacos and special...
Breaking the Rules by Chef Andy Doubrava
In today’s episode, I talk to chef Andy Doubrava from Rustic Canyon Restaurant in Los Angeles, California. His unique style doesn’t depend on rules, but is more focused on flavor and what local farmers have on offer at the weekly markets. You’ll hear about...
How Confidence Helped Top Chef Byron Gomez Figure Out His Cuisine
In today’s episode, I talk to Byron Gomez, one of the stars you might remember from Top Chef Season 18. Born in Costa Rica, he came to America as a child. Here, he formed a love for hospitality from the comfort of his own...
Will Fung Brings His International Experiences to China Chilcano in D.C.
In today’s episode, I talk to Will Fung, head chef at China Chilcano in Washington, D.C. With his extensive cooking experience, plus an educational year spent learning the art of high-end Japanese cooking in Kyoto, he brings a wide range of influences to his...
What Farm-to-Table Cooking Looks Like in the Mid Atlantic, by Opie Crooks
In today’s episode, I talk to Opie Crooks, chef at No Goodbyes at The Line Hotel located in DC. The restaurant honors the traditions of Mid Atlantic food culture, exploring seasonality and harnessing relationships between chefs and local producers. You’ll hear how Opie got...
Mexican, Spanish, and French Influences in Minneapolis, with Jorge Guzmán
In today’s episode, I talk to Jorge Guzman, a 2022 James Beard chef award finalist. He’s in charge of the culinary magic behind Petit Leon in Minneapolis, Sueño in Dayton, Ohio, and pop up Pollo al Carbon. Mid-pandemic, he found himself in a job...
French-Japanese Influence in Honolulu, by Chris Kajioka
In today’s episode, I talk to Honolulu native, Chef Chris Kajioka. His French-Japanese inspired restaurant Miro Kaimuki and his more casual concept Papa Kurt’s have quickly become popular local institutions in Hawaii. You’ll hear him share his passion for Japan, his experience attending the...
How to Eat Local with Style in a Neo Bistro, with Matt Conroy
In today’s episode, I talk to Matt Conroy, chef and partner at “neo bistro” Lutèce in Georgetown, Washington D.C. Previously of Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant Oxomoco in Brooklyn, he’s taken what he knows about Mexican food to this revamped French-inspired concept. You’ll hear his unique...
On Changing the American Culinary Landscape, with Suzanne Goin
In today’s podcast episode, I talk to Chef Suzanne Goin, a Los Angeles native who has worked with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse. In 1998, she and business partner Caroline Styne opened Lucques restaurant. In 2002, they followed up with a.o.c. and today, they...