In today’s episode, we chat with Curtis Stone, Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, podcast host, and TV personality. Curtis shares captivating stories from his early days as an apprentice for Marco Pierre White to his rise as a culinary master, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes intensity of top kitchens. We also discuss his experiences on hit shows like Take Home Chef, Top Chef Masters, MasterChef Australia, Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, and Crime Scene Kitche...

In today’s episode of The Ultimate Dish, host Chef Kirk Bachmann addresses your most burning questions in this inaugural Q&A episode.Join Kirk as he delves into his daily motivations, reflects on the mentors who have influenced his culinary journey, and shares invaluable advice for aspiring chefs. He’ll tackle questions from followers, including: “What’s the best vanilla stacker for layered cakes in your opinion?” and “Will there be any more special guests visiting Escoffier to talk with ...

In today's episode, we chat with Joy Wilson, the founder and chief sweet tooth behind the beloved blog, JoytheBaker.com.Since launching in 2008, Joy has grown her platform into a baking empire, amassing over half a million Instagram followers. Along the way, she’s published cookbooks, served as editor-in-chief of the biannual Joy the Baker Magazine, and created the popular Camp Joy—an experience inspired by her viral backyard camping and cooking video series. Joy’s work has been featured in F...

In today's episode, we chat with Chef Florian Tetart, an Escoffier Chef Instructor in Baking & Pastry Arts based in Boulder, CO. Originally from Lille, France, Chef Florian has worked in top-rated restaurants across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tokyo, as well as local bakeries in the United States. These diverse experiences have shaped his commitment to delivering the highest quality in everything he creates. In 2019, his dedication earned him the title of Pastry Chef of the Year from GQ T...

In today's episode, we chat with Dave Beran, chef and owner of Pasjoli, a James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant, celebrated for its classic French cuisine and fresh California produce. Chef Dave’s culinary rise began in Chicago, where he worked at MK, Tru, and Alinea, eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine. He later opened Next, earning 14 four-star Chicago Tribune ratings and a James Beard Award. In 2017, Dave moved to Los Angeles, opening Dialogue, which earned a Michelin sta...

In today's episode, we sit down with Chef Kelly Whitaker, the owner of Id Est and a James Beard Award-Winner for Outstanding Restaurateur.Chef Kelly shares how his travels abroad inspired him to launch Id Est and its acclaimed restaurants, including Basta and Denver’s Wolf's Tailor, named one of Bon Appétit’s top ten best new restaurants in the U.S. He also expanded his ventures with Dry Storage in Boulder, BRUTØ, and Hey Kiddo in Denver. Additionally, Chef Kelly founded the Noble Grain Allia...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Chef Johnny Spero, owner of Reverie and Bar Spero in Washington, D.C.Chef Johnny takes us through his remarkable culinary journey, starting at the age of 16 when he worked alongside James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Monis. He then staged at the renowned Noma in Copenhagen and later became the Executive Chef at José Andrés’ Minibar in D.C. These formative experiences culminated in the opening of his own restaurant, Reverie, a personal and intimat...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Mason Snyder, an Escoffier graduate currently serving as the Executive Chef at Feast Your Eyes Catering. Some might even know him as the Cowboy Chef, featured on Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild.Mason’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion. Prior to his role as Executive Chef, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. In 2017, he made a pivotal decision to transition his lifelong love for cooking into a full-time career, embarking on a tra...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nancy Silverton, co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza, as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. She’s also the creative mind behind Nancy’s Fancy gelato.In today’s interactive chat, Nancy shares how she built an illustrious career based on prep, timing, and luck. This includes working for some of the most influential chefs in the nation, including Jonathan Waxman at Michael’s Restaurant and Wolfgang Puck at Spago, as well as opening ...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dr. Rollie Wesen, Executive Director of The Jacques Pépin Foundation and an assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. In 2016, Rollie founded The Jacques Pépin Foundation alongside his wife and father-in-law, Jacques Pepin. In the interview, Rollie shares how the foundation is dedicated to using community kitchens to train individuals who face high barriers to finding employment in the culinary world. Listen ...

Send us a Text Message.In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Eli Kulp, the decorated chef and partner of High Street Hospitality Group, host of The Chef Radio Podcast, and co-host of Delicious City Philly Podcast. Before 2015, Eli's culinary journey was marked by impressive achievements: he earned coveted accolades like Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2014, honed his skills at renowned New York establishments such as Casa Lever and Del Posto, and collaborated with Ellen Yin to l...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Brian Arruda, founder & CEO of Executive Chefs at Home, a premier placement agency for hospitality professionals in private residences across the globe. Brian shares the journey of building a thriving business during the pandemic out of necessity and how his experience working for acclaimed chefs, such as Charlie Palmer, José Andrés, Mario Batali, Thomas Keller, and Daniel Boulud, propelled him towards entrepreneurial success. Today t...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Matty Edgell, the 28-year-old winner of the latest season of The Great British Bake Off on Netflix. Matty’s journey to triumph was nothing short of extraordinary. Hailed as the “underdog” and “wild card” of the 14th series, he captivated audiences with his humble demeanor and remarkable baking skills he learned from his Nana at a very young age. Matty shares how he’s continuing to share his passion for baking on social media and why sports and ...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Ferdinand Metz, instrumental in establishing the Chefs’ Apprenticeship, Certification, and Master Chefs’ Certification programs in the United States. He’s also the first Certified Master Chef in history. Honored with nearly every major award in the culinary world, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the esteemed “Who's Who in Cooking” by the James Beard Foundation, Metz shares what it’s like to build a career and craft your...

In today’s episode, we speak with Daphne Oz, Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times-bestselling author, natural foods chef, and daughter of Dr. Oz. As a previous co-host at The Good Dish and ABC’s The Chew, Daphne dives into what it takes to start a career in TV hosting and her best social media tips. With features in notable publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, Daphne shares more about her distinct culinary philosophy, advocating...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Kristen Kish, the new host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning Top Chef.* Kristen is the chef and partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, as well as the founder of Kish Apéritif. Kristen shares how remaining authentically true to herself has opened unexpected doors of opportunity, such as winning Season 10 of Top Chef and becoming the franchise’s second female winner. Now, coming full circle, Kristen is taking the helm as the host of Season 21, succeeding...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Bekei Ijewere, an Escoffier graduate and founder of Beks Culinary Academy in Lagos, Nigeria.  What makes Bekei's story truly captivating is her unconventional path into the culinary realm. Trained initially as a chartered accountant, she seamlessly merged her financial acumen with her deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts. In 2021, Bekei established Beks Culinary Academy, marking the beginning of her mission to revolutionize Africa's culinary...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Shari Bayer, founder & president of Bayer Public Relations, as well as host & producer of All in the Industry podcast. With over 30 years in the industry, Shari established her PR agency in 2003, representing chefs, restaurants, and culinary-focused clients. As a Les Dames d’Escoffier NY member since 2010 and former president of the New York Women’s Culinary Alliance, Shari sheds light on the pivotal role of "networking" in her...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Wonda Grobbelaar, an expert in soft skills, leadership quality assurance, and management training.  As a PhD candidate, Wonda shares her ground-breaking research on how chefs can navigate stress, offers tips on hospitality leadership, and discusses the future of workplace psychology. She advocates for quality cultures in higher education, guides culinarians in burnout prevention, and explores Industry 4.0's impact on culinary jobs.  Listen as...

To celebrate our 100th episode, today’s special guest is Michel Escoffier, the great-grandson of our school’s namesake Auguste Escoffier, renowned as the ‘King of Chefs’ and the pioneer of modern French cuisine. Michel holds the esteemed position of President at the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum in Villeneuve-Loubet, France. Additionally, he serves as an advisory board member at the Auguste Escoffier School Of Culinary Arts. His dedication revolves around preserving the enduring...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gavin Kaysen, an award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis, home to his nationally-renowned restaurants and cafes in the Twin Cities.  Gavins sheds light on how he became a nationally recognized chef, launching restaurants like Spoon and Stable, a 2015 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant; and Demi, a 20-seat gem ranked #3 on Robb Report’s list of the “10 Best Restaurants in North America.” He shares...

In this episode, we're joined by Ragnar Fridriksson, the Managing Director of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and the host of "World on a Plate," a podcast presented by Worldchefs.  With an impressive culinary career spanning over 25 years, Ragnar's expertise covers a multitude of roles – from consultancy and food & wine writing to the art of capturing delectable dishes through photography. Drawing from this tapestry of experiences, Ragnar delves into invaluable insights on...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gina Homolka, founder of the award-winning food blog, “Skinnytaste,” and best-selling cookbook author.  In this episode, Gina offers an intimate insight into the genesis of Skinnytaste in 2008, a venture ignited by her desire to “slim down some of her favorite recipes.” Through the ingenious combination of seasonal produce and a mindful approach to portion control, Gina not only discovered her niche but also attracted an enormous online following....

In today’s episode, we speak with David Wiens, a former professional cross-country mountain biker and Executive Director at the International Mountain Bicycling Association. With a prestigious induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000, David shares his remarkable story of how he achieved an incredible feat—six consecutive victories in the grueling Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. Along the way, he beat some of the cycling world's most prominent figures, including Floyd Landis and...