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    Andrew Talks to Chefs

    Our top chefs, as you’ve never heard them before. Author Andrew Friedman, one of the nation's chief chroniclers of professional kitchen life, interviews a diverse cross-section of the best and biggest names in the business, bringing his personal relationships and industry knowledge to bear in coaxing personal and professional revelations from his guests.
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    Episodes (311)

    Bringing the Culinary Past to Life with "The Taste of Things" Director Trần Anh Hùng (An ATTC Special Conversation)

    Bringing the Culinary Past to Life with "The Taste of Things" Director Trần Anh Hùng (An ATTC Special Conversation)

    The Taste of Things is one of the most celebrated films of the past year, a beautifully rendered love story set amid an important chapter in culinary history. On this ATTC Special Conversation, the film's writer-director Trần Anh Hùng joins us from Paris to discuss the genesis of the film, what attracted him to the project, the involvement of chef Pierre Gagnaire, and working with actors Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel. 

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger on Making a Difference (An ATTC Special Conversation)

    Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger on Making a Difference (An ATTC Special Conversation)

    Friends of the pod Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger check in from Los Angeles to discuss the evolution of chefs and other industry figures making a difference by devoting time, effort, and resources to a variety of causes. In addition to their own substantial work on behalf of organizations such as The Abundance Setting, the James Beard Foundation, The Los Angeles LGBT Center, The National Scleroderma Foundation, Regarding HER, and Share Our Strength, the dynamic duo talk about the rewards of giving back, how they involve young culinary professionals in this work, and ways of maximizing the power of individuals and the industry as a whole.

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

     

    (Photo by Shilah Montiel.)

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Remembering David Bouley: In His Own Words and Voice (previously unaired 2014 interview)

    Remembering David Bouley: In His Own Words and Voice (previously unaired 2014 interview)

    This week, the chef and restaurant community suddenly lost one of its most talented and influential figures. David Bouley, who rose to prominence at Montrachet and Bouley restaurants in the 1980s, died of cardiac arrest at age 70. To remember this towering culinary figure, we are sharing a previously unaired interview recorded at Bouley restaurant in its then-current home in 2014. Our condolences to David's family and to the community of admirers, colleagues, and friends he leaves behind.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 239: Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins (Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare) on NYC Energy, Collaborative Cheffing, & Making the Final Every Night

    Episode 239: Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins (Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare) on NYC Energy, Collaborative Cheffing, & Making the Final Every Night

    In October 2023, Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins returned to Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, where they once were cooks, as co-chefs of the celebrated tasting-menu restaurant. Four months into their tenure, they sat down with Andrew to share their individual and joint stories, describe their collaborative creative process, and explain their their attraction to New York City.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 238: Brad Kilgore (MaryGold's Brasserie, Miami, FL) on Molecular/Modernist Cuisine, His New Frozen Pizza Venture, and the Surprising Secrets of a French Onion Burger

    Episode 238: Brad Kilgore (MaryGold's Brasserie, Miami, FL) on Molecular/Modernist Cuisine, His New Frozen Pizza Venture, and the Surprising Secrets of a French Onion Burger

    MIami's Brad Kilgore displays an easygoing demeanor beneath which resides a precise and driven chef. When Brad and his colleagues hosted Andrew for a book event last fall at the Arlo Hotel Wynwood (home of Brad's MaryGold's Brasserie), the two of them sat down to record this interview. In it they discuss myriad subjects including Brad's adoption of the principles of Molecular and Modernist Cuisines, his time in some of the best restaurants in Chicago, and his plans for the future, including Pizza Freak Co., an already launched direct-to-doorstep frozen pizza venture

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Is "The Stuff" Enough? with Miami's Chef Michael Beltran (an Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    Is "The Stuff" Enough? with Miami's Chef Michael Beltran (an Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    While visiting his hometown of Miami, Florida, during his recent book tour, Andrew finally  had the chance to meet and interview with chef Michael Beltran of Ariete, Chug's Diner, and Eva and The Oyster Bar--all in Coconut Grove. Michael is also the host of the excellent Pan Con Podcast, which you should by all means check out. After years of corresponding by Instagram messages, Andrew and MIchael sat down for a conversation that is shared differently on their two shows: Michael and producer Nicolás Antonio Jiménez (who produced the session, and recorded and mixed the sound) ran the entire two-plus-hour dialogue on Pan Con Podcast. We're sharing pieces of it here as Special Conversations, starting with this episode about how a chef can stay true to themself while also drawing and satisfying customers. It's an honest, frank conversation that we think is very timely and entertaining.

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Mentorship Panel #4: Nando Chang and Adriano Montano LIVE! from an On The Line Dinner in Miami (presented by S.Pellegrino)

    Mentorship Panel #4: Nando Chang and Adriano Montano LIVE! from an On The Line Dinner in Miami (presented by S.Pellegrino)

    Our fourth Mentorship panel was staged this past fall in Andrew's hometown of Miami, Florida, at the much-acclaimed  Maty's, part of the Itamae family of restaurants. As chef Valerie "Val" Chang and her crew prepared dinner for a full house of line cooks from around the city, her brother and business partner Nando Chang took to the mic along with his longtime protege Adriano Montano. Their unique story--both are musicians and Adriano continues to pursue his career alongside his now five-year (and going) stint with the Itamae group. This latest installment in our six-part LIVE! national series offers much wisdom on hiring and management, and a touching (and not uncommon) story of a cook finding the kitchen almost by accident, and deciding to stay there.

    (Be sure to also listen to the other episodes in this series, which are conveniently gathered in an archive on our website.)

     

    * photo by Middle River Arts

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 237: Sam Hart (Counter-, Charlotte, NC)

    Episode 237: Sam Hart (Counter-, Charlotte, NC)

    **Content warning – this episode (briefly) discusses attempted suicide.**

    Sam Hart took a circuitous route to the professional kitchen. After a childhood in which cooking and food weren't especially central concerns, Sam was in a career in advertising when culinary inspiration struck, leading to jobs in such kitchens as  Alinea, and ultimately to becoming chef owner of Counter- and other concepts in Charlotte, NC. Andrew and Sam sat down a few months back to go through their fascinating career and creative arc.

    Please note: If experiencing suicidal feelings, for professional and/or medical advice/attention, please seek help from an appropriate mental health care specialist and/or medical provider.

    If you are in the U.S., here are two resources where you can seek help any day, at any time:

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    Crisis Text Line (also available in the UK, Ireland, and Canada)

    A great many national and regional resources are available, both in the US and around the world. If in the United States, you can seek a referral here. Wherever you are, a quick web search should point you to qualified help in your area and/or language.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Grilling the Author of The Dish, w/ Andrew Friedman, and guest host Chandra Ram (Food & Wine)

    Grilling the Author of The Dish, w/ Andrew Friedman, and guest host Chandra Ram (Food & Wine)

    For the first time in three hundred episodes, we're turning the tables on Andrew and sitting him in the hot seat, a.k.a. the guest's chair, to take you inside his new book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food. Fellow writer and author Chandra Ram, of Food & Wine, takes the helm to ask Andrew all about the book: where the idea came from, what the research entailed, how difficult it was traveling and interviewing during the recent pandemic, and what the key takeaways from the book are. We've also layered in excerpts from the audio book, read by chef MIchael Lomonaco, to bring some sections Chandra and Andrew discuss to vivid life.

    To order The Dish, please visit HarperCollin's book page, from which you can navigate to your favorite online bookseller. (Or purchase from a local, independent bookseller if you are able.)

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    This Restaurant Just Wants to Have Fun w/ Madalyn Summers, Paul D'Avino, and Jorge Olarte of Brooklyn's Cafe Mars (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    This Restaurant Just Wants to Have Fun w/ Madalyn Summers, Paul D'Avino, and Jorge Olarte of Brooklyn's Cafe Mars (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    Cafe Mars, a six-month old restaurant in Gowanus, Brooklyn, has made quite an impression on guests and awards-bestowers alike with its unique brand of hospitality, which extends to both staff and guests, erasing many of the invisible boundaries long associated with dining out. Everybody on staff is cross-trained for the kitchen, dining room, and bar; the team closes out their preshift meeting with a stretching exercise; and guests are received and cared for with a familiarity that resonates with a growing fan base. You can call this enlightened hospitality, or (as Andrew suggests in the interview) holistic hospitality. To our guests today--beverage director Madalyn Summers and chefs Paul D'Avino and Jorge Olarte--it's just hospitality, and they hope, fun, Whatever you call it, it won the restaurant a Michelin Guide New York award for Service this year. A conversation that any restaurant professional will take something valuable from.

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful," and the Wall Street Journal says "takes the reader on an adventure."

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

     

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 236: Eli Kulp (Chef & Host, Chef Radio Podcast)

    Episode 236: Eli Kulp (Chef & Host, Chef Radio Podcast)

    **Content warning – this episode (briefly) discusses suicidal feelings.**

    Eli Kulp inspires us. By age 36, he'd graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, moved from his native Seattle to New York City, and worked in top kitchens before becoming the opening chef de cuisine of the original, fabled Torrisi restaurant. After moving to Philadelphia to take over the kitchen at Fork, a catastrophic Amtrak accident rendered him a quadriplegic. He takes us through all of it, including his post-accident rehabilitation and a professional adjustment that includes continuing to teach cooks, the launch and success of his Chef Radio Podcast, and his role as cohost of local Philly food podcast Delicious City. This is a relatively long one, and also a special one--please be sure to listen to the whole thing. 

    This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    Please note: If experiencing suicidal feelings, for professional and/or medical advice/attention, please seek help from an appropriate mental health care specialist and/or medical provider.

    If you are in the U.S., here are two resources where you can seek help any day, at any time:

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    Crisis Text Line (also available in the UK, Ireland, and Canada)

    A great many national and regional resources are available, both in the US and around the world. If in the United States, you can seek a referral here. Wherever you are, a quick web search should point you to qualified help in your area and/or language.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Mentorship Panel #3: Aaron Bludorn, Rebecca Masson, Jarrod Zifchak & Jared Adams LIVE! from an On the Line dinner in Houston (presented by S.Pellegrino)

    Mentorship Panel #3: Aaron Bludorn, Rebecca Masson, Jarrod Zifchak & Jared Adams LIVE! from an On the Line dinner in Houston (presented by S.Pellegrino)

    We're delighted to share the third in a series of live discussions on the subject of Mentorship in the restaurant industry. The series is brought to you by our promotional partner S.Pellegrino, and each one is moderated by Andrew, staged in a different city, and builds on the one(s) that precede(s) it. This episode was recorded LIVE before an audience of Houston line cooks at an On the Line dinner at Bludorn restaurant and features Bludorn's chef-owner Aaron Bludorn, Rebecca Masson (owner and head baker of Fluff Bake Bar), Jerrod Zifchak (chef de cuisine of Navy Blue), and Jared Adams (baker at Fluff Bake Bar).

    (Be sure to also listen to the other episode in this series, which are conveniently gathered in an archive on our website.)

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 235: Lena Ciardullo (Union Square Cafe/NYC)

    Episode 235: Lena Ciardullo (Union Square Cafe/NYC)

    Since quietly taking the helm of Union Square Cafe in New York City, chef Lena Ciardullo has been turning out some of the best Italian-based food in town ... not bad for a woman who majored in communications in college before deciding to pursue a kitchen career. Recently, Lena sat down with Andrew at Union Square Cafe to discuss her own Italian roots, the time she spent in Italy, the pros and cons of spending her entire post-school career with the same restaurant group, and her philosophies of training and education.

    This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 234: Jason Hammel (chef-owner Lula Cafe/Chicago, IL & author Lula Cafe Cookbook)

    Episode 234: Jason Hammel (chef-owner Lula Cafe/Chicago, IL & author Lula Cafe Cookbook)

    Jason Hammel originally set out to be a writer, then found his way to the professional kitchen. For more than 20 years, his Lula Cafe has been a Chicago institution. This fall, with the release of the Lula Cafe Cookbook, Jason combines his two professional passions and lovingly tells his story, and that of the restaurant, along with--of course--recipes for the restaurant's many long-enshrined signature dishes.

    This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.

    Horn Barbecue needs your help to recover from a catastrophic fire. If you would like, and are able, to make a contribution, please do!

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 233: Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel (Birdie's--Austin, TX)

    Episode 233: Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel (Birdie's--Austin, TX)

    While at the Hot Luck Festival in Austin, TX, this spring, Andrew sat down with Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, chef and co-owner of Birdie's, one of the restaurants of the moment (it was  recently named "restaurant of the year" by Food & Wine). In addition to describing her own path, which took her from Texas to Chicago to New York and back to Texas, Tracy details the progressive business and service model at Birdie's, which allow for a range of benefits for the team and for her and her husband-business partner, Arjav Ezekiel.

    This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    If you are in NYC, please come see Andrew in conversation with Food 52 founder Amanda Hesser at P&T Knitwear in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. Secure your spot now!

    If you're in Houston, Texas, join us for a lunch celebrating the publication of The Dish at Bludorn restaurant on Thursday, November 16 at 11:45am. Make your reservation now!

    And Andrew will be at Kendall College in Chicago this Friday, discussing The Dish with Beverly Kim (one of the chefs featured in the book) and Jon Templin (one of the farmers featured in the book). If you'd like to attend, we'd love to see you. You also must RSVP.

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Nancy Silverton on The Cookie That Changed My Life, her new book (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    Nancy Silverton on The Cookie That Changed My Life, her new book (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    The ever-energetic Nancy Silverton returns to the pod to talk about her terrific new cookbook: The Cookie That Changed My Life. In it, Nancy--currently helming such restaurants as Chi Spacca and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles--returns to her pastry roots. The book shares more than 100 recipes that capture her perfected versions of beloved, classic baked goods. Written in collaboration with Carolynn Carreño, The Cookie That Changed My Life is a knockout, with much to appeal to pro cooks and home cooks alike, as well as to holiday gift-givers. 

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 232: Rob Rubba (Oyster Oyster--Washington, DC)

    Episode 232: Rob Rubba (Oyster Oyster--Washington, DC)

    On the heels of his James Beard Foundation Award recognition as Outstanding Chef (in the nation), Rob Rubba visited New York City to discuss his career to date, and the life changes that led to his super-popular restaurant Oyster Oyster in Washington, D.C.

    This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.

    Andrew’s NEW book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now ON SALE! Read the book Publishers Weekly calls "masterful."

    And if you are in NYC, please come see Andrew in conversation with Food 52 founder Amanda Hesser at P&T Knitwear in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. Secure your spot now!

    If you're in Houston, Texas, join us for a lunch celebrating the publication of The Dish at Bludorn restaurant on Thursday, November 16 at 11:45am. Make your reservation now!

    Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Episode 231: Klancy Miller (Author, For The Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Femmes in Food)

    Episode 231: Klancy Miller (Author, For The Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Femmes in Food)

    Author Klancy MIller sits down to discuss her recently published book  For the Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Femmes in Food, and the life and career that lead to her writing it. Her conversation with Andrew covers her early Francophile tendencies, matriculation at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, time in Michelin three-star  pastry kitchens, and her pivot to writing. 

    This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.

    Andrew’s next book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now available for preorder! Please consider purchasing your copy/copies in advance and help the book have a great lift-off.

    And if you are in NYC, please come to the first book event/signing on Thursday, October 19, at 7pm at Books Are Magic (Montague Street location). Tickets now available!

    Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    Turning Food Loss into Fashion, with Terratela founder Natalia Burakowska (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    Turning Food Loss into Fashion, with Terratela founder Natalia Burakowska (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    A few years ago, while dining at Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana, Natalia Burakowska had a revelation: The fashion professional suddenly saw a path to helping to change the discussion around food loss and waste  by channeling her personal passion for environmental responsibility into a new clothing brand. The result, TerraTela (which means "Earth fabric"), launched earlier this year with a t-shirt made primarily from regenerative seaweed. On the United Nations' International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), the brand releases its latest shirt, made from corn sugar, today, so we thought it would be the perfect time to share this conversation.

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

    Andrew’s next book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now available for preorder! Please consider purchasing your copy/copies in advance and help the book have a great lift-off.

    Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

    For the Love of Hospitality with Ellen Yin (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    For the Love of Hospitality with Ellen Yin (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation)

    Shortly before she took home the JBF Award as Outstanding Restaurateur this spring, legendary Philly restaurateur Ellen Yin of High Street Hospitality Group (Fork, High Street Philly, et.al.) sat down with Andrew at the Philly Chef Conference.  Their conversation is the first of something we plan to do more of: Deskside Chats with seasoned industry pros that go wherever the dialogue takes them. In this inaugural Deskside Chat, Ellen shares her thoughts on the state of the industry post/late-COVID, the importance of a well-defined culture in retaining employees, and the challenges that make some longstanding issues (we're looking at you, tipping) especially difficult to solve.

    Our thanks to Metro for their support. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can make your restaurant kitchen and office more efficient. 

    Andrew’s next book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now available for preorder! Please consider purchasing your copy/copies in advance and help the book have a great lift-off.

    Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.

    THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

    Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.

    We'd love if you followed us on Instagram

    Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.

    For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.

    Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!