The CHEF Radio Podcast

On this episode, Eli dives into the stories and philosophies of chefs Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow from Flour & Water Hospitality in San Francisco. They discuss their personal culinary journeys, the founding and growth of Flour & Water, and the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and evolving in the restaurant industry. The episode is packed with personal anecdotes, insights on the restaurant business, and the significance of staying current and innovative. All brought together with some good laughs. Enjoy! 01:17 The Culinary Journey: From Food as Fuel to Food as Pleasure 02:24 The Path of a Chef: Diverse Journeys and Inspirations 04:46 Welcome to Chef Radio: Insights from Leading Chefs 07:28 Spotlight on Flour and Water: A Culinary Success Story 08:38 Expanding Horizons: Flour and Water's Growth and Innovations 10:50 Pizza Passion: Exploring Styles and Techniques 16:03 Ryan's Culinary Origins: From Country Club to Fine Dining 24:48 Thomas's Culinary Beginnings: From South Jersey to the West Coast 28:07 The Origin of Flour and Water 28:21 Culinary School and Externship Experiences 30:03 Building the Business Plan 31:35 Opening Flour and Water 33:11 The Importance of Staging 39:01 Cultural Influences on Cooking 45:26 The Role of Collaboration in the Kitchen 46:24 Ryan's Journey to Partnership 55:37 The Importance of Maintaining a Clear Vision A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. We welcome our newest supporter of chef radio, JB Prince, America's most incredible store for all your best kitchen supplies. Listen up how you can save 10% on your order to this incredible Wonderland of chefs kitchen tools, gadgets and equipment

In this episode of Chef Radio, James Beard award-winning chef Andrew Black shares his inspiring journey from Jamaica to becoming a culinary innovator in Oklahoma City. Learn about Chef Black's restaurants, Grey Sweater, and his focus on creating heartfelt dining experiences through meticulous care and sourcing of global ingredients. The conversation explores Chef Black's transition to Oklahoma City, the opening of his various ventures like Black Walnut, The Gilded Acorn, and his latest project, Pearl Mesta, at the Skirvin Hotel. Chef Black discusses the importance of consistency, learning from failures, and fostering a strong company culture built on empathy and integrity. The episode provides valuable advice for young chefs on hard work and adaptability, highlighting Chef Black's dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Interview with Chef Andrew Black 07:30 Chef Black's Journey to Oklahoma City 12:42 The Concept Behind Grey Sweater 25:37 Challenges of Finding a Cook 25:52 The Story Behind Black Walnut 27:29 Exploring Gilded Acorn and Pearl Master 28:53 The Concept of Possibility Cuisine 36:07 Lessons from Early Struggles 39:22 Attributes of a Successful Chef 44:44 Building a Strong Company Culture 50:47 Advice for Aspiring Chefs 52:39 Conclusion and Farewell A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. We welcome our newest supporter of chef radio, JB Prince, America's most incredible store for all your best kitchen supplies. Listen up how you can save 10% on your order to this incredible Wonderland of chefs kitchen tools, gadgets and equipment Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from.

On this episode of Chef Radio Podcast, we sit down with the one and only Chef Marc Murphy, famed judge on Food Network's Chopped, competitor on Iron Chef America, and mastermind behind New York City's iconic restaurant Landmarc. Chef Murphy takes us on an inspiring journey through his early years as a young chef in Paris, where he honed his skills alongside some of the culinary world's greats, to his bold move to New York City. Listen as he shares the challenges and triumphs of rising through the ranks of the restaurant industry, eventually becoming one of America's most respected chefs and TV personalities. Show Notes (02:03) Introduction to Chef Radio Podcast (02:47) Mark Murphy's Culinary Journey (06:53) Adventures in Paris (14:29) The Challenges of Fine Dining (29:31) From Sous Chef to Head Chef (37:15) A New Opportunity with Rocco Despirito (38:35) Opening La Fourchette and Cafe Milou (40:11) The Impact of 9/11 and Reopening Southwest (41:52) Launching Landmark and Its Unique Dining Experience (47:51) Expanding with Ditch Plains and Other Ventures (50:12) Transitioning to Private Events and Pop-Ups (55:08) The World of TV Shows and Competitions (01:01:35) Challenges and Reflections in the Culinary Journey (01:08:55) Community Involvement and Philanthropy (01:10:36) Closing Thoughts and Farewell A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest. We welcome our newest supporter of chef radio, JB Prince, America's most incredible store for all your best kitchen supplies. Listen up how you can save 10% on your order to this incredible Wonderland of chefs kitchen tools, gadgets and equipment

Welcome to Chef Radio! In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Chef Alex Kemp of My Loup in Philadelphia, where he brings the warmth of Canadian generosity and hospitality to the city's vibrant culinary landscape. With roots in French-speaking Quebec, Chef Alex masterfully reimagines French cuisine, weaving together the rich traditions of his heritage with the ebb and flow of Philadelphia's distinct seasons. His refined techniques and ingenious combinations create an innovative dining experience that's both rooted in tradition and refreshingly original and his take on company culture is incredibly powerful. Listen in on how this young talent has taken Philadelphia by storm, and as you'll hear, it's not by chance. It was destined. (00:00:46) Introduction (00:07:06) Alex's Recent Travels (00:10:13) Early Life and Career (00:17:25) Time in Ottawa (00:26:36) Finding his Path in Fine Dining (00:30:58) Lessons From Joe Beef (00:37:06) Meeting Amanda in New York (00:40:20) Moving to Montreal and the Influence of Marco Frappier (00:45:10) Getting Involved in Philadelphia (00:49:00) The Balance Between Personal and Professional Relationships (00:59:45) The Mix Between Inspiration and Innovation (01:03:30) Making a Splash In Philadelphia (01:08:00) Menu Items That Encapsulate My Loup (01:12:18) What Sets Alex Apart (01:17:55) Alex's Resilience (01:22:20) Alex And Amanda's Involvement in the Community (01:24:56) Wrap Up Questions A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest. We welcome our newest supporter of chef radio, JB Prince, America's most incredible store for all your best kitchen supplies. Listen up how you can save 10% on your order to this incredible Wonderland of chefs kitchen tools, gadgets and equipment Subscribe, like and share! Oh yeah, and throw in a review while you're at it. Appreciate you all!

Welcome to our CHEF Radio, where we dive into the secrets of maintaining success in the restaurant business with industry leaders Mary Milliken, Susan Fingar, Phillip Krajeck, Katie Button, and Michael Anthony. In this episode, we explore three key strategies for sustained success: fostering innovation, building a strong team, and maintaining exceptional quality. Hear firsthand from these accomplished chefs as they share their insights and experiences on how to keep pushing the boundaries, continually improve, and never rest on their laurels in the ever-evolving culinary world. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur or a seasoned pro, this hard hitting episode is packed with valuable advice to help you thrive in the restaurant industry. Show notes: Starting a Restaurant: Essential Steps Challenges of Maintaining Success Insights from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger Maximizing Every Opportunity Marathon Mindset and Motivation Insights from Chef Phillip Krajeck Athlete's Mindset Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Insights from Chef Katie Button Hospitality in the Kitchen Insights from Mike Anthony The 49% - 51% mentality A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful.\ If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest. Subscribe, like and share! Oh yeah, and throw in a review while you're at it. Appreciate you all!

Welcome to another exciting episode, where we delve into the inspiring stories of those making a difference in the culinary world. Today, we're joined by Chef Chris Shepherd and wife/ partner Lindsey Brown from the Southern Smoke Foundation in Houston, Texas. Chef Chris, a celebrated culinary figure, recently hung up his apron to dedicate himself to the Southern Smoke Foundation, an organization committed to supporting folks in the food and beverage industry at large. We'll explore the incredible journey that led him to this decision, as well as a frightening plane ride that Eli and Chris took together. Additionally, we'll uncover why other chefs highly value Chris's unique ability to engage with their cooks, offering insights and perspectives that inspire and elevate the next generation of culinary professionals. Join us to learn more about Southern Smoke Foundation, Chef Chris Shepherd's career transition, and his impact on the culinary community. (00:00:00) Introduction and Survey Announcement (00:05:26) Interview with Chris Shepherd and Lindsay Brown (00:07:13) Chris Shepherd's Culinary Inspirations (00:11:04) The Concept, Evolution, and Challenges of Underbelly (00:31:25)Transitioning from Underbelly Hospitality (00:39:45)Leadership and Mentorship in the Culinary World (00:48:23) Full Tilt and Future Endeavors (00:50:17) Becoming the Official Hotdog Supplier The Houston Texans (00:51:52) Retail Expansion Plans (00:54:22) Southern Smoke Festival Origins (00:57:58)Hurricane Harvey and Emergency Relief (01:00:39) Pandemic Response and Growth (01:11:58) Mental Health and Crisis Relief (01:34:41) Future Goals and Legal Aid (01:37:03) Favorite Food Spots in Houston (01:40:01) Closing Thoughts and Gratitude A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest. Subscribe, like and share! Oh yeah, and throw in a review while you're at it. Appreciate you all!

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Chef Rob Rubba, the '90s skater kid turned culinary mastermind behind the Michelin-starred Oyster Oyster in Washington, DC. Celebrated for its groundbreaking and eco-friendly approach, Oyster Oyster leads the way in sustainable dining, artfully blending diverse techniques in preservation to craft extraordinary flavors while prioritizing ethical practices. Join us as Rob delves into his inspiring journey, reveals the creative sparks behind his plant-forward menu, and shares how embracing a vegetarian lifestyle has elevated his purpose and deepened his connection to the culinary world. (00:00:00) Intro (00:06:44) Rob's Early Career (00:10:57) Working at Guy Savoy (00:16:30) How Oyster Oyster came to be (00:20:00) The Impact of Oysters on the Chesapeake (00:23:48) Menu Development and Evolution (00:27:00) The Decision to Become Vegetarian (00:36:38) Leaving Hazel and Lessons learned (00:44:48) Creating Sustainable Practices (00:47:10) Sustainability and Financial Success (00:51:34) Gaining a Michelin Star (00:55:00) The DC Dining Scene (01:01:26) The Differences of Running a Vegetarian Restaurant (01:04:28) Encouragement for the Next Generation of Chefs/Where Rob looks for Inspiration (01:13:20) Wrap up Questions A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest. Check out and follow us on Instagram Email Eli with any comments, concerns, criticisms, guest requests or any other ideas or thoughts you might have about the show. eli@chefradiopodcast.com

We're thrilled to have Chef Tracy Malechek join us on CHEF Radio, where we discuss her impressive background that includes working at some of New York's finest restaurants, honing her craft and developing a profound understanding of the culinary world. In this episode, we'll explore her journey from the bustling kitchens of New York to meeting her husband, a renowned wine expert, and how together they are building a sustainable business that truly supports their employees at Birdies in Austin Texas. We'll also discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing parenthood with restaurant ownership, and what it means to be mission-driven in today's food industry. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with Chef Tracy Malechek (00:00:00) Intro (00:05:39) Start in Chicago (00:07:25) James Beard Talk / Origin of Birdies (00:10:09) New York Experience (00:14:46) Eli and Tracy ALMOST Cross Paths: Things learned at Del Posto (00:24:36) Post Del Posto (00:25:50) Takeaways from Blue Hill (00:27:06) How Failure Impacts You (00:28:32) Checking Out Gramercy Tavern (00:30:17) Mike Anthony Umbrella (00:33:01) Time at Untitled and Meeting Arjav (00:37:19) The Coin Flip (00:42:24) The Origin of the Name and Getting Birdies Ready (00:47:40) Biggest Piece of Advice for Potential Restaurants Owners (00:49:14) Overcoming Pressure of the Pandemic (00:51:12) First Day of Birdies and it's Unique Business Model (00:56:22) Balancing Parenthood and Restaurant Ownership (01:01:53) What it Means to Mission Driven Restaurant (01:04:30) The Balance Between Profitability and Hospitality (01:12:23) How the Birdies Menu Came to Be (01:15:34) Key Behind the Birdies Popularity (01:20:00) Noticing the Rise of Birdies (01:27:27) Rapid Fire Round Up A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest.

In this heartfelt episode, Chef Fiore Tedesco shares his remarkable personal and professional journey. Born deaf, Fiore faced significant challenges growing up in a large Italian family. The episode touches on his experiences with anxiety and trauma, his reflections on leadership and empathy, and the constant pursuit of balance in the demanding restaurant industry. (00:00) Intro (05:24) A Culinary Legacy: Growing Up in a Hardcore Italian Family (10:52) The Power of Music and Overcoming Deafness (24:05) Finding Balance: The Struggle and Joy of a Chef's Life (28:59) Redefining Success Beyond the Kitchen (30:16) A New Perspective on Cooking and Humility (35:36) The Transformative Moment: Gaining the Gift of Hearing (38:13) The Power of Medicine in Overcoming Disability (38:52) Finding Value in Dreams Amidst Life's Challenges (42:16) The Journey to Humility and Healing (42:42) Confronting Trauma and Embracing Vulnerability (44:16) The Transformative Impact of Parenthood (45:30) The Role of Therapy in Personal Growth (46:40) Discovering Anxiety and the Path to Healing (49:56) The Evolution of a Chef: From Dreams to Reality (52:57) Creating an Ethical Restaurant Model (01:02:11) Launching Bambino: A New Culinary Adventure (01:10:58) Leadership, Vulnerability, and the Path Forward A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest.

Embark on a gripping journey of resilience and redemption with Chef Gregory Gourdet in this riveting episode! Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of ambition, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph. In a world where success is often elusive, Gregory's story reminds us that the path to greatness is anything but linear. Join us as we unravel the challenges he faced on his quest to self-discovery and celebrate the inspiring triumph that awaits. Tune in now for a tale that will keep you captivated until the very end! Here's what else is discussed: (00:01:28) A Kid From Queens to a Resident of Oregon (00:04:15) Seafood of Oregon (00:06:45) The Food of Queens (00:08:45) Birth of Kann (00:12:18) Changing the Menu at Kann (00:13:30) Why Portland for Kann's Home (00:16:12) Time At Jean Georges (00:18:33) Finding Culinary School and The Early Years of His Culinary Journey (00:21:58) Inspiration from Jean Goerges Healthy View & Gregory's Books (00:28:10) Food and The World Intertwined (00:31:10) How the Current State of Haiti Affects Gregory (00:35:10) Sharing the Story of Haiti Through The Menu (00:37:45) Story behind Sousal Their Underground Bar (00:39:48) Gregory's Past with Substance Abuse (00:45:12) A Brush with Death (00:47:55) How Sauce Box Changed Gregory's Perspective (00:49:40) How the Culinary and Drug Culture Go Hand in Hand (00:52:16) Ben's Friends - A Pathway to Sobriety (00:55:50) How Gregory Embraced Running Culture (00:58:30) Rapid Fire Round Up A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest.

10:10 Chef Alex Kemp: The Canadian chef who's taking Philadelphia by storm Impressions of his new hometown Persistence and Alex's Culinary Journal His Time on No Reservations How Alex's Experience Influences Him Today Montreal Restaurants Recommendations 34:18 Chef Eric Leveillee Eli's First Impression of Eric Cooking for Chef Alain Ducasse… or Not Taking Over at Lacroix The Thought Process of Creating and Executing a New Dish Keeping It Simple vs "One More Ingredient" Upcoming Dishes Mentorship vs Reputation Philadelphia Restaurants Recommendations 1:02:00 Chef Chance Anies Background Telling his Story Through his Menu Quitting his Job and Starting The Food Cart Meaning Behind the Name of Tabachoy Advice for Anyone Not in the Right Career Feild How Fatherhood Changed Chances Perspective Philadelphia Restaurants Recommendation A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest.

Prepare to be swept away into the heart of culinary excellence as we explore the dynamic world of partnerships in the culinary industry. From the farmers who cultivate our ingredients to the purveyors who supply our kitchens, every alliance plays a vital role in shaping the culinary landscape. But in this episode, we redefine the concept of partnership, delving into the profound bond between chef and business partner—a relationship akin to Batman and Robin or SpongeBob and Patrick. Join us as we unveil the transformative power of great partnerships, igniting creativity, mentorship, and innovation in the pursuit of culinary perfection. Here's a taste of the culinary wisdom awaiting you in today's episode: Embark on a journey of self-discovery as we unravel the story of a chef whose path from the art world led her to her true passion: cooking. Witness the pivotal moment at Charlie Trotter's that forever changed the course of her culinary journey, setting her on a trajectory of unparalleled success. Explore the unique challenges faced by a left-handed chef and the profound impact of growing up in a kosher household. Prepare to be surprised as we uncover the identity of the toughest chef she ever worked for and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Follow her from the bustling streets of Chicago to the vibrant culinary scene of NYC, where mentorship under Tony Mantuano and the daunting task of filling Andrew Carmellini's shoes shaped her culinary philosophy. Discover the transformative power of taking a step back, as a year off brings herclarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose, culminating in the creation of Grove House Hospitality. Explore the profound impact of breast cancer on her life and career, and the unwavering determination that led her to open her second restaurant amid intensive radiation treatment. Uncover the importance of self-care in the culinary industry, especially for young women The game-changing impact of her latest venture, Misi Pasta and it's boundless potential and why this might need to be your next step into entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive deep into the heart of the culinary world, where every partnership, every challenge, and every triumph shapes the narrative of culinary excellence. Welcome to a podcast like no other. Welcome to the CHEF Radio Podcast A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week's guest.

Today's guest, Charlie Mitchell of the one-star Michelin restaurant Clover Hill in Brooklyn, New York, has a wisdom that is hard to come across in a chef barely into his 30s and someone who has gripped the food headlines as becoming the first black Michelin-starred chef in New York City's history and one of only two black chefs in America. Yeah, you heard read that correctly, the first. In 2022, the Michelin guide recognized the work that he and his partners were doing in Brooklyn Heights and saw that the work that he put in, the training, and his dedication to the craft of cooking helped leapfrog him over even some of the more established and well-known chefs in the country's most competitive restaurant city. Here's what else we talked about: Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, and hailing from a family of auto workers Finding a mentor who pointed him in the right direction and inspired him to leave Detroit and go to New York, even though it was his last choice of city Pushing himself to work in the hardest kitchen in NYC Why his first cookbook, Eleven Madison Park, motivated him to work there The layers of protection from failure that EMP has to ensure that each guest has the experience that they expect Why working as a commis at EMP was one of the biggest growth point in his career Going out on a ledge and taking over a smaller neighborhood restaurant in NYC, but then quickly learning he wasn't ready to be the man just yet Meeting his future partners at Clover Hill and why it's such a great match How they slowly transitioned to a tasting menu-only restaurant Creating a fine dining restaurant that was reflective of the owners and why it's so important for Clover Hill to make people feel comfortable and at home without the pretension that you may find often in fine dining Charlie talks about why honest cooking is so important to him Raising their prices because they are getting better ingredients to work with, not just because they now have a Michelin star When they started getting clued in that they may be on the Michelin radar The conversations he had with his partners after they won the star What it means to him to be the first black chef in New York City history to have a Michelin star What he learned once he started writing tasting menus and deciding what kind of journey he wanted to take the guests on How he sees the restaurant continuing to evolve over the next few years How he folks on "doing his part" when it comes to being a leader and showing other black chefs what's possible. Leading by example Sponsors A huge shout out to our sponsors, Maxwell McKenney and Singer Equipment, for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their websites for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful. Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though, it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from. Check out and follow us on Instagram Email Eli with any comments, concerns, criticisms, guest requests or any other ideas or thoughts you might have about the show. eli@chefradiopodcast.com