Daniel Johnnes, truly needs no introduction. He is a luminary in the wine industry, renowned for his leadership and community-building efforts. As one of America’s pioneering sommeliers—one of our forefathers in the field, if you will—Daniel has dedicated decades to mentoring and educating the next generation of wine professionals. Daniel is the vi…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Mike Jordan, Atlanta-based journalist and Senior Editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As Senior Editor, Mike leads the media brand “UATL,” which focuses on Black culture. Just last week, Mike won the James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award for covera…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Xanthe Clay, UK-based chef and food writer with 25 years of experience as a Telegraph columnist. For the past 11 years Xanthe’s been The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair for UK and Ireland. At the Telegraph she provides guidance on everything from roasting a Christmas t…

As the Beatles sang in their 1967 hit, “All You Need is Love,” they weren't just referring to the love of another but also the love of oneself. Our next Hot Spot guest, Chef Jordan Kahn, is writing a new chapter in his career, focused on redefining success and joy through love. Jordan honed his skills under culinary icons like Thomas Keller, Grant …

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Cláudia de Brito, Dubai-based journalist, host, moderator and content creator. Born to Portuguese-Cape Verdean parents in Singapore, raised in Dubai and educated in London, Cláudia’s depth of experience and global perspective has helped her cover hospitality and travel for over …

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Kayla Stewart, Houston-and-NY-based food and travel journalist, cookbook author and Editor of Eater Houston. Kayla’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Eater, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and others. Her piece, “The Sweetest Harvest,” won the 20…

When was the last time you ate Korean food at your local Koreatown, enjoyed a K-drama on your favorite streaming service, or flipped open TikTok to a viral sensation soundtracked by a famous K-pop band? Have you noticed the impact of Korean cuisine and culture on our world? Maybe you're noticing it now, or perhaps you're already a citizen of Koreaw…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Prairie Rose, Los Angeles-based journalist, trained sommelier, cocktail book author, and wine and spirits educator. Prairie is Food & Wine's senior drinks editor and also the senior editor of Liquor.com. In addition to Food & Wine, her work has been featured in The Whiskey Wash,…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with June Kim, Los Angeles-based food media executive and Head of Video for Bon Appétit and Epicurious. As Head of Video, June oversees numerous shows and series highlighting compelling chefs and restaurants, delicious recipes from their test kitchen, and other food and beverage cult…

This is an episode rerelease from our On The Pass archives. We hope you enjoy! Can chefs step up and takeover our broken food system? Chef Dan Barber thinks they can and should. Dan is the Co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, author of The New York Times Bestseller "The Third Plate", and Co-Founder of Row 7 Seeds, a company developin…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Kat Odell, Brooklyn-based food and travel journalist. Kat is the author of Unicorn Food and Day Drinking and is a TasteHunter for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and 50 Best Bars. She’s been published in Vogue, New York Times’, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg an…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Devin Reed, Los Angeles-based Sommelier, wine consultant and creator of Wine and Culture LA. As producer and host of Wine & Culture LA, a content series and moment he created for the culture and enjoyment of wine, Dev sits down with notable guests like Cedric the Entertainer, Ma…

What could be better than enjoying gelato with friends on a warm evening? It's a simple pleasure that captures life's essence. But what sets apart a truly great gelato? Meet Edoardo Tonolli, the Co-founder and CEO of Bacio di Latte, a Gelateria dedicated to crafting the world's finest gelato and spreading joy to every customer. "Bacio di latte" tra…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Kristen Hawley, San Francisco-based journalist and Founder of Expedite, a newsletter about restaurant technology and the future of hospitality. For the last decade Kristen has been at the forefront offering pragmatic coverage and sharp analysis of the technology that’s changing …

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Dana Cowin, New York-based food-obsessed journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine. Dana is an award-winning editor, author, podcast host, TEDx speaker and facilitator who creates change through food, gathering, conversation and community. She believes in the power of…

Step into a world where every hotel feels like a scene from a captivating movie, with you as the supporting cast member. Join us as we delve into the visionary minds behind Ash NYC, a trailblazing design firm and hotelier known for crafting unforgettable experiences in the boutique hospitality realm. Meet Ari Heckman, the Co-founder and CEO, and Xa…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Mike Traud, Philadelphia-based lawyer-turned-chef-turned-university instructor and Founder and Executive Director of The Chef Conference. Mike founded The Chef conference in 2013 in partnership with Drexel University. It has evolved to become its own entity still lead by the vis…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Marian Cheng, New York-based restaurateur and food and travel enthusiast. Marian is the Co-founder of Mimi Cheng’s along with her sister Hannah. Over the last decade they have become a celebrated New York staple, beloved for their casual counter service restaurants serving fresh…

Brazil stands out as one of the world's most diverse countries, deeply influenced by global cultures. Its rich tapestry of art, music, dance, architecture, and, notably, cuisine has left a lasting mark on the global stage. Within this vibrant landscape emerges a new wave of Brazilian creatives, eager to showcase the nation's present while honoring …

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Dana Beninati, New York-based chef, instructor, writer and third level sommelier. Dana has traveled the world cooking and competing in different kitchens and holds an M.B.A. in management and hospitality from Cornell University. She spent 6 years at The Food Network as their sup…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Eddie Zamora, Los Angeles-based host, home chef and brand ambassador. Eddie is the creator of TheYUMYUMFoodie, a blog and social platform to share all his numerous culinary explorations and travels. He’s also an amazon TV host, west coast ambassador to Havana Club and host of Ki…

If you've been a long-time listener to our podcast, you're aware of the strong connection between flavor and nutrient density. Episodes such as Dan Barber's delve deep into this correlation, underscoring the significance of quality ingredients and our interconnectedness with the environment and one another. Our upcoming guest, Kanchan Koya, is dedi…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Andy Wang, Los Angeles-based freelance journalist with well over a decade's experience covering food, dining, bars, and travel. Andy writes for such publications as Food & Wine, Los Angeles Magazine, Zagat, and Robb Report. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, New Y…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jean Trinh, reporter who writes about food and culture based in Los Angeles. Jean is deeply passionate about and specializes in uncovering stories that look into the communities, cultures, people, and history behind food. She’s been published in outlets like Los Angeles Times, N…

Imagine a picturesque Italian countryside stretching from the coast, adorned with vineyards cascading down hillsides, lush with cypress trees, and iconic architecture evoking a simpler era, all the while, wild birds gracefully dance through the air. It's the epitome of a dream, isn't it? Well, it's more than just a dream—it's the essence of Tuscany…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Victoire Loup, food critic, culinary consultant and cookbook author based between Los Angeles and Paris. Victoire writes for the Michelin Guide and Le Fooding, a print and digital guide to discover the best of France and has also appeared as a guest judge on several TV shows. Sh…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Palak Patel, Atlanta based chef, traveler and writer. Palak is a classically trained chef, Atlanta Restauranteur and two time Food Network champion winner of Food Network’s famed shows, Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. Palak has also appeared as a guest judge on Food Network’s compe…

People often highlight how food brings us together, yet seldom do we acknowledge its potential to divide us. Our upcoming guest firmly believes in the mantra, "food culture is for everyone," shaping her vision as the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast's Bon Appétit. In this On The Pass episode, we are joined by Jamila Robinson, a veteran…

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jacqueline Coleman, Miami based wine and travel writer, judge and wine consultant. I had the pleasure of spending a week with Jacqueline in northern Portugal with our friends at The Fladgate Partnership. For seven years, she's been Miami's only regular wine colunmist, wiriting t…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Alisssa Fitzgerald, Brooklyn-based freelance food, travel and spirits writer and chef. Alissa’s wealth of information is rooted in her diverse work and life experiences, ranging from cooking on yachts in Croatia, to working with startups in San Francisco, and spending time in va…

When was the last time you indulged in the rich flavors of port wine? Whether it was a festive holiday occasion or an exquisite tasting menu paired with delectable sweet treats, this episode is designed for both seasoned port enthusiasts and those new to the category. The aim here is to encourage everyone to break free from their preconceived notio…

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jasmine L. Pierce, New York based hospitality publicist, freelance writer and founder of JLP Consulting. Over the last decade Jasmine has worked with notable clients like The Standard Hotels, The Jose Andres Group, Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group, and beverage brands like Louis XIII…

On This epiosde of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jillian Dara, a freelance journalist and avid traveler. Jillian's expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives about travel, wine & spirits, and culture. Chances are, you've come across her articles in renowned publications such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Vine Pair, Wine E…

On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with with chef Franco Sampogna and operator Bernardo Silva, co-owners of FREVO, a contemporary French restaurant hidden behind a small art gallery in Greenwich Village, New York—a secret you'd want to share with everyone. The name "Frevo" in Portuguese means "to boil," reflecting not…

On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Chef Tolu Eros. Chef Eros is a storyteller, entertainer and African ambassador on a mission to share and explore the wonders of West African food; a food and culture full of life and flavor, just like Eros. Chef’s formative years were spent between Benin City and Lagos, Nigeria,…

You’ve probably heard the incredible story of Nearest Green, the former slave who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. If you have, I invite you to dive deeper into the story, the history, the mission and the legacy, guided by Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Grant Sidney, Inc. (GSI), a privately held invest…

He's been referred to as the real life “Willy Wonka!” Gonzo Jimenez is a celebrated pastry chef, chocolatier and República del Cacao’s North American corporate pastry chef. We believe, if Willy Wonka was real, he would actually want to be Gonzo Jimenez. Gonzo, as he openly says, "had a very blessed start,” originally from Northern Argentina and was…

On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Yiming Lin. He’s the creator and food ethnographer behind Literally.Starving—the highly popular social media platform and human interest food account he started in the summer of 2022 as a means of understanding his personal relationships with food and creating community as a new…

Did you know Colombia is home to 87 indigenous communities and 51,330 species of flora and fauna, which makes it the second-most biodiverse country in the world? Back in April 2023, Gabriel had the pleasure of spending time in Bogotá, Colombia with our next guests: Chef Leonor ‘Leo’ Espinosa and her daughter, the sommelier and drinks alchemist, Lau…

This episode was recorded and released in Feb 2021. Who is Shep Gordon? You’ve probably heard the popular phrase "Chefs Are The New Rockstars" — you can thank Shep for that. He's the visionary who brought chefs like Roger Vergé, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Roy Yamaguchi and Daniel Boulud to the mainstream and coined the term “Celebrity Chefs.” C…

Starting any business requires your energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the space, but to catalyze its success, you also need a mission, vision, and business plan. Our next guest, Sherry Villanueva, was a first-time hospitality entrepreneur, but with a focused vision and mission, she’s been able to successfully grow a multifaceted restaurant and ho…

On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with chef and restaurateaur Sean MacDonald. Sean is the chef/owner of Bar Monette—one of LA’s newest and most talked about restaurant openings located in Santa Monica. Sean was named Canada’s best young chef in 2016 by San Pellegrino and through the years, he has since made his mark …

A little over 2 years ago, we released Season 2 episode 27 titled “The Future of Food and Tech,” featuring journalist and author of “Technically Food”, Larissa Zimberoff. So much has transpired in the last 2 years since the release of this episode and her book, “Technically Food”. Given the lightning-fast pace the food-tech space moves at, it only …

“Tea mind,” as referenced by Steve Schwartz, is the simple, celebratory act of serving tea and has well-documented, powerful health and wellness benefits on a physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional level. Over the years, researchers have discovered how the ingredients in a cup of tea can lift mood, improve focus, and perhaps even ward off depre…

On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with entrepreneur and sommelier Kristin Olszewski. Kristin is the Founder and CEO of Nomadica Wine—a premium, sustainably sourced canned wine brand that is looking to make waves in the industry, or as they say on the Nomadica website, they are sourcing universally gratifying wines wi…

"Everywhere in the world there are tensions – economic, political, religious. So we need chocolate,” says the great Alain Ducasse—iconic chef, creator, and artisan of living. We couldn’t agree more and believe life is so much better because of chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most beloved foods and ingredients around the world. Almost every cultu…

The journey of an entrepreneur is often layered with numerous challenges and setbacks. It requires a certain level of determination, sacrifice, willingness to learn, and getting used to hearing alot of no’s. Layering on the challenges Black women face in our society adds another element of difficulty. Our next guest speaks to her own entrepreneuria…

On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Chef Charlie Mitchell, chef and co-owner of Clover Hill, a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Charlie is no stranger to the kitchen. Over the past 9 years, the 30-year-old Detroit native has worked sous chef and executive sous chef positions at Eleven Madison Park, Jônt in DC, Br…

“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” - Unknown This quote really embodies how Luis Vargas lives his life and runs his business. Luis is one of the worlds premier experiential travel executives and thought leaders. He is Founder and CEO of Modern Adventure, a certified b-corp, climate neutral and awa…

Did you know, coffee consumption in the United States rose by 14% from January 2021 through January 2022, according to the National Coffee Association? And demand for top-quality coffee like organic and fair-trade is on a roll in every region of the world. Coffee was an important part of my early life for many years, but not for the reasons you may…