Flavors Unknown

From Farm to Plate: Chef Derek Wagner’s Sustainable Journey

Chef Derek Wagner from Nick's On Broadway

Today, I’m talking to Chef Derek Wagner, owner of Nicks On Broadway in Providence, Rhode Island. He’s known for his philosophy of nose to tail cooking, his creative ability to transform whole animals into delicious, inspired dishes that ignite the taste buds while also reducing food waste.
You’ll hear about his childhood memories, his unique approach to food, his ongoing and his commitment to local sourcing and sustainability. We’ll dive deep into his journey through the culinary industry, learning about his butchery program and how he continues to innovate and stay inspired in the kitchen.

What you'll learn from Chef Derek Wagner

The smells that remind him of his childhood 4:04
How Derek Wagner's parent’s background influenced him 5:09
The difference between crepes, flapjacks, and pancakes 6:44
Why Derek Wagner decided to pursue a background in food 8:46
How food can help recreate memories of happiness 9:32
Why he’s always felt so comfortable in the kitchen 11:14
Chef Derek Wagner's accidental first restaurant job 11:41
His original life plan before he went into the restaurant industry 14:23
Culinary school or skip it? 16:13
Why culinary school experience looks good on a resume 19:26
What is means to “set the table” 21:55
How Derek Wagner was inspired by and old Scout Master 22:51
Some of his biggest culinary mentors 24:44
The role of necessity in his approach to food 25:52
Food as artistry 28:36
The important of trying new things 30:43
The ingredients that inspire him 32:30
Letting curiosity take the lead 34:14
Building relationships with your food sources 35:50
What he’s geographically grateful for 39:02
Why nose to tail butchery is so important to him 42:27
How whole animal butchery works 45:30
The ambiguous “Pork Crostini” 47:13
How his charcuterie program came into being 50:09
His memorable risotto 51:10
Five places to eat in Providence 1:00:00
His favorite guilty pleasure food 1:01:39
Three inspiring cookbooks 1:02:25
Pet peeves in the kitchen 1:04:36

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Links to other episodes with the chefs from the North East

Don't miss out on the chance to hear from talented chefs based in the North East:

Interview with Pastry Chef Francois Payard

Conversation with chef Masako Morishita

Conversation with Chef Dan Kluger

Interview with Chef Silvia Barban

Conversation with Executive Pastry Chef Mark Welker

Interview with Chef Gabriel Kreuther

Conversation with Chef David Burke

Interview with Chef Bryce Shuman

Interview with Chef Trigg Brown

Conversation with Pastry Chef Sam Mason (Odd Fellows)

Interview with Brand Ambassador Charlotte Voisey

Conversation with Flavien Desolin from the Brandy Library

Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)

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I wanted to follow more of a passion or artistic pursuit. I had this need to be using my hands, I needed to be up. I didn’t want to be strapped to a desk all day.

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I think life is what you make of it, and it’s often not just what you make of it, but how you react to what it makes of you.

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I take these things that some might label constraints or boundaries, and turn them into positives and turn them into something that is going to be special and wonderful.

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I don't want to be good at the expense of anyone else. I don't want our food to be amazing on the backs of either treating the staff, or the producers, the farmers, or the guests by taking advantage of any one thing. Because to me, it goes back to that ecosystem.

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