This is an episode rerelease from our On The Pass archives. We hope you enjoy!   Can chefs step up and takeover our broken food system? Chef Dan Barber thinks they can and should. Dan is the Co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, author of The New York Times Bestseller "The Third Plate", and Co-Founder of Row 7 Seeds, a company developing and exploring new varieties of vegetables and grains.   We dissect today’s broken food system and take a deeper look at the current state...

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Kat Odell, Brooklyn-based food and travel journalist.   Kat is the author of Unicorn Food and Day Drinking and is a TasteHunter for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and 50 Best Bars. She’s been published in Vogue, New York Times’, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg and Michelin Guide to name a few. As a creative consultant, she also advises numerous companies on their culinary strategy.    In this episode,...

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Devin Reed, Los Angeles-based Sommelier, wine consultant and creator of Wine and Culture LA.   As producer and host of Wine & Culture LA, a content series and moment he created for the culture and enjoyment of wine, Dev sits down with notable guests like Cedric the Entertainer, Maverick Carter who’s (LeBron James’ business partner) and Neil brown Jr, who you’ll know from Issa Rae’s HBO series, Insecure, and many...

What could be better than enjoying gelato with friends on a warm evening? It's a simple pleasure that captures life's essence. But what sets apart a truly great gelato?   Meet Edoardo Tonolli, the Co-founder and CEO of Bacio di Latte, a Gelateria dedicated to crafting the world's finest gelato and spreading joy to every customer.    "Bacio di latte" translates to "kiss of milk" in English, embodying their belief that while any ingredient can make a gelato, it takes something special to...

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Kristen Hawley, San Francisco-based journalist and Founder of Expedite, a newsletter about restaurant technology and the future of hospitality.    For the last decade Kristen has been at the forefront offering pragmatic coverage and sharp analysis of the technology that’s changing our relationship with restaurants.   Her writing has appeared in Bon Appetit, Insider, Food & Wine, Eater, Robb Report, the San...

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Dana Cowin, New York-based food-obsessed journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine.   Dana is an award-winning editor, author, podcast host, TEDx speaker and facilitator who creates change through food, gathering, conversation and community.    She believes in the power of food to bring joy, connection and transformation and is doing all of this with her new platform, Progressive Hedonist. A Progressive...

Step into a world where every hotel feels like a scene from a captivating movie, with you as the supporting cast member. Join us as we delve into the visionary minds behind Ash NYC, a trailblazing design firm and hotelier known for crafting unforgettable experiences in the boutique hospitality realm.   Meet Ari Heckman, the Co-founder and CEO, and Xavier Donnelly, the Creative Director, leading Ash NYC. Their portfolio boasts iconic projects like the enchanting Hotel Peter & Paul in New...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Mike Traud, Philadelphia-based lawyer-turned-chef-turned-university instructor and Founder and Executive Director of The Chef Conference.   Mike founded The Chef conference in 2013 in partnership with Drexel University. It has evolved to become its own entity still lead by the vision and leadership of Mike.   The Chef Conference is set to kick off in Philadelphia from April 12th - 15th, serving up opportunities for...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Marian Cheng, New York-based restaurateur and food and travel enthusiast.   Marian is the Co-founder of Mimi Cheng’s along with her sister Hannah. Over the last decade they have become a celebrated New York staple, beloved for their casual counter service restaurants serving fresh heritage Taiwanese dumplings and creative monthly specials and collaborations.    Mimi Cheng’s has locations in East Village, Upper West...

Brazil stands out as one of the world's most diverse countries, deeply influenced by global cultures. Its rich tapestry of art, music, dance, architecture, and, notably, cuisine has left a lasting mark on the global stage. Within this vibrant landscape emerges a new wave of Brazilian creatives, eager to showcase the nation's present while honoring its storied past.   Among these individuals is Chef Alberto Landgraf, a luminary in the culinary world with accolades like Two Michelin stars and...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Dana Beninati, New York-based chef, instructor, writer and third level sommelier.   Dana has traveled the world cooking and competing in different kitchens and holds an M.B.A. in management and hospitality from Cornell University. She spent 6 years at The Food Network as their supervising culinary director and is an instructor at Sommelier Society of America, a judge for StarChef’s SommSlam and serves on the board of the...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Eddie Zamora, Los Angeles-based host, home chef and brand ambassador.   Eddie is the creator of TheYUMYUMFoodie, a blog and social platform to share all his numerous culinary explorations and travels. He’s also an amazon TV host, west coast ambassador to Havana Club and host of Kill The Bottle, a podcast that dives into his love for food and travel.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️His love for Spain ☑️Basque Country...

If you've been a long-time listener to our podcast, you're aware of the strong connection between flavor and nutrient density. Episodes such as Dan Barber's delve deep into this correlation, underscoring the significance of quality ingredients and our interconnectedness with the environment and one another.   Our upcoming guest, Kanchan Koya, is dedicated to helping us lead healthier, more vibrant lives. With a background as a chef and nutrition coach trained at the Institute of Integrative...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Andy Wang, Los Angeles-based freelance journalist with well over a decade's experience covering food, dining, bars, and travel.   Andy writes for such publications as Food & Wine, Los Angeles Magazine, Zagat, and Robb Report. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Taste, Observer, Epicurious and Ocean Drive.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Food is a bigger part...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jean Trinh, reporter who writes about food and culture based in Los Angeles.   Jean is deeply passionate about and specializes in uncovering stories that look into the communities, cultures, people, and history behind food. She’s been published in outlets like Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, The Washington Post, Eater, and WIRED.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Passion, survival and...

Imagine a picturesque Italian countryside stretching from the coast, adorned with vineyards cascading down hillsides, lush with cypress trees, and iconic architecture evoking a simpler era, all the while, wild birds gracefully dance through the air. It's the epitome of a dream, isn't it? Well, it's more than just a dream—it's the essence of Tuscany, the inspiration behind our next guest's journey.   On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Pietro Brembilla, the...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Victoire Loup, food critic, culinary consultant and cookbook author based between Los Angeles and Paris.   Victoire writes for the Michelin Guide and Le Fooding, a print and digital guide to discover the best of France and has also appeared as a guest judge on several TV shows. She’s been featured in the LA Times, Bon Appetit, Vogue, and Vanity Fair for her expertise in food and Since 2020, she’s published six...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Palak Patel, Atlanta based chef, traveler and writer. Palak is a classically trained chef, Atlanta Restauranteur and two time Food Network champion winner of Food Network’s famed shows, Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. Palak has also appeared as a guest judge on Food Network’s competition series, Money Hungry.    Her style of cooking is greatly influenced by her childhood in India and time spent working in the south of...

People often highlight how food brings us together, yet seldom do we acknowledge its potential to divide us. Our upcoming guest firmly believes in the mantra, "food culture is for everyone," shaping her vision as the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast's Bon Appétit.    In this On The Pass episode, we are joined by Jamila Robinson, a veteran journalist, esteemed leader in food media, and an innovator.  Jamila's incredible career has spanned decades, with notable tenures at media...

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jacqueline Coleman, Miami based wine and travel writer, judge and wine consultant.    I had the pleasure of spending a week with Jacqueline in northern Portugal with our friends at The Fladgate Partnership. For seven years, she's been Miami's only regular wine colunmist, wiriting the monthly “Vino” column for the Biscyane Times. She also contributes to Luxury Guide USA and is the Co-Editor of Wineguide Miami.   In this...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Alisssa Fitzgerald, Brooklyn-based freelance food, travel and spirits writer and chef.    Alissa’s wealth of information is rooted in her diverse work and life experiences, ranging from cooking on yachts in Croatia, to working with startups in San Francisco, and spending time in various kitchens throughout Brooklyn.    Her passion lies in highlighting individuals dedicated to innovating in the food and drink...

When was the last time you indulged in the rich flavors of port wine? Whether it was a festive holiday occasion or an exquisite tasting menu paired with delectable sweet treats, this episode is designed for both seasoned port enthusiasts and those new to the category. The aim here is to encourage everyone to break free from their preconceived notions, explore new drinking experiences, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the birthplace of ports.   In our upcoming On The Pass episode, we...

On This episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jasmine L. Pierce, New York based hospitality publicist, freelance writer and founder of JLP Consulting. Over the last decade Jasmine has worked with notable clients like The Standard Hotels, The Jose Andres Group, Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group, and beverage brands like Louis XIII and Ten To One Rum to name a few. Jasmine is also a freelance writer with bylines in EBONY Magazine, POPSUGAR and The Zoe Report.    In this...

On This epiosde of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jillian Dara, a freelance journalist and avid traveler. Jillian's expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives about travel, wine & spirits, and culture. Chances are, you've come across her articles in renowned publications such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Vine Pair, Wine Enthusiast, and more.   In this episode, we discuss:  ☑️Multigenerational travel  ☑️Luxury deepens into more experiential travel   ☑️ Sober...