True passion for cooking cannot be faked. It takes something special to withstand the grueling work and hours while perfecting the craft. The restaurant industry isn’t kind to all, but those built for it, last. It takes a love that will take you around the world tasting everything, talking to chefs and locals, learning the land where the food is grown, tasting, experiencing, and everything in between. Knowing this, the fact that someone can rise out of the ranks and have their hands in 15 different restaurants, create exceptional food and drink at all of them, while winning prestigious awards seems like a dream doesn’t it?  Our guest today has done just this! He is one of the most influential chefs of his generation and has shaped the way we cook today. Working in some of the best kitchens in New York City, France, and Italy, Andrew Carmellini joins us to give us an inside look into his genius. He has a unique and real perspective on the industry, and you would never know he has partnered with big names like Jay-Z and Robert DeNiro given his down to earth nature. By traveling the world and experiencing all different types of cuisines and tastes, he went through his own type of schooling all driven by his passion for food.  Tune in for a conversation that can inspire and educate current and aspiring chefs by getting a closer look into Chef Carmellini’s journey from line cook to one of the most renowned chefs in the world. You don’t want to miss this one!  Topics discussed in this episode: How Andrew became a chef Is culinary school worth it? Difference in Italian cuisine then and now Andrew’s biggest cooking style focus right now The restaurant business post covid Which restaurants and chefs shaped Andrew How cooking knowledge is passed down How to understand the depth of food from a region Who inspired Andrew to go to Europe and learn to cook Is it as important today to go somewhere to gain cooking knowledge Andrew’s journey through opening his restaurants How Andrew’s partnership with Robert DeNiro came to be What Andrew wishes doesn’t get lost in the industry Challenges of growth Irinox Blast Chillers -https://www.irinoxprofessional.com/usa Maxwell McKenney -                 https://www.maxmck.com  Singer Equipment - https://www.singerequipment.com/podcastchef