Today, I’m talking to Chef Fany Gerson. She is a cookbook author, James Beard nominee, and the owner of Fan Fan Doughnuts and La Newyorkina. You’ll hear about her culinary journey, from her childhood memories in Mexico City to her innovative in New York hotspots. She talks about the unique fusion of French techniques with Mexican flavors, and the i…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Lisa Dahl, one of the most influential figures in Arizona’s culinary landscape. A self-taught chef and resilient entrepreneur, Lisa shares how an unimaginable personal tragedy led her from San Francisco to Sedona—and eventually into the kitchen, where she built a restaurant empire from the gr…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Tony Nguyen, the Executive Chef behind the acclaimed Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills—an upscale destination redefining Modern Asian cuisine with elegance and innovation. Born and raised in St. Louis to a Vietnamese family, Chef Tony shares how his upbringing, rich with cultural heritag…

Today on Flavors Unknown, we head to Honolulu to meet the culinary duo behind one of Hawaii’s most celebrated dining destinations: Chef Wade Ueoka and Pastry Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant. Their menu is a vibrant tapestry of Hawaii’s multicultural influences, showcasing local farmers, sustainable practices, and authentic island flavors.…

Recorded live at Phoenix Palace during NYC StarChefs Rising Stars. Sponsored by Symrise. In this special episode of Flavors Unknown, we head to New York City for a dynamic roundtable with four of the most exciting names in the city’s food and beverage scene: Chef Zhan Chen – Executive Chef at Phoenix Palace, redefining Cantonese dining in Chinatown…

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m joined by Chef Matt Abdoo, co-founder of the wildly popular Pig Beach BBQ. Known for its award-winning approach to regional American barbecue, Pig Beach blends the soul of Southern smoke with chef-driven technique—and Matt is the creative fire behind it all. But before the smoke, there were stars—Michelin stars. Matt’s…

In this in-person episode recorded on location in Honolulu, I sit down with Chef Mourad Lahlou, the visionary behind Aziza, Mourad, Leila, and Miro Kaimuki. Known for pioneering modern Moroccan cuisine and earning Michelin stars along the way, Chef Mourad opens up about his personal and professional evolution—from self-taught beginnings in the U.S.…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Amanda Cohen, the creative force behind Dirt Candy, one of the most innovative vegetable-forward restaurants in New York City. Amanda has spent her career redefining what plant-based fine dining looks like—turning vegetables into culinary masterpieces while challenging industry norms. From el…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Joerick Rivera, the culinary mind behind Bakku, a Japanese crudo bar in Rincón, Puerto Rico, and Palmonte, where he explores Puerto Rican flavors with a modern twist. Despite initially resisting the idea of becoming a chef, Rivera has established himself as a pioneer, bringing Japanese precis…

On today’s episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef JJ Johnson, the James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of FIELDTRIP, a fast-casual concept with four locations across New York. Known for his deep appreciation of the African diaspora’s culinary traditions, Chef JJ Johnson has built a brand around rice as a universal connector, sustain…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Mario Pagán at his restaurant La Central in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Chef Pagán is a visionary in Puerto Rican cuisine, blending French techniques with bold, local flavors in what he calls the "Nueva Mesa Boricua" philosophy. With a restaurant portfolio that includes Mario Pagán, La Central, an…

Today’s episode is a special one! I’m joined by five exceptional chefs shaping the Charleston Food Scene:Chef Shuai Wang of King BBQ, blending Chinese barbecue traditions with Southern flavors.Chef Shaun Brian Sells of CudaCo., elevating sustainable seafood with creative coastal cuisine.Pastry Chef Annie Coleman of Flora and Fauna, combining artist…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with the extraordinary Alexander Smalls—Harlem-based chef, opera singer, storyteller, and James Beard Award-winning author. Alexander recently released his latest book, The Contemporary African Kitchen, a celebration of African culinary traditions and the chefs shaping its future.Recorded in the intima…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, we’re thrilled to welcome Chef Dave Beran, a culinary visionary whose remarkable journey spans some of the most iconic restaurants in Chicago and Los Angeles. From his early days at MK, Tru, and the trailblazing Alinea, to creating the critically acclaimed Pasjoli and his newest venture, Seline, Chef Dave Beran h…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, host Emmanuel Laroche dives deep into the world of Chef Andrew Black, a James Beard Award-winning chef whose restaurants are redefining Oklahoma City’s culinary landscape. With three acclaimed establishments—Grey Sweater, Black Walnut, and the newly launched Perle Mesta—Chef Black combines his Jamaican and Indian…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, host Emmanuel Laroche sits down with Dinara Kasko, the Ukrainian pastry artist who’s revolutionized the world of baking. Combining her architectural background with a passion for pastry, Dinara creates breathtaking edible sculptures using cutting-edge 3D printing techniques. Her unique approach has earned her int…

In today’s episode of Flavors Unknown, I’m delighted to sit down with the iconic Nancy Silverton—Los Angeles-based chef, award-winning baker, restaurateur, and celebrated author. Known for co-founding Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and Chi Spacca, Silverton is a James Beard Foundation Award winner for Outstanding Chef, an honor she receiv…

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m sitting down with Chef Danny Garcia, the Top Chef Season 21 winner and Executive Chef at Saga Hospitality Group. Chef Danny is preparing to launch Time and Tide, a highly anticipated seafood restaurant opening in Manhattan in late 2024. In this episode, we explore his culinary journey—from his early days at Johnson & W…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Robbie Felice, the New Jersey-based culinary innovator and co-founder of several renowned restaurants, including the exclusive pop-up pasta RAMEN,Viaggio Ristorante, Osteria Crescendo, and Fatto con Amore. A James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist, Chef Felice is known for his inventive app…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, we sit down with Chef Shota Nakajima, the culinary force behind Seattle's acclaimed restaurant Taku and a finalist on Top Chef Season 18. Shota Nakajima shares how his family cultivated his passion for food and hospitality from a young age, and how his career has evolved from his early days in Japan to becoming a…

In this episode, I’m joined by Chef James Passafaro, co-owner of the revolutionary app Opsi.io, which is changing the way restaurants manage their operations. Opsi.io is a cloud-based tool that streamlines recipe management, food costing, inventory, and more—eliminating the need for old-school binders and paperwork.James shares his incredible journ…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Corey Siegel, the North American Corporate Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Development at Electrolux Professional. Based in Charlotte, NC, Corey is a culinary innovator who has left a remarkable imprint on the industry. Known for his unique blend of culinary mastery and passion for mu…

In this episode of the Flavors Unknown podcast, we bring you an exclusive panel discussion from StarChefs Boston's Rising Stars, sponsored by Symrise NA. Join me as I sit down with some of Boston's most innovative culinary minds: Chef Will Gilson of Puritan & Co., Pastry Chef Monica Glass, co-founder of Verveine Cafe & Bakery, Bartender James Sutte…

Today, we delve into the fascinating journey of Chef Norman Van Aken, considered one of the founders of New American Cuisine. A true culinary legend, Van Aken is a pioneer who expertly blends old-world techniques with new-world flavors, coining the term “fusion.” With numerous books, his own Netflix series, and a legacy of inspiring and mentoring m…

Today, I’m excited to talk to Arnold Myint, the talented Chef at The International Market in Nashville. Known for his vibrant personality on Top Chef, Arnold is redefining Thai cuisine by blending modern techniques with traditional Thai flavors. In 2024, he was a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast, highlighti…

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, we sit down with Chef Alex Yoon, the culinary visionary behind Little Fish, a 16-seat seafood BYOB gem nestled in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia. Known for its intimate setting and creative seafood dishes, Little Fish has been a local favorite since the 90s. Chef Yoon shares his journey of taking …

Join us today from JWU as we delve into the transformative world of culinary education with Dean Jason Evans of Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. With a unique blend of economics and a visionary approach to food sustainability, Dean Evans is steering JWU towards a future where culinary education intertwines seamlessly with health and nutr…

Join us for a special episode of our podcast featuring a dynamic panel discussion that took place during the StarChefs Rising Stars event in Los Angeles. Today, we dive into the heart of the LA food scene with some of its most innovative culinary leaders: Chef Sandra Cordero at Xuntos, Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, Mixologist Ramsey Musk at Accomplice B…

Join us today as we explore the compelling narrative of Chef Mike Carter at Down North Pizza in North Philadelphia, where his passion for culinary innovation and social entrepreneurship takes center stage. As a chef who has navigated the journey from incarceration to leading one of Philly's best pizza restaurants, Mike's story is a profound testame…

Today I’m talking to Chef Aaron Bludorn. Born in Minneapolis and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he’s known for his refined and personal style. He’s the creative force behind Bludorn Restaurant and Navy Blue, both located in Houston, Texas.You’ll hear about his youthful excursions catching fish in Seattle and his experiences working in some of the…

Today I’m talking to Chef Nina Compton, a James Beard award-winning chef based in New Orleans,Louisiana. She’s the owner and creative mind behind Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro. You’ll hear about her experience on Season 11 of Top Chef, - Saint Lucian roots What you'll learn from Nina Compton Chef Nina Conpton's unique and flavorful upbr…

This episode is the recording of the SXSW 2024 panel discussion I moderated with local chefs in Austin at a live SXSW event called Global Bites, Local Delights: How Immigrant Flavors Are Shaping the U.S. Food Scene. I’m joined by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Chef Edgar Rico from Nixta Taqueria, and Chef Simone Tong …

Today I’m talking to Author Andrew Friedman. His most recent book is called The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food. It takes a deep dive into one Chicago kitchen to explore the nature of our food system and the professionals who plate and prepare the food we eat. He’s also the host of the podcast "Andrew Talks to Chefs".You’ll hear …

Today, I’m exploring A Taste of Philly with a StarChefs Rising Stars panel of talented chefs in Philadelphia. You’ll hear from Chef Michael Vincent Ferreri at Irwin’s, Chef George Madosky at Fork, Chef Yun Fuentes at Bolo, Bartender Fred Beebe at Post Haste, and Pastry Chef Amanda Rafaiski from Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Discover how their cultural …

Today, I’m talking to Chef Simone Tong of the restaurant Zoe Tong in Austin. Her cross-cultural upbringing exposed her to many flavors throughout Asia, informing a blending of influences that resulted in a style uniquely her own.You’ll hear about her early food influences, from street foods in China to her days working in her mother’s restaurant. S…

Today, I’m talking to chef Jose Carles, the creative mind behind Venice’s newest restaurant, Si! Mon.Carles is originally from Panama, where he ran Donde Jose and currently operates Fonda Lo Que Hay in bustling Panama City.You’ll hear about his early start in the kitchen and the encouragement his family provided to get him on the professional culin…

Today, I’m talking to chef Rico Torres from Mixtli in San Antonio, TX. Born and raised in El Paso, the vast desert landscapes helped inspire his creativity. His proximity to the border of Mexico fed his love for south of the border culinary traditions, made evident through the food he dishes up at Mixtli. You’ll hear how he embraces his Mexican cul…

Today, I’m talking to Chef Gavin Kaysen. He’s the executive chef and owner of several Minneapolis hotspots, including Spoon and Stable, Bellecour Bakery, Demi, Socca, and Mara. Kaysen was a 2018 recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef.You’ll hear about his early love for his grandmother’s dishes, how they inspired him to become…

Today, I’m sharing a panel discussion dedicated to the art of perfect pizza. With me are Chef RobertAndreozzi from Marvin Pizza in Providence, RI, Chef Derrick Tung from Paulie Gee's in Logan Square in Chicago, and Chef Demetri Mechelis from Martha Dear in Washington DC.You’ll hear how they first became interested in pizza-making, and they each sha…

Today, I’m sharing a recent panel discussion that took place in the thriving culinary scene of Austin, Texas. I was joined by Chef Fiore Tedesco of L'Oca D'Oro, Chef Fermin Nunez of Suerte and Este, Chef Philip Speer of Comedor, Chef Amanda Turner of Olamaie, Bartender Erin Ashford of Holiday.You’ll hear about the local restaurant scene in Austin a…

This is the Best Chefs' Stories episode of the 'Flavors Unknown' podcast, as we celebrate a milestone - episode 150 alongside, 100,000 episode downloads, and the one-year anniversary of my book, “Conversations Behind The Kitchen Door.” This special edition is a journey into the culinary world, highlighting big themes like Heritage and Influences, C…

Today, I'm featuring Talat Market and chef Parnass Savang. He’s the co-founder of Talat Market in Atlanta. As a first-generation Thai-American, he’s learned to blend his cultural background in the form of unique and flavorful dishes that he describes as Georgian Thai.You’ll hear about when he first fell in love with Thai food and how he began to fi…

Today, I’m talking to chef Vikram Garg from UMI by Vikram Garg, located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Raised in India, Garg was trained in the French-style of culinary arts, providing him with the knowledge of classic techniques. With influences from Japan, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and Hawaii, he seamlessly merges international influences with the boun…

Today, I’m talking to Grace Lin, author of Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods. In her book, Lin explores the fascinating stories behind some of the most common and delectable favorites of Chinese cuisine paired with vivid illustrations. You’ll hear how she came up with the idea for this unique book, and the imp…

5 Providence Restaurants. Today, I’m sharing a panel discussion I had with 5 of Rhode Island’s finest culinary professionals at the Star Chef’s event in Providence. Chef Derek Wagner from Nick’s on Broadway in Providence, Chef Eric Brown from Thick Neck at The Dean Hotel in Providence, Chef Kevin O'Donnell from Giusto in New Port, Chef Nick Gillesp…

Today, I'm diving into the Bold Fork Books Chef Panel discussion, organized by co-owner Clementine Thomas, co-owner of the Bold Fork Books bookstore in Washington DC. Joining me are Chef Matt Conroy from Lutèce in DC and Chef Opie Crooks from FARM Hospitality Group in Savannah, Georgia.Listen in as these culinary professionals share their initial r…

In this captivating episode, we dive deep with the illustrious James Beard Award-nominated Chef Michael Gallina. At the helm of St. Louis's Vicia restaurant, Michael crafts seasonal, vegetable-centric dishes, epitomized in his signature 3-course Farmers Feast. Journey with us as we explore Vicia's underlying philosophy, the forces that continually …

In this episode, I’m talking to Will Guidara. He’s the man responsible for turning New York’s Eleven Madison Park into the number one restaurant in the world. Guidara put his passion onto paper with the publishing of his book Unreasonable Hospitality.You’ll hear about his commitment to “radical hospitality” and hear real world examples of how he ha…

Today, I’m talking to Celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan. You might recognize her from The Food Network where she provides culinary insight to aspiring chef on Chopped . As a successful Nashville restauranteur, she’s known and admired for her uniquely global Indian culinary style.You’ll hear about her early life and career and the key influences behind …

This episode features Top Chef Interviews with 5 culinary professionals in a panel discussion for Symrise in Portland, Oregon, during the StarChefs event. We’ll hear from Chef Bonnie Morales of Kachka, Chef Matt Mayer of Heavenly Creatures, Chef Kyle Christy of Street Disco, Bartender Katsumi Manabe of Scotch Lodge, and Pastry Chef Tara Lewis of Tu…