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    Chefs Without Restaurants

    Join Chris Spear as he interviews food and beverage entrepreneurs who've taken a unique path in the culinary world. His guests include caterers, research chefs, personal chefs, cookbook authors, food truck operators, farmers, and more – all individuals who've paved their own way in the culinary world. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including his own personal chef business, Perfect Little Bites, Chris is dedicated to helping others grow and succeed in the food and beverage industry. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and valuable insights on the road less traveled in the food and beverage industry.

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    Episodes (223)

    Talking About The Chef Conference with Founder Mike Traud

    Talking About The Chef Conference with Founder Mike Traud

    This week my guest is Mike Traud, founder of The Chef Conference (formerly The Philly Chef Conference). We talk about the history, and evolution, of this food and beverage conference. You'll hear what you can expect from this year's conference which is taking place in Philadelphia from April 12th through 15th.

    Some of this year's guest are: Sean Brock, Tom Collichio, Alain Ducasse, Andrew Zimmern, Rob Rubba, and Rosio Sanchez

    MIKE TRAUD and The Chef Conference
    The Chef Conference on Instagram
    The Chef Conference Website

    Get Tickets to The Chef Conference:
    Day 1 April 12, 2024: Openings & Expansions
    Day 2 April 13, 2024: A conversation between Chef Alain Ducasse and Jeff Gordinier
    Day 3 April 14, 2024: The Chef Conference Opening Night Event
    Day 4 April 15, 2024: Keynote & Panels

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

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    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
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    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

     
    SPONSOR INFO
     United States Personal Chef Association

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Perseverance and Adaptation - Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen

    Perseverance and Adaptation - Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen

    This week my guest is chef Christine Van Bloem. For 15 years Christine ran the successful Kitchen Studio Cooking School in Frederick, Maryland, a recreational cooking school. When the Covid pandemic hit, she had to stop doing in-person cooking classes. She pivoted to online cooking classes, hoping to go back to in-person. Then, her husband had a stroke, and she had a heart attack, On top of that, she was unable to agree on the terms of her lease renewal with her landlord, and left her kitchen space.

    That's enough for most people to throw in the towel. Christine took some time away from the kitchen, but now she's back. On the show, we discuss her new venture The Empty Nest Kitchen. She'll talk about what her cooking class model looks like today. 

    CHRISTINE VAN BLOEM
    The Empty Nest Kitchen on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
    The Empty Nest Kitchen website
    The Empty Nest Kitchen Podcast

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

     
    SPONSOR INFO
     United States Personal Chef Association

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Beyond Contracts, Invoices, and Deposits: Creating a Less Transactional Experience

    Beyond Contracts, Invoices, and Deposits:  Creating  a Less Transactional Experience

    In this week’s solo episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear delves into the controversial yet effective business practices he's adopted for his personal chef business. Chris reveals how he's successfully run his culinary business without the reliance on contracts, invoices, or deposits, placing a significant emphasis on trust and personal connections over formal paperwork. 

    While his method defies many traditional business norms, especially in the personal chef world, Chris explains how this approach hasn’t hindered his success. In fact, it has opened the door to memorable interactions with clients, making each event more than just a transaction.

    Addressing the nuances of dealing with corporate clients, Chris also touches upon the scenarios where contracts and invoices become necessary, illustrating flexibility and understanding of different business contexts. Despite introducing deposits as a way to secure event dates recently, he maintains his minimalistic and trust-based approach to business dealings.


    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

     SPONSOR INFO
     United States Personal Chef Association
    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    The Chef Who's Feeding Oceanside's Houseless Community - Sunny Soto-Brisco of Sunny Street Outreach

    The Chef Who's Feeding Oceanside's Houseless Community - Sunny Soto-Brisco of Sunny Street Outreach

    This week I have chef Sunny Soto-Brisco. With her wife, they started Sunny Street Outreach to cook and serve restaurant quality meals to the houseless and underserved communities in Oceanside, CA. They're currently working on fundraising for a mobile cafe trailer which, once open, will serve the Oceanside community with coffee and breakfast on the go. YOU CAN DONATE HERE

    SUNNY STREET OUTREACH
    The Sunny Street Outreach Website
    Sunny Street Outreach on Instagram
    Donate to help them with their Community Mobile Coffee & Breakfast Trailer

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

      SPONSOR INFO
      United States Personal Chef Association

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Caribbean Flavors, Paleo Remixes with Althea Brown of Metemgee

    Caribbean Flavors, Paleo Remixes  with Althea Brown of Metemgee

    This week I have Althea Brown. After moving to the United States from Guyana, Althea started a blog called Metemgee where she shares traditional Guyanese recipes. Due to health reasons, Althea now follows a paleo diet. But you don’t have to follow a paleo diet to enjoy her recipes. In fact, Althea shares both traditional recipes, and Paleo remixes on her website, and in her new book Caribbean Paleo.

    Some topics discussed and key takeaways in this episode:
    Best practices that Althea swears by, from SEO strategies to engaging content.

    Althea's approach to taking (and sometimes ignoring) blogging advice to stay true to her vision while navigating the digital space.

    Althea also shares tips for aspiring food bloggers on how to find their unique voice, create compelling content, and make an impact in the crowded food blogging landscape.

     ALTHEA BROWN
    The Metemgee Website
    Althea Brown on Instagram
    Metemgee on Facebook
    Buy Althea's book Caribbean Paleo

    Metemgee YouTube Channel

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


      SPONSOR INFO
      United States Personal Chef Association

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Taking a Creative, Culinary Approach to Craft Distilling with Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Co (Part 2)

    Taking a Creative, Culinary Approach to Craft Distilling with Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Co (Part 2)

    This week I have part 2 of my conversation with Scott Blackwell, owner/distiller of High Wire Distilling Co in Charleston, SC which he runs with his wife Ann Marshall. This part of our conversation starts with how and why he started the distillery. If you're interested in his entrepreneurial journey up to the point of starting the distillery you can find part 1 here.

    We talk about taking a creative, culinary approach to craft distilling, using premium, specialized ingredients such as Jimmy Red Corn and Bradford watermelons. We also discuss High Wire's recent collaboration with Allan Benton.

    SCOTT BLACKWELL & HIGH WIRE DISTILLING CO
    The High Wire Website
    High Wire and Scott Blackwell on Instagram
    High Wire on Facebook

    The World’s Biggest Cookie

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


     SPONSOR INFO
     United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "happynewyear24" to save $75 on premier, provisional, preparatory, and corporate memberships, as well as $25 on student memberships.
     

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Serial Entrepreneurship in the Food and Beverage Industry with Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Co (Part 1)

    Serial Entrepreneurship in the Food and Beverage Industry with Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Co (Part 1)

    This week I have part 1 of my conversation with Scott Blackwell, owner/distiller of High Wire Distilling Co in Charleston, SC which he runs with his wife Ann Marshall. This part of our conversation focuses on his entreprenurial journey up to the point of starting the distillery. Scott’s been a Ben & Jerrys distributor, owned a coffee roaster and bakery, and started a line of frozen doughs. He also holds the Guiness Book record for the largest cookie.

    Next week's episode will focus on the distilling aspect, and some of the interesting things he's doing with High Wire, like working with Allan Benton. 
     
    SCOTT BLACKWELL & HIGH WIRE DISTILLING CO
    The High Wire Website
    High Wire and Scott Blackwell on Instagram
    High Wire on Facebook

    The World’s Biggest Cookie

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


     SPONSOR INFO
     United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "happynewyear24" to save $75 on premier, provisional, preparatory, and corporate memberships, as well as $25 on student memberships.
     

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Processed Food, Faux Meat, Culinary Nostalgia, and Reading the Room with Tony Moore of Winning at Work

    Processed Food, Faux Meat, Culinary Nostalgia, and Reading the Room with Tony Moore of Winning at Work

    This week on Chefs Without Restaurants I'm sharing part two of my conversation with Tony Moore. Tony is a seasoned marketing executive and the host of the "Winning at Work" podcast. I was a guest on his podcast, and this is a portion of that episode.

    Episode Highlights

    Using a blog as a tool for content marketing to provide people with insights into business and the behind-the-scenes aspects 

    Positioning in the market

    Sharing personal aspects on the business social media pages 

    The importance of understanding the vibe of the party and the preferences of the guests

    Nostalgia in food

    Plant-based ingredients and faux meat

    TONY MOORE
    The Winning at Work Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else
    Tony Moore on LinkedIn and Instagram

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram and Threads
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "happynewyear24" to save $75 on premier, provisional, preparatory, and corporate memberships, as well as $25 on student memberships.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Exploring Mexico's Rich Flavors with Chef Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa

    Exploring Mexico's Rich Flavors with Chef Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa

    This week, we're venturing into the vibrant world of Mexican cuisine with executive chef Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas. At Casa Playa, she presents a vibrant and creative menu featuring bright, California and Baja produce and seafood, woven together with a robust masa program–drawing upon her culinary expertise refined at New York City’s lauded Cosme. Chef Thompson graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and amassed experience at some of New York City’s most noteworthy restaurants including Marea and Alder.

    As a hyper-regional coastal Mexican restaurant, the menu’s emphasis lies in locally selected seafood. Thompson sources nearly all of her fish from the Pacific coast, and similarly, she works with purveyors that source fresh, seasonal produce from 50 of the best farms across southwest Nevada, California, and Arizona–also receiving bi-weekly deliveries from the famed Santa Monica Farmers Market. Corn, chiles, and agave serve as the backbone of the Casa Playa menu and are sourced directly from small producers in Mexico via Masienda. Most notably, Chef Thompson’s masa program is incredibly layered and distinctive with six distinct corn varieties imported from Oaxaca and nixtamalized in house.

    Topics Discussed:
    Early Culinary Influences
    Transitioning to New York's Culinary Scene
    Diversity in Culinary Experiences
    The Masa Program at Casa Playa
    Navigating the Vegas Culinary Landscape
    Collaborative vs. Solo Work
    Embracing Diversity in Cuisine


    SARAH THOMPSON
    Sarah Thompson and Casa Playa -Wynn on Instagram
    Check out the menus at Casa Playa
    Podcast episode: How to Make and Use Masa with Masienda Founder Jorge Gaviria


    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


     SPONSOR INFO
     United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "Happyholidays2023" to save $100 on membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Behind the Scenes of Pop-Up Dining with Chef Jonathon Merrick of Family Meal Boise

    Behind the Scenes of Pop-Up Dining with Chef Jonathon Merrick of Family Meal Boise

    In this episode we dive into the world of pop-up dining with Chef Jonathon Merrick of Family Meal Boise, an in-home pop-up restaurant he runs. You get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of running the successful pop-up, and gain insights into menu creation, guest interactions, and the intricacies of hosting unique dining experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic world of pop-up dining.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Pop-Up Dining Experiences:
      • Evolution of Jonathon's pop-up dining, 'Family Meal Boise'.
      • Challenges and learnings from hosting pop-ups.
      • The importance of creating a unique dining experience.
    2. Transitioning from Professional Kitchens to Distribution:
      • Jonathon's career shift and how he maintains his culinary passion.
      • The role of mentorship in his career.
      • Balancing a full-time distribution job with culinary creativity.
    3. Legal and Practical Aspects of Running Pop-Ups:
      • Navigating local regulations and community support for pop-ups.
      • The importance of understanding the legal landscape in different regions.
    4. Mentorship in Culinary Arts:
      • Jonathon's experiences with mentorship.
      • The significance of finding and being a mentor in the culinary field.
    5. Menu Creation and Storytelling:
      • The process behind Jonathon's diverse menu themes.
      • The role of storytelling in enhancing the dining experience.


    JONATHON MERRICK
    Jonathon and Family Meal Boise on Instagram
    Chef Merrick on TikTok
    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "Happyholidays2023" to save $100 on membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Mastering the Grocery Aisle: Tony Moore on Food and Beverage Marketing

    Mastering the Grocery Aisle: Tony Moore on Food and Beverage Marketing

    This week on Chefs Without Restaurants we're diving into the world of food and beverage marketing with Tony Moore. Tony, a seasoned marketing executive and the host of the "Winning at Work" podcast, brings his extensive experience, sharing invaluable insights into the intricacies of brand marketing in the food industry.

    Episode Highlights
    Understanding Grocery Store Product Placement: Tony shares strategies for effective product placement in grocery stores and the role of brand ambassadors.

    Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Challenges: Insights into the difficulties brands face in direct-to-consumer approaches, including shipping costs.

    Building Brand Loyalty: Tony discusses the importance of maintaining product quality and consistent branding.

    Leveraging Influencer Marketing: The rise of food influencers and the potential of affiliate marketing in promoting food products.

    Adapting to Market Changes: Tony sheds light on navigating the challenges faced by smaller brands in a market dominated by private labels and larger competitors.

    TONY MOORE
    The Winning at Work Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else
    Tony Moore on LinkedIn and Instagram

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "EarlyBlackFriday23" to save $100 on premier, provisional, and preparatory memberships.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Support the show

    Unlocking Business Potential with Alex Hormozi's 'More, Better, New' - Insights by Chris Spear

    Unlocking Business Potential with Alex Hormozi's 'More, Better, New' - Insights by Chris Spear

    In this solo episode, host Chris Spear delves into the 'More, Better, New' principle, a concept coined by entrepreneur Alex Hormozi. Chris applies this philosophy to his own business, discussing its impact on decision-making and efficiency, particularly in the realm of marketing his personal chef business. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and culinary professionals looking to streamline and enhance their business strategies.

    ALEX HORMOZI
    Alex's free courses $100M Offers and $100M Leads
    Alex's YouTube
    Alex's Instagram
    Alex's podcast The Game

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "EarlyBlackFriday23" to save $100 on premier, provisional, and preparatory memberships.

    Support the show

    Get More Reviews for Your Business

    Get More Reviews for Your Business

    Do you want to get more reviews for your business? If so, this is the episode for you. I’ll tell you step-by-step how I started to get at least one review from almost every customer. This tactic uses printable QR codes, takes less than 15 minutes of work, and costs nothing. Listen to learn how you can employ this technique.

    Buy the Thank You Cards mentioned in this episode

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "EarlyBlackFriday23" to save $100 on premier, provisional, and preparatory memberships.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Build and Grow Your Personal Chef Service with Larry Lynch of the USPCA

    Build and Grow Your Personal Chef Service with Larry Lynch of the USPCA

    This week, my guest this week is Larry Lynch, president of the United States Personal Chef Association.

    Topics Discussed:
    Food safety
    Regulations, the health department, and cooking in your home
    Customer acquisition
    Events and meal prep
    Pricing
    Chef-for-hire platforms and hireachef.com


    LARRY LYNCH AND THE UNITED STATES PERSONAL CHEF ASSOCIATION
    The USPCA Website
    Hire a Chef
    The USPCA's  Instagram, X(Twitter) and Facebook

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code "EarlyBlackFriday23" to save $100 on premier, provisional, and preparatory memberships.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    What is Good Food?

    What is Good Food?

    What is Good Food?

    On last week's podcast I spoke with chef Rollie Wesen.  He's the executive Director of the Jacques Pépin foundation, as well as an assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.  

    During our conversation we spoke about what "good food" is. This touched on seasonal cooking, and families having a sit-down meal together (or not). This side conversation didn't fit into our full-length conversation, but it was something we're both passionate about, so it made more sense to release it as a stand-alone mini-episode.

    But this episode isn't just about good food. If kids aren't learning to cook in school, and they're not learning to cook at home, are we only one generation away from people not knowing how to cook, or what good food tastes like? That's what we discuss in this episode.

    Rollie Wesen and The Jacques Pépin Foundation
    The Jacques Pépin Foundation Website
    The Jacques Pépin Foundation's  Instagram and Facebook
    Rollie's Instagram
    Jacques's cookbook New Complete Techniques


    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code TaxBreak2023 to save $75 on new a membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Culinary Education with Rollie Wesen

    The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Culinary Education with Rollie Wesen

    This week on I speak with chef Rollie Wesen. He's the executive Director of the Jacques Pépin foundation, as well as an assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.  Rollie is married to Claudine Pepin, Jaques daughter. In talking with Jacques, they thought it would be a great idea to start a foundation while he was still alive, and create something that would have a lasting, positive affect on the world.

    Jacques decided that he wanted the foundation to focus on one singular mission. To support community kitchens that offer free life skills and culinary training to adults with high barriers to employment. Those barriers could be previous incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse issues, low skill or lack of work history. 

    On this episode, we talk about how the foundation came to be, and have a more in-depth conversation about their mission, and what the future holds for the foundation. Rollie also shares some fun stories like the photographing of Jaques’s cookbooks. And being a professor at Johnson & Wales University, we spoke about the state of culinary education today.

    Rollie Wesen and The Jacques Pépin Foundation
    The Jacques Pépin Foundation Website
    The Jacques Pépin Foundation's  Instagram and Facebook
    Rollie's Instagram
    Jacques's cookbook New Complete Techniques

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code TaxBreak2023 to save $75 on new a membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show

    Competitive Cooking at the Highest Level with Chef Corey Siegel

    Competitive Cooking at the Highest Level with Chef Corey Siegel

    This week we have chef Corey Siegel. You'll hear how Corey went from finishing dead last in his culinary SkillsUSA competition, to representing team USA with master chef Rich Rosendale at the Bocuse d'Or.  This episode is a behind the scenes look (or is it listen?) into the world of cooking competitions at the highest level.

    But you also might know Corey from his TikTok and Instagram videos where he cooks a recipe after the ingredients and equipment magically seem to fall from the sky. We talk about balancing his content creation with his job as Director of Culinary Development at Electrolux Professional.

    Topics Discussed
    Culinary competitions
    Working with Rich Rosendale at The Greenbrier
    Training with chefs Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud and Grant Achatz
    Online video creation on TikTok and Instagram
    Working with state-of-the-art cooking equipment at Electrolux Professional


    COREY SIEGEL
    Corey's website
    Corey's Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
    Corey's free cookbook

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

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    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code TaxBreak2023 to save $75 on new a membership.

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    Exploring Maryland Foodways with Old Line Plate’s Kara Mae Harris

    Exploring Maryland Foodways with Old Line Plate’s Kara Mae Harris

    This week I have Kara Mae Harris of the blog Old LIne Plate, where she's been exploring Maryland foodways since 2010. Last year, Kara released a book titled Old Line Plate, the same as her blog. It was a collection of some of her favorite posts throughout the years. But it’s more as a historical document, than a straightforward cookbook.

    This October Kara's back with a new cookbook called Festive Maryland Recipes. For this book, Kara worked with a recipe developer to make sure the recipes were ones people could execute at home.
     
    Topics Discussed
    Maryland cookbooks
    Stuffed Ham
    Crab cakes
    Maryland Fried chicken
    White potato pie
    Cookbook writing
    Reading and adapting old recipes
    Secret recipes

    KARA MAE HARRIS
    Old Line Plate
    Kara's Instagram
    Kara's books Festive Maryland Recipes and Old Line Plate

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

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    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code TaxBreak2023 to save $75 on new a membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

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    Tiffani Thiessen on Getting Creative with Leftovers, and Her New Cookbook Here We Go Again

    Tiffani Thiessen on Getting Creative with Leftovers, and Her New Cookbook Here We Go Again

    On this week's podcast we have Tiffani Thiessen. She’s probably best known for her roles as Kelly Kapowski on Saved By the Bell, and Valerie on Beverly Hills 90210.   But today she’s not here to talk about acting. We’re talking about her new cookbook Here We Go Again (her second cookbook), which will be released on September 26th. The book tackles the topic of leftovers and how to creatively recycle and upcycle them. So, if you’re someone who cooks, which is pretty much everyone, this show is for you.

    Topics Discussed
    Cooking for family, and with kids
    Food waste
    What inspires her
    Celebrity cookbooks
    Challenges of cookbook writing
    Social media and content creation

    TIFFINI THIESSEN
    Tiffini's Website
    Tiffani's Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
    Tiffani's books Here We Go Again and Pull Up a Chair

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

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    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites


    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code TaxBreak2023 to save $75 on new a membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

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    Exploring Scottish Cuisine with Scotland's National Chef Gary Maclean

    Exploring Scottish Cuisine with Scotland's National Chef Gary Maclean

    On this week's podcast we have Scotland's national chef Gary Maclean, a role he was offered after winning season 16 of Masterchef: The Professionals. Gary recently released The Scottish Kitchen, a cookbook of traditional Scottish recipes adapted for a North American audience using ingredients they would be able to find.

    Topics Discussed
    Haggis- What it is and how to modify the recipe in North America
    The importance of culinary education and teaching children  about food and nutrition at a young age.
    His MasterChef experience
    Scotland's best culinary products.
    Food costs.
    Making his recipes approachable and easy to execute.

    Gary Maclean
    Gary's Website
    Gary's Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
    Gary's Book The Scottish Kitchen

    CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  

    Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter

    Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram
    Chefs Without Restaurants on TikTok
    Chefs Without Restaurants on YouTube
    The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
    Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

    SPONSOR INFO
    United States Personal Chef Association
    This episode is sponsored by the Unites States Personal Chef Association. Visit their website  and use code TaxBreak2023 to save $75 on new a membership.

    To learn more about membership, advertising, or partnership opportunities, call Angela at 800-995-2138 ext. 705 or email aprather@uspca.com.

    Support the show