From Humboldt Park to Haute Cuisine: Chef David Reyes on Survival, Soul Food, and Building Culinary Culture
Manage episode 480172071 series 3404873
Chef David Reyes shares his remarkable journey from Chicago's Humboldt Park to culinary innovation at St. Pete Distillery, revealing how experiences in European Michelin kitchens and family traditions shaped his cooking philosophy.
• Growing up in inner-city Chicago during the 1980s amid violence and danger
• Learning foundational hospitality principles at grandmother's table where "nothing was missing"
• Transitioning from Army medic to culinary school despite family skepticism
• Training in French kitchens where bread was thrown at him for being undercooked
• Working stages at legendary restaurants including Alinea in Chicago
• Developing restaurants across America as a concept chef
• Creating award-winning dishes sometimes without tasting the final combination until service
• Building culinary p
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The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!
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.
We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.
Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America
Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.
📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]
Chapters
1. Learning the Hard Way in French Kitchens (00:00:00)
2. Early Days in Chicago's Inner City (00:06:00)
3. Grandmother's Influence on Hospitality (00:12:31)
4. Military Discipline in Culinary World (00:20:27)
5. European Culinary Adventures (00:27:08)
6. Building Restaurants Across America (00:38:18)
7. Innovation at St. Pete Distillery (00:49:10)
8. Craft Spirits and Future Vision (00:54:55)
157 episodes