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...
The Cornerstone Ingredients of Japanese Cuisine, by Masako Morishita
In today’s episode, I talk to Masako Morishita, the creator of Otabe pop-up restaurant in Washington DC. Otabe specializes in Japanese comfort food, unique flavors that are exciting taste buds in the capital city. Morishita has recently taken on the role of chef at...
How to Use Local and Nontraditional Mexican Ingredients, with Fermin Núñez
In today’s episode, I talk to chef Fermin Núñez, an Austin-based chef who was recently named one of the Best New Chefs of 2021 by Food & Wine. His restaurant Suerte (meaning good luck in Spanish) celebrates the traditional art of made-from-scratch masa, the...
4 Influences that shaped Hawaii food culture, by Sheldon Simeon
In today’s episode, I welcome Chef Sheldon Simeon of Maui’s Tin Roof restaurant. After his success on Top Chef as a two-time finalist, he decided to commit his kitchen skills towards bringing the flavors of Hawaii to the masses. Through his restaurant and his...
How to explore a region through the lens of food, with Craig Laban
In today’s episode, I talk to Craig Laban, a restaurant critic and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Since falling into his satiating career reviewing restaurants, he’s made a name for himself (albeit undercover) exploring the unique flavors of the city. You’ll hear how Craig’s...