Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Gabe Erales on Instagram / g_erales Chef's PSA Podcast In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera sits down with Gabe Erales, chef-owner of Bacalar in Austin and Ometeo in Washington, D.C., and winner of Top Chef Season 18. They discuss the intricacies of opening a restaurant, the importance of financial planning, and the value of mentorship. Gabe shares his experiences and insights about regional Mexican cuisine, influences from his heritage, and evolving the food scene in Austin. Additionally, they touch on the impact of Michelin stars, the essence of great hip-hop, and fostering a positive kitchen culture. Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with valuable advice for both aspiring chefs and seasoned professionals. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Chef Gabe Erales 01:22 Starting a Restaurant: Financial and Operational Insights 04:07 Navigating Customer Preferences and Restaurant Perception 05:43 Exploring Mexican Cuisine and Cultural Influences 08:38 Michelin Stars and the Culinary Scene in Austin 13:14 Opportunities and Challenges in the Culinary Industry 16:41 Career Journey: From Engineering to Culinary Arts 26:15 Creating a Unique Culinary Experience at Bacalar 31:46 The Unexpected Joys of Trying New Foods 31:59 The Importance of Fermentation in Modern Cuisine 32:41 Advice for Aspiring Chefs 35:15 Recognizing and Mentoring Future Sous Chefs 39:04 The Value of Culinary and Business Mentorship 40:41 Exciting New Projects and Community Impact 43:21 Music in the Kitchen: A Divisive Topic 46:14 Hip Hop and Culinary Parallels 49:58 Mount Rushmore of Chefs 50:52 Final Thoughts and Chef's PSA 🔗 FOOD COST ORACLE Get it here : https://chat.openai.com/g/g-QXwmj87P7... 📘 *GRAB YOUR FREE CULINARY GUIDES!* 📘 Elevate your culinary prowess with our FREE eBooks! While donations are welcome, they are not mandatory. Access guides on basic recipes, culinary terms, and opening a restaurant to refine your skills. 🔗 Download on Gumroad : https://chefspsa.gumroad.com/ 📚 *ESSENTIAL READING FOR ASPIRING CHEFS* 📚 Advance your culinary career with our must-read collection, including 'Culinary Leadership Fundamentals,' 'Bad Sous Good Chef,' and more. Each book is a step towards culinary excellence. 🔗 www.chefspsa.com/books 👕 *FRESH OFF THE PRESS: CHEF’S PSA MERCH!* 👕 Upgrade your chef wardrobe with our stylish and professional merch. Perfect for the kitchen or the street! 🔗 Chef’s PSA Merch Store: shop.chefspsa.com 👨‍🍳 *BE A PART OF OUR CULINARY JOURNEY* 👨‍🍳 Adore the wisdom dished out on Chef's PSA? Support us to keep the culinary conversations and insights flowing. 🔗 Support the Podcast : https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... 🔔 *STAY IN THE CULINARY LOOP* 🔔 Never miss a beat from the culinary world. Subscribe, like, and hit the bell for notifications - your front-row seat to all things chef and kitchen. 🔗 *LET'S GET SOCIAL* Join our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! - TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en • Twitter - / chefspsa • Instagram - / chefspsa • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... • Website – www.chefspsa.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andre-natera/support