Chef Lance Nitahara’s Hawaiian Roots & CIA Flare with Pooch Rivera
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Join us for an illuminating conversation with the extraordinary Chef Lance Nitahara as he takes us on a personal culinary journey from the tropical shores of Oahu to the esteemed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and beyond. Discover how Chef Lance masterfully marries his Hawaiian heritage with classical culinary traditions, transforming these influences into an innovative approach that has earned him global acclaim. In this episode, we also welcome Pooch Rivera, who spices up the dialogue with creative dishes like an Asian-inspired Reuben and lamb fajitas, crafted using versatile Aussie Select products.
Chef Lance shares the thrill and pressure of competing in high-stakes culinary events, drawing deeply from his Hawaiian roots to showcase unique flavors despite logistical challenges such as sourcing authentic ingredients. Amid the cultural shifts he experienced moving from Hawaii to the CIA, Chef Lance
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Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.
Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.
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Chapters
1. Chef Lance Nitahara’s Hawaiian Roots & CIA Flare with Pooch Rivera (00:00:00)
2. Chef Lance Nidahara's Culinary Journey (00:00:47)
3. Overcoming Competition and Cultural Differences (00:07:10)
4. Mastering Culinary Competition and Tradition (00:12:47)
5. Culinary Education and Career Paths (00:17:54)
157 episodes