In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Mason Snyder, an Escoffier graduate currently serving as the Executive Chef at Feast Your Eyes Catering. Some might even know him as the Cowboy Chef, featured on Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild. Mason’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion. Prior to his role as Executive Chef, he proudly served in the …

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nancy Silverton, co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza, as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. She’s also the creative mind behind Nancy’s Fancy gelato. In today’s interactive chat, Nancy shares how she built an illustrious career based on prep, timing, and luck. This includes working for…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dr. Rollie Wesen, Executive Director of The Jacques Pépin Foundation and an assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. In 2016, Rollie founded The Jacques Pépin Foundation alongside his wife and father-in-law, Jacques Pepin. In the interview, Rollie shares how the foundation is d…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Eli Kulp, the decorated chef and partner of High Street Hospitality Group, host of The Chef Radio Podcast, and co-host of Delicious City Philly Podcast. Before 2015, Eli's culinary journey was marked by impressive achievements: he earned coveted accolades like Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2014, honed hi…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Brian Arruda, founder & CEO of Executive Chefs at Home, a premier placement agency for hospitality professionals in private residences across the globe. Brian shares the journey of building a thriving business during the pandemic out of necessity and how his experience working for acclaimed chefs, such as…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Matty Edgell, the 28-year-old winner of the latest season of The Great British Bake Off on Netflix. Matty’s journey to triumph was nothing short of extraordinary. Hailed as the “underdog” and “wild card” of the 14th series, he captivated audiences with his humble demeanor and remarkable baking skills he l…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Ferdinand Metz, instrumental in establishing the Chefs’ Apprenticeship, Certification, and Master Chefs’ Certification programs in the United States. He’s also the first Certified Master Chef in history. Honored with nearly every major award in the culinary world, including the Lifetime Achievement Award …

In today’s episode, we speak with Daphne Oz, Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times-bestselling author, natural foods chef, and daughter of Dr. Oz. As a previous co-host at The Good Dish and ABC’s The Chew, Daphne dives into what it takes to start a career in TV hosting and her best social media tips. With features in notable publicatio…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Kristen Kish, the new host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning Top Chef.* Kristen is the chef and partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, as well as the founder of Kish Apéritif. Kristen shares how remaining authentically true to herself has opened unexpected doors of opportunity, such as winning Season 10 of Top C…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Bekei Ijewere, an Escoffier graduate and founder of Beks Culinary Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. What makes Bekei's story truly captivating is her unconventional path into the culinary realm. Trained initially as a chartered accountant, she seamlessly merged her financial acumen with her deep-rooted passion f…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Shari Bayer, founder & president of Bayer Public Relations, as well as host & producer of All in the Industry podcast. With over 30 years in the industry, Shari established her PR agency in 2003, representing chefs, restaurants, and culinary-focused clients. As a Les Dames d’Escoffier NY member since 2010…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Wonda Grobbelaar, an expert in soft skills, leadership quality assurance, and management training. As a PhD candidate, Wonda shares her ground-breaking research on how chefs can navigate stress, offers tips on hospitality leadership, and discusses the future of workplace psychology. She advocates for qual…

To celebrate our 100th episode, today’s special guest is Michel Escoffier, the great-grandson of our school’s namesake Auguste Escoffier, renowned as the ‘King of Chefs’ and the pioneer of modern French cuisine. Michel holds the esteemed position of President at the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum in Villeneuve-Loubet, France. Additionally,…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gavin Kaysen, an award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis, home to his nationally-renowned restaurants and cafes in the Twin Cities. Gavins sheds light on how he became a nationally recognized chef, launching restaurants like Spoon and Stable, a 2015 James Beard Award Fina…

In this episode, we're joined by Ragnar Fridriksson, the Managing Director of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and the host of "World on a Plate," a podcast presented by Worldchefs. With an impressive culinary career spanning over 25 years, Ragnar's expertise covers a multitude of roles – from consultancy and food & wine writing to the art…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gina Homolka, founder of the award-winning food blog, “Skinnytaste,” and best-selling cookbook author. In this episode, Gina offers an intimate insight into the genesis of Skinnytaste in 2008, a venture ignited by her desire to “slim down some of her favorite recipes.” Through the ingenious combination of…

In today’s episode, we speak with David Wiens, a former professional cross-country mountain biker and Executive Director at the International Mountain Bicycling Association. With a prestigious induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000, David shares his remarkable story of how he achieved an incredible feat—six consecutive victories in t…

In today’s episode, we speak with Les Misfits d'Escoffier, a small virtual meetup group of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts graduates from around the country. Back in January 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, these students came together with a simple goal: to help each other with assignments beyond the classroom. Since then, th…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Jocelyn Delk Adams, author behind the award-winning cookbook and her eponymous food blog, Grandbaby Cakes. In this episode, Jocelyn shares more about her decision to leave her 9-5 job to pursue blogging full-time, how she began authoring cookbooks, and her advice to beginner bakers. She also delves into h…

In this episode, we're thrilled to chat with Chad White—a Navy veteran, award-winning chef, and restaurateur. Chef Chad shares his journey from the United States Navy to becoming a Top Chef contender. His dedication led to opening successful restaurants, including Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar (2016), winning Best New Restaurant and Chef of the Year awar…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest John Lehndorff, an acclaimed Colorado-based food writer, radio host, and editor. In this episode, John shares how he pivoted from yearning to be a music critic to becoming an award-winning food media professional—penning the Nibbles column since around 1985 and hosting Radio Nibbles show at KGNU FM for mo…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dan Pelosi, better known as “The Italian American Meatball” and the content creator behind GrossyPelosi on social media. In this episode, we delve into Dan's inspiring story of transitioning from a design career to building his own brand during the pandemic. Through the natural comfort and connection of f…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nisha Vora, a lawyer turned foodie and full-time blogger behind Rainbow Plant Life. In this interview, Nisha outlines her journey to mastering vegan cooking at home through flavorful vegan recipes, entertaining cooking videos, and tips for making a vegan lifestyle easy. She also shares how she began to bu…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Iliana Regan, a self-taught chef who currently runs Milkweed Inn with her wife Anna. In this interview, Iliana shares why she turned over her successful Michelin-starred restaurant Elizabeth to her employees to run a 150-acre bed and breakfast—set deep in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She also divulges…

In today’s episode, we speak with “The Queen of Scones” Danielle Sepsy, chef and owner behind The Hungry Gnome, and a finalist on HBO Max’s The Big Brunch. In this interview, Danielle details her culinary journey, from starting her own scone business at the age of 13 to opening The Hungry Gnome based in NYC—where she and her team produce over 100,0…

In today’s episode, we speak with Brian Malarkey, Top Chef finalist, San Diego-based celebrity chef, and restaurateur. Brian shares the “key” behind launching award-winning restaurant concepts, including Herb & Wood, named one of America’s 10 best restaurants by USA Today, and his latest work with Animae. He also reveals how he took his talent to t…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, a socially conscious American scholar, professor, and CEO, who advocates building “a sense of belonging” to strengthen student success. Since 2017, Terrell has been President/CEO of Do Good Work Educational Consulting Group—partnering with hundreds of colleges, universities, and age…

In today’s episode, we speak with Rick Malnati and Jean Malnati Miller, Co-Owners and operators of Lou Malnati's Pizzeria—a Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain headquartered in Northbrook, IL. Since its grand opening in 1971, Lou Malnati’s has continued to be the most recognized pizza chain in Chicago. Lou’s son, Rick Malnati, and wife, Jean Malna…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gaby Dalkin, Los Angeles-based celebrity food influencer, chef, and cookbook author. In this interview, Gaby shares how she left her fashion PR job to attend culinary school, before entering the world of full-time blogging in 2009. Since then, she’s quickly become the “go-to girl for all things California…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Peter McQuaid, 25-year-old Executive Chef of Cala, a Clive Collective restaurant in Scottsdale, as well as the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Award recipient at the JBF Taste America Tour in Phoenix. Referenced as a culinary “prodigy,” Peter shares how early career mentors such as Silvana Salcido …

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Bryan Dayton, founder of Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality. Bryan is also an award-winning mixologist, beverage director, decorated ultramarathoner, and trail runner. From starting as a dishwasher at a mom-and-pop shop, then transitioning up the ranks through various bartending roles, Bryan shares his entrepr…

In today’s episode, we speak with Francois de Melogue, a chef, recipe developer, cookbook author, photographer, and mentor for revered chefs like Beau MacMillan. With over 30 years of cross-cultural culinary experience, working in acclaimed kitchens such as The Bakery in Chicago, Old Drovers Inn, as well as opening an award-winning restaurant Pili …

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest James Porter, Arizona-born chef and business owner of TERRA farm + manor—a combined restaurant and rustic farm cooking school located in the Prescott National Forest. With a career spanning 33+ years in the hospitality industry, including private clubs and boutique hotels, Chef Porter is nothing short of …

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Jayson Simons-Jones, CEO of Lotus Alpine Adventures, an alpine rock, ice, and ski mountain guiding company, and the 95th American to earn his IMFGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide License. Jayson has spent the last two decades of his life and career as an outdoor educator and mountain guide, which is his most authe…

In today’s episode, we speak with Jeffrey Saad, author of Jeffrey Saad's Global Kitchen: Recipes Without Borders: A Cookbook, and creator of several restaurants such as San Francisco’s Sweet Heat, Pasta Pomodoro, and the Grove. Chef Saad started his culinary career at the young age of 13 working in a local diner. Once the hospitality bug hit him, h…

In today’s episode, we speak with Patrick Nuzzo, an alternative medicine doctor who’s opened five practices including the Southwest University of Naprapathic Medicine and Health Sciences. After spending years formulating nutritional supplements for the natural food industry, Dr. Nuzzo discovered naprapathy—what he sees as the future of health and n…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nikhil Abuvala, owner and executive chef of Roux 30A and Nanbu Noodle Bar in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Nikhil developed his passion for cooking before he could even reach a kitchen countertop. Helping his grandmother roll out fresh Indian flatbread was one of his early motivations for pursuing culinary arts. …

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Brad Barnes, award-winning certified Master Chef, author, food strategist, and president at Pure Food Consulting. Chef Barnes is the co-author of the American Culinary Federation’s Guide to Culinary Certification, as well as So You Want to Be a Chef? A Guide to Culinary Careers. He is dedicated to helping…

In today’s episode, I’m honored to chat with my father and hero, Josef Bachmann, who reflects on his 'journeyman to Meisterbrief’ experience. From Bavaria to Düsseldorf to Frankfurt and beyond, Chef Bachmann’s story is rooted in humble beginnings. We talk about his childhood growing up around pastry chefs, becoming a baker, and ultimately how he co…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest David Delcourt, co-founder and Chief of Flavor at Seed Ranch Flavor Co.—a company that creates unique blends of hot sauces and seasonings with clean and organic ingredients. To inspire others, David and his team create accessible meals that are always healthy, delicious, and sourced responsibly. Through h…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Ewald Notter—teacher, pastry arts gold medalist, and the first pastry chef inducted into the Pastry Art and Design Hall of Fame. Between winning numerous gold medals in pastry competitions and becoming a founder and Director of Education at Notter School of Pastry Arts in Orlando, Ewald shares his best ca…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Richard Rosendale, an award-winning certified Master Chef, chief creator of the Rosendale Collective, and a Bocuse d’Or top-ten finalist. From winning over 20 world culinary Olympic medals and cooking in some of the finest kitchens around the globe, Rich shares how he intentionally balances all of his int…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Chef Tim Condon—Owner of Angry Cactus Bar in San Angelo, TX and partner with Escoffier’s Work & Learn program, which gives new and existing restaurant employees a chance to complete an online culinary degree while working in the kitchen. Since the age of 14, Tim has always immersed himself in the culinary…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Cole Ellis—semifinalist for the James Beard Award “Best Chef South” and Executive Chef at Delta Meat Market at Butcher’s Shop. Cole is nothing short of an innovative chef, with over 13 years experience cooking in Charleston’s most acclaimed kitchens such as Magnolia’s, Hominy Grill, and Carolina’s. He now…

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest, Beau MacMillan, Executive Chef of the award-winning Sanctuary Resort and Spa Camelback Mountain, Iron Chef America winner, and guest judge on Worst Cooks in America, Chopped, and Guy’s Grocery Games. Throughout his experience cooking in distinguished kitchens for A-list celebrities and US presidents, Bea…

In today’s episode, we speak with Steven Nalls—a professional chef, regenerative farmer, and Escoffier Chef Instructor where he teaches a Farm to Table Experience course. Steven worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years, and then decided to dedicate his career to building sustainable culinary practices. He also owns Three Sisters Farm & Ranch…

In today’s episode, we speak with Julieanna Hever, a plant-based dietitian, host of the Choose You Now Podcast, and author of the best-selling book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition. Today, Julieanna is a global nutritional consultant who inspires “big change” and holds discussions around inclusive plant-based living and ways to f…

In today’s episode, we speak with Chris Hill, a marketing executive turned entrepreneur and chef, who helps culinarians build brands that reflect their personal careers (all while avoiding burnout). Along with sharing career lessons in Making the Cut: What Separates the Best from the Rest and TEDx talks, Chris continues to share his best-selling bo…

In today’s episode, we speak again with the world-renowned Curtis Duffy, a Michelin-starred chef and owner of Ever restaurant in Chicago. Some of Curtis’s many achievements include earning three Michelin stars at his former restaurant, Grace, as well as earning two Michelin stars at Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, IL. He also received Fo…

In today’s episode, we speak with returning podcast guest Edward Leonard, a Culinary Olympic gold medalist and Certified Master Chef, who mentors culinarians with his unique philosophy on success. Between writing numerous cookbooks, developing impactful recipes, and inspiring culinary leaders, Edward has received recognition across the globe for hi…