Best Pedro Carlos Podcasts (2025)

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Episode #161 - Jake Potashnick of Feld 1:49:58

6d ago1:49:58

1:49:58

When Chef Jake Potashnick opened Feld, it stirred controversy among Chicago’s culinary insiders -- some critics called the plating sparse, the seasoning “too European”, and the concept overly cerebral. But even as a first-time owner-operator, Potashnick leaned into his global experience -- from Michelin-starred kitchens in Tokyo, Berlin, and Sweden…

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StarShipSofa 760 Libby Cudmore 38:28

11d ago38:28

38:28

Main fiction: “First Family of Mars” by Libby Cudmore Libby Cudmore is the author of The Big Rewind (William Morrow 2016) and Negative Girl (Datura 2024) as well as the Wade & Jacks series in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchock Mystery Magazine, and Tough. Her work has been published in Orca, Dark Waters, Stone’s Throw and the Anthony Aw…

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Episode #160 - Lamar Moore of etc. 1:22:00

13d ago1:22:00

1:22:00

This week, we’re joined by Chef Lamar Moore -- a celebrated chef and culinary innovator, known for winning Vegas Chef Prizefight and for memorable showdowns on Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped, as well as Bravo’s Welcome to Waverly. He’s cooked for Barack and Michelle Obama, fed the Chicago Bears, and coordinated menus for Super Bowls and NBA Finals. Hi…

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Episode #159 - Art Mendoza of Barrel Aged Hospitality 1:52:52

20d ago1:52:52

1:52:52

From his early days at Chuck E. Cheese to launching a consulting firm with his son Tyler, Art Mendoza has built a career defined by innovation, hospitality, and a deep understanding of customer experience. He joins us in the studio to discuss new ventures with Barreled Aged Hospitality—including the playful, whiskey-forward “Toasted” brand and a fo…

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StarShipSofa 759 Alex Shvartsman 42:35

25d ago42:35

42:35

Main fiction: “Golf to the Death” by Alex Shvartsman Alex Shvartsman (Brooklyn, NY) is the author of Kakistocracy (2023), The Middling Affliction (2022), and Eridani’s Crown (2019) fantasy novels. Over 120 of his stories have appeared in Analog, Nature, Strange Horizons, et al. He won the WSFA Small Press Award for Short Fiction and was a three-tim…

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Episode #158 - Alba Huerta of Julep 1:41:03

27d ago1:41:03

1:41:03

Alba Huerta is a Houston-based bartender, entrepreneur, author, cocktail educator, and owner of the James Beard Award–winning cocktail program at Julep—which is expanding with the addition of The Parlor, a new lounge space designed for private, immersive gatherings. Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, she has spent over a decade shaping the nationa…

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Episode #157 - Mitch Gropman, Moderator of /r/ChicagoFood on Reddit 1:18:56

1M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

The Chicago food subreddit has quietly become one of the internet’s most reliable sources for up-to-the-minute restaurant intel, thoughtful recommendations, and lively conversation celebrating the city’s singular hospitality culture. This week’s guest, Mitch Gropman — better known by his Reddit handle TriedForMitchcraft — has played a key role in s…

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StarShipSofa 758 Pedro Iniguez 59:33

1M ago59:33

59:33

Main fiction: “A Final Song for the Ages” by Pedro Iniguez Pedro Iniguez is a Mexican-American Bram Stoker, Elgin, and Rhysling Award-nominated horror and science-fiction writer from Los Angeles, California. He is the author of Mexicans on the Moon: Speculative Poetry from a Possible Future, and Fever Dreams of a Parasite, among others. Forthcoming…

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Episode #156 - Tigist Reda of Demera 1:19:41

1M ago1:19:41

1:19:41

When this week’s guest moved to Chicago from Ethiopia in 1997, she brought with her the deep culinary traditions of her homeland and a vision for sharing them with her new community. Now, Chef Tigist Reda is the acclaimed chef and owner of Demera Ethiopian Restaurant—featured in the Michelin Guide and soon expanding from its Uptown flagship to a ne…

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Episode #155 - Carlos Gaytán of Tzuco 1:08:10

2M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

This week, we sidle up to the only chef on the planet to earn Michelin stars in more than one country: Carlos Gaytán. A trailblazer and culinary virtuoso, Gaytán is known for his bold, genre-defying approach that fuses French technique with the bright flavors of his native Mexico. His cooking is elevated yet playful, rooted in tradition but always …

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StarShipSofa 757 Maggie Slater 27:55

2M ago27:55

27:55

Main fiction: “Any Day But Today…” by Maggie Slater Maggie Slater’s (she/her) speculative fiction has appeared in Apex Magazine, Metaphorosis, and Redivider, among other venues. She lives in an 1800s farmhouse in New England with two half-tamed boys, one half-trained dog, her husband, her parents, and at least one benign ghost. For more information…

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Episode #154 - Marcos Ascencio of Taqueria Chingón and Mariscos San Pedro 1:28:28

2M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

This week, we welcome Chef Marcos Ascencio, the man behind Taqueria Chingón and Mariscos San Pedro. Taqueria Chingón is a Mexico City-style taqueria known for its bold Al Pastor and playful takes on classic tacos. From his early days at NoMi under Chef Sandro Gamba to mentoring young chefs in Chicago Public Schools, Ascencio has carved out a path t…

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Episode #153 - Dylan Trotter of Charlie Trotter's 1:47:44

2M ago1:47:44

1:47:44

This week we’re excited to have Dylan Trotter in the studio. He’s the son of the legendary Charlie Trotter, and he’s now honoring that lineage with a series of pop-up dinners leading up to the much-anticipated reopening of Trotter’s. But Dylan is also a hospitality force in his own right. Having interned at the famed El Bulli and worked at BOA Stea…

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StarShipSofa 756 Tina Connolly 55:03

2M ago55:03

55:03

Main fiction: “Bitrunners” by Tina Connolly Tina Connolly writes fantastical stories for kids, teens, and grown-ups. Some of them are serious and some of them involve flying bananas. Her books include the Ironskin and Seriously Wicked series, the collection On the Eyeball Floor, and the official Choose Your Own Adventure book Glitterpony Farm. She …

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Episode #152 - Gregg Horan of The Greggory 1:07:30

2M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Gregg Horan is the founder — and namesake — behind The Greggory, and owner and managing partner of Hearth Hospitality. A sharp, good-humored force in Chicago’s dining scene, Horan’s journey took him from wild shifts at Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville to the polished halls of Gibson’s, where he helped the restaurant evolve into one of the world’s premier…

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Episode #151 - Ivan Valdez of Taquizas Valdez 1:19:08

3M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

Ivan Valdez is the veteran chef and creative driver behind Taquizas Valdez, a vibrant taqueria and panadería tucked away in Irving Park. The establishment is renowned for its inventive tacos, house-baked shareable tortas, and weekend pastries, all of which pay homage to Valdez’s rich culinary heritage and personal journey. But his path to restaurat…

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StarShipSofa 755 Akis Linardos 24:25

3M ago24:25

24:25

Main fiction: “Solar-Powered Buddies” by Akis Linardos Akis Linardos is a writer of bizarre things, a biomedical AI scientist, and maybe human. He’s also a Greek that hops across countries as his career and exploration urges demand. Find his words at Apex, Strange Horizons, Uncharted, Heartlines Spec, and visit his lair for more: https://linktr.ee/…

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Episode #150 - Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde 1:26:46

3M ago1:26:46

1:26:46

Chef Sarah Grueneberg — the James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of Monteverde, now celebrating its 10th anniversary — joins us in the studio for a warm and lively conversation. You might recognize her from her unforgettable run on Top Chef, but Sarah’s career spans far beyond television: she’s known for her soulful approach to Italian cuisin…

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Episode #149 - Kevin Brown of Lettuce Entertain You 1:20:51

3M ago1:20:51

1:20:51

This week, we sit down with Kevin Brown, former CEO and one of the earliest employees of the renowned restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You, whose depth, variety, and consistent success have made it a cornerstone of the hospitality world. Kevin’s creative instincts, quiet wisdom, and sharp business acumen have been central to the company’s remarka…

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StarShipSofa 754 Bogi Takács 1:01:09

3M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Main fiction: “Cyclic Amplification, Meaning Family” by Bogi Takács Bogi’s bios can be found scattered all over the internet. In the spirit of cooperation demonstrated in the story, Bogi would like to ask you to take a few moments to engage in a tangible act of solidarity with people experiencing state violence and/or oppression: Palestinians, Ukra…

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Episode #148 - Peter Vestinos of Bisous & Sparrow 1:26:54

3M ago1:26:54

1:26:54

Peter Vestinos is the driving force behind Bisous and Sparrow, two of Chicago’s most celebrated cocktail destinations, where his signature mix of elegance and intention defines the drinking experience. In addition to helming these standout bars, Peter is also the hospitality coach and cocktail program curator behind BarMedic, the consulting company…

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Episode #147 - Erick Williams of Virtue Hospitality Group 1:54:36

3M ago1:54:36

1:54:36

Chef Erick Williams is the award-winning restaurateur, community-builder, and mentor whose dedication to equity, leadership, and culinary excellence makes him one of Chicago’s most influential voices in food. He understands the importance of hospitality in making people’s days better—especially in a city like Chicago, which he sees as the perfect b…

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Episode #146 - Ina Pinkney, Hospitality Legend 1:41:54

4M ago1:41:54

1:41:54

This week’s guest needs no introduction — but we’ll give it a shot anyway. Ina Pinkney is the sage-like force and entrepreneurial spirit behind the late great Ina’s Kitchen, a beloved Chicago culinary landmark known for its warmth, character, and unforgettable food. But, as she wryly reminds us, she didn’t arrive fully formed. A childhood illness a…

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Episode #145 - Jason Chan of Gavroche 1:23:50

4M ago1:23:50

1:23:50

This week’s guest seamlessly blends the art of hospitality with the disciplined focus of martial arts, leading a life story that reads like a compelling redemption narrative. Raised above an Irish pub by first-generation Korean immigrant parents, Jason Chan was immersed in the world of hospitality from an early age. His journey led him from working…

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StarShipSofa 753 Sarah Day & Tim Pratt 48:56

4M ago48:56

48:56

Main Fiction: “Overclocked Holmes” by Sarah Day & Tim Pratt Sarah Day writes horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Her debut dark fantasy novella Greyhowler is available from Underland Press (https://books2read.com/b/greyhowler). Find her on Bluesky (@sarahday.org) or subscribe to her newsletter (https://buttondown.com/sarahday). Tim Pratt is the a…

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Episode #144 - Heidi Hageman of H2 Public Relations 1:16:02

4M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

This week's guest is a natural-born storyteller with a gift for amplifying voices in the hospitality world. As the president and founder of H2 Public Relations, Heidi Hageman has spent nearly two decades shaping the public image of top restaurants and industry professionals in Chicago and on the West Coast, with a client list that includes a number…

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Episode #143 - Marcos Carbajal of Carnitas Uruapan 1:12:52

4M ago1:12:52

1:12:52

When Marcos Carbajal’s father, Inocencio “El Güero” Carbajal, opened Carnitas Uruapan in 1975 in Pilsen, he lived on a couch in the restaurant and ate carnitas for three meals a day, all to realize his vision of sharing and celebrating his home region of Michoacán’s specialty: delicious, mouth-watering carnitas. Marcos has since taken over the busi…

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StarShipSofa 752 e rathke 48:47

5M ago48:47

48:47

Main fiction: “The Ganymede Blues” by e rathke e rathke writes about books and games at radicaledward.substack.com. A finalist for the Baen Fantasy Adventure Award and recipient of the Diverse Worlds Grant, he is the author of Glossolalia, Howl, and the space opera series The Shattered Stars. His short fiction appears in Mysterion Magazine, Cosmic …

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Episode #142 - Carrie Nahabedian of Brindille 1:43:24

5M ago1:43:24

1:43:24

This week’s guest is a powerhouse in the culinary world. Carrie Nahabedian, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind the acclaimed Brindille and the late, great NAHA, has left an indelible mark on Chicago’s fine dining scene. From an early love of cooking inspired by her Armenian heritage to helming the kitchens of high-end hotels like the Ritz-Ca…

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Episode #141 - Eli Sussman of Gertrude’s 1:32:08

5M ago1:32:08

1:32:08

When this week’s guest isn’t satirizing the hospitality industry with incisive memes via his Instagram account @thesussmans, he’s the Chef and partner at Gertrude’s in Brooklyn. Eli Sussman joins us in the studio to discuss creative new lanes for chefs amidst an increasingly competitive landscape, explain what happens when the comedic and culinary …

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StarShipSofa 751 Guido Eekhaut 30:53

5M ago30:53

30:53

Main fiction: “The Whispering Flowers” by Guido Eekhaut Guido Eekhaut is a European writer of weird, speculative fiction, crime and literary fantasy, residing in Spain and Belgium; Dutch-, English and French-speaking, published 70 books and 180 stories in several languages, awards and nominations mostly for crime writing, no cat (likes cats, does n…

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Episode #140 - Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Café 1:16:35

5M ago1:16:35

1:16:35

This week’s guest is a passionate workhorse: when Sarah Stegner isn’t serving imaginative, seasonally inspired dishes as the founder and creative force behind Prairie Grass Cafe, she’s showcasing the potential for chefs to advocate for change in food sourcing or rallying her chef friends to cook for a good cause. As a founding member of the innovat…

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Episode #139 - Jenner Tomaska of Esmé & The Alston 1:47:07

5M ago1:47:07

1:47:07

This week’s guest worked in nearly every culinary setting imaginable—from Dairy Queen to sports bars—before making his mark in fine dining. Chef Jenner Tomaska earned his stripes at top spots like Mk and Next before founding the renowned Esmé alongside his wife, Katrina Bravo. He joins the pod to share how creativity serves as his North Star in nav…

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StarShipSofa 750 Eris Young 47:26

5M ago47:26

47:26

Main fiction: “The Outer Body” by Eris Young Eris Young is a transgender writer of speculative fiction. Their work has appeared in publications including Escape Pod, GigaNotoSaurus, Small Wonders, and the Immigrant Sci-Fi Short Stories anthology from Flame Tree Press. Their novel-in-progress, Idomeneja, was longlisted for the Cheshire Novel Prize. …

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Episode #138 - Felipe Ospina, Hospitality Veteran 1:28:20

6M ago1:28:20

1:28:20

From Colombia to South Beach, Williamsburg to Chicago, Felipe Ospina’s hospitality journey has taken him through some of the most dynamic culinary landscapes in the world. With a track record of opening 25 restaurants in Chicago and a passion for concept creation, agility, and innovation, Felipe has helped shape the city’s dining scene. Now a busin…

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Episode #137 - Dennis Lee of Food is Stupid and The Party Cut 1:49:35

6M ago1:49:35

1:49:35

You might know this week’s guest from the antics of his Substack, Food is Stupid, where he lovingly skewers food culture with irreverent humor and subversive stunts. But don’t get it twisted: despite his approach, the man behind it, Dennis Lee, is a serious voice in Chicago’s culinary community—a true purveyor and champion of hidden gems, and someo…

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StarShipSofa 749 Selena Chambers 35:04

6M ago35:04

35:04

Main fiction: “The Şehrazatın Diyoraması Tour” Selena Chambers is the author of Babes in Toyland’s Fontanelle for Bloomsbury Academic’s 33 1/3 series, and the Weird short story collection Calls for Submission from Pelekinesis. Her writing has been translated in five countries, as well as published in the U.K. and Australia. Nominations include: the…

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Episode #136 - Greg Hall of Goose Island and Virtue Cider 1:37:44

6M ago1:37:44

1:37:44

Greg Hall, the brewmaster and beverage visionary behind Goose Island’s meteoric rise, has long been a pioneer in the craft beer world. As the son of founder John Hall, Greg’s boundless creativity and willingness to experiment with unconventional styles helped establish Goose Island as a trailblazer in the golden age of craft brewing. After the brew…

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Episode #135 - Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's 1:24:48

6M ago1:24:48

1:24:48

This week’s guest is a man whose reputation precedes him—we sit down with the inimitable Doug Sohn, the visionary behind Hot Doug’s. A lighthearted stalwart of Chicago’s culinary old guard, his namesake restaurant became a storied institution, and his sausages have been enjoyed at Wrigley Field since 2015. Doug joins us in the studio to share insig…

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Episode #134 - Omar Cadena of Omarcito's 1:53:21

6M ago1:53:21

1:53:21

This week’s guest is a beacon of warmth and inspiration in Chicago’s hospitality scene — a spiritual guide and charismatic leader with an infectious passion for taking care of others. Omar Cadena, a proud Chicago native and veteran of the restaurant industry, is the visionary behind Omarcito's, a vibrant celebration of his family’s Cuban and Ecuado…

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Episode #133 - Malcolm Simkoff of Ritual Cannabis Hospitality 1:56:09

7M ago1:56:09

1:56:09

As we close out 2024, we’re excited to sit down with Malcolm Simkoff of Ritual Cannabis Hospitality. Simkoff honed his craft in some of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants (Acadia, Elizabeth, Leña Brava...) before venturing to Tulum, where he navigated the region’s culinary gold rush. Upon returning to the U.S., he noticed a glaring gap in the ca…

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Episode #132 - Lacey Irby of Dear Margaret 1:07:05

7M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

This week’s guest got her start in hospitality PR before trying her hand at launching a restaurant of her own. Lacey Irby’s unique perspective as storyteller and tastemaker, coupled with inventive dishes courtesy of executive chef Ryan Brosseau, has helped turn Dear Margaret into a dining experience worth writing home about. She comes by the studio…

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Episode #131 - Josh Tilden of Maxwells Trading 1:14:19

7M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Last year, when we had Chef Erling Wu-Bower on the pod, Maxwells hadn’t opened yet — the concept was brimming with promise, but its mettle was yet untested. After a year of service, there’s no denying how much the spot is thriving, and it’s in large part to this week’s guest — Josh Tilden, Chef Erling’s front-of-house counterpart. Josh is an engine…

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StarShipSofa 747 Donyae Coles

7M ago

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Main fiction: “When Dessa Danced” Donyae Coles is the author of Midnight Rooms, has a variety of puffy princess dresses and one cat but she wants more of both. She has traveled the world four times over and may do so again. Her short work has been published in a variety of horror and other speculative fiction anthologies and magazines such as Night…

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Episode #130 - Giuseppe Tentori of GT Prime 1:17:02

7M ago1:17:02

1:17:02

This week, we are delighted to welcome a culinary artist who, despite his reluctance to embrace the title of "chef", is undeniably one of the industry’s most esteemed talents. Chef Giuseppe Tentori refined his culinary skills in some of Chicago’s premier kitchens before joining BOKA Group, where he led BOKA (the restaurant) and subsequently opened …

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Episode #129 - James Martin of Bocadillo Market 1:31:08

8M ago1:31:08

1:31:08

This week’s guest is busy. From championing numerous charitable causes alongside fellow Chicago chefs to running the award-winning Bocadillo Market, James Martin embodies the spirit of humble grit and hospitality zeal. With a passion for crafting inventive dishes that put a modern twist on Spanish classics, James shares his journey from modest begi…

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StarShipSofa 746 Antony Paschos 41:50

8M ago41:50

41:50

Main fiction: “You Can Never Stock Up Enough Fans” by Antony Paschos Antony Paschos is a Greek author with short stories in Interzone, Galaxy’s Edge, ZNB Presents, Giganotosaurus, James Gunn’s Ad Astra, and other magazines. He has published three books in Greek and one in French. His work has been translated into four more languages. He is a member…

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Episode #128 - Adam McFarland of John's Food and Wine 1:09:03

8M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

In his early 20s, this week’s guest was working as a builder when he accidentally dropped a pallet of bricks — and vowed to move to San Francisco to pursue a life in the kitchen. And we are lucky he did: Adam McFarland is a born natural (he started cooking when he was a toddler), and his latest venture, John’s Food and Wine, which he started alongs…

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Episode #127 - Joe Flamm of Rose Mary 1:29:46

8M ago1:29:46

1:29:46

This week, we're thrilled to be joined by Joe Flamm in the studio. The Top Chef champion and driving force behind acclaimed restaurants Rose Mary and BLVD Steakhouse takes us on a conversational journey through his life in the kitchen. From his South Side roots and the influence of his Italian grandmother to his time spent working alongside culinar…

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StarShipSofa 745 John Kessel

8M ago

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Main fiction: “Not Responsible! Park and Lock It!” by John Kessel Born in Buffalo, NY, novelist and story writer John Kessel is emeritus professor of literature and creative writing at North Carolina State University, where he taught courses on literature and creative writing and helped found the MFA program in creative writing. His fiction has rec…

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