CAFE Talks Podcast

The best partnerships require a willingness to listen, the flexibility to change and the desire to embrace it, recognition of each other's challenges and needs, and a touch of creativity. In culinary education, this partnership process requires consideration for the community, partner businesses, faculty, maximization of space, and, of course, the student. Tune in to the 100th episode of CAFÉ Talks podcast for an inspiring conversation with Chef Jorge de la Torre from Sun Valley Culinary Institute as we examine their program that breaks from tradition to partner with all stakeholders in their tourist community.

We have all heard the phrase: “There are plenty of fish in the sea”, of course used in a different context, but with increased demand at the plate and concerns over the impact of global climate change, the reality is that seafood supply is not guaranteed. Chefs and educators have a role to play in helping consumers stretch their palates and move towards more sustainable fish and sustainable fishing processes used domestically and internationally. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a conversation with Tally Hite, Seafood Watch Outreach Partnership Lead as she offers insight into the work of the organization, the challenges that are facing seafood supply and demand, and what we might do to help maintain a sustainable approach towards seafood consumption.

The menu is centerpiece to the restaurant experience and as such, one of the most critical (and enjoyable) tasks that a chef engages in. Bringing family traditions, work experiences, influence from mentors, and ethnic background to the table, a chef will create his or her menu signature. This signature includes all components of FLAVOR (taste, smell, texture, visual impact, sound, and context) as well as the business dynamics that drive restaurant success. Join CAFÉ Talks for a conversation with Katie Ayoub, one of the country's most experienced experts in the areas of menu development and taste dynamics as she uncovers some of the secrets of building a successful menu concept while keeping an eye on the trends that drive consumer engagement.

The American dairy represents the core of generational family businesses that made our country strong. The work is incredibly hard and unpredictable; the connection to the land is critical; the love of and care for dairy cows is wonderful to experience, and the product is on every kitchen table from coast to coast. Yet, operating a dairy farm focused on fluid milk is so incredibly challenging forcing farmers to seek ways to increase herd size and production to make ends meet. Some, like Point Reyes in California, have embraced a different approach, an exciting way of turning the page toward success through production of signature cheeses. At a time when much attention is paid to reducing carbon footprints and supporting local farming, this model of unique, signature cheese making is the right move at the right time. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for our chat with Jill Giacomini Basch of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company for an inside look at a model family run business producing some of the finest signature cheeses to be found anywhere. Their story is compelling. 

Since those early days, in 1905, when Gennaro Lombardi opened the first American pizzeria in New York City, the United States has been in love with this seemingly simple menu item of crust, tomatoes, and cheese. Pizza has become the menu choice of everyday celebrations, a neighborhood attraction that brings people together, a family tradition, and a nourishing, delicious, versatile item for people on the go. It is nearly impossible to find a city, town, village, or hamlet in the United States that lacks at least one, if not many pizzerias to choose from. The pizzeria is an important entry-level business for budding entrepreneurs, and a perfect business for those who love to connect with people and put a smile on their face. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast for a lively interview with national and international pizza aficionado, competition winning pizzaiolo, and co-owner of State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria. His is a shop that stands out among the more than 7,000 pizzerias in California, a place worthy of a trip.

Most students and young cooks share common unanswered questions about the process of becoming a cook and chef, how they will fit in a changing industry, and whether or not they made the right decision to choose to pursue a formal culinary education or go the route of the school of hard knocks. They are questions that deserve answers – questions that seek our mentorship and coaching. Join CAFÉ Talks as Paul Sorgule, our podcast host, considers these questions and offers answers from his experience as a chef and educator.

What can be very exciting about a career is not as much what you are doing in the moment as the realization that you never know what you might be doing, or are even be capable of doing, in the future. Preparation for whatever may come, constantly improving your skill set, keeping an open mind, and having a willingness to dip your toe in the water of opportunity can reveal a career that you never imagined. The fields of hospitality and culinary arts offer nearly limitless opportunities to move in new and exciting directions – if you so choose. Join CAFÉ Talks for a conversation with Wendy Hackett, General Manager of the Winery at Bull Run. She is a lifelong ambassador of hospitality with an understanding of what it takes to build, train, and mentor teams and nurture the commitment to creating hospitable environments so that hospitality can take place. 

Resources, resources, resources. What we offer in the classroom is only one source important information that will help our students be successful. The industry of food and beverage chances so quickly that it is nearly impossible for our classroom content to keep up. Knowing what resources are available to help students remain current is a necessary part of the teacher's job. There is a plethora of information available to faculty members and students that will do just that. Making them part of our delivery is essential. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast as we discuss the role of media, in this case SANTE on-line emagazine, with the media company's owner – Emiliano De Laurentiis.

At a time of uncertainty within higher education, it is refreshing to know that there are knowledge leaders working to define what opportunities stand before us. Artificial Intelligence, education as a service industry, on-line education, enrollment decline, value assessment vs. rising costs, and an audience that doesn't learn the same way that previous generations did, all combine into a stew of challenge; a stew that needs the right amount of seasoning from educational leaders, faculty members, and potential students. Join Robert (Skip) Meyers, PhD as CAFÉ Talks leads a discussion about such topics as co-learners, intellectual humility, meta cognition, and hybrid flexible modeling. What will higher education look like in the next decade. 

Everyone learns differently, yet many educational models focus on a standardized approach. To some, a traditional college education sets the stage for a successful future while for others a trade school is more appropriate. With respect to culinary education there is little argument over the value of a hands-on approach and the importance of real-life experiences. Evolving from the early apprenticeship model, culinary schools have been very successful at teaching the “why” associated with skill development and only with the addition of “how” experiences such as on-campus restaurants, internships, and externships have they found a level of success with building real competence. Is it time for the apprenticeship model to regain its rightful place as a preferred educational means to an end? Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a convincing conversation with Chef Randall McNamara, Director of Special Products for Rouxbe Culinary School. 

We may think that a protein is the center of the plate for most restaurant menu items, but based on popularity, variety, and pure satisfaction – the potato reigns supreme. From baked, mashed, hash browns, roasted, and scalloped to the mighty French fry, people love potatoes. Idaho produces nearly one third of all the potatoes available on the U.S. market. The “spud” state offers a perfect environment for growing exceptional potatoes, especially the classic russet. The volcanic soil, desert climate with more than 280 days of annual sunshine, and a commitment to 100% irrigation make Idaho the perfect location for exceptional potatoes. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast for a recent interview with Alan Kahn – Vice President for Foodservice at the Idaho Potato Commission for a fascinating insight into the life and marketing of this incredible ingredient. As cooks, chefs, and educators we should all be in service of the potato. 

To understand the history and traditions of a country, to walk the vineyards and farmlands, enjoy the aroma of Prosciutto di Parma hams hanging through a long cure, to slice into a wheel of 24 month aged Parmigiana, or savor the deeply rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor of barrel aged balsamic – this is a real education. Walk through ancient Rome and feel the energy of a thousand years of societal evolution, to be in the presence of skilled craftsman who built this country of Italy over dozens of generations and step into the trattorias that are the centerpieces of Tuscan villages with names like Montepulciano and Sienna, to embrace the aroma of deliciousness that stems from a Bolognese simmering for hours, fresh summer truffles shaved on top of homemade ravioli, taste the richness of slow cooked polenta with creamy smooth mascarpone cheese, or relish thin crust Napoli style pizza - simple and perfect as it is peeled from a wood-fired oven by a third generation pizziolo – this is a real education. Join CAFÉ Talks as we chat with Giacomo Berselli of Marco Polo Programs Abroad about his wonderful educational excursions for culinary students and faculty through the centers of food in Italy. Listen and close your eyes – you can envision being there. 

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – This is what drives chefs and cooks – we want to use our craft to have an impact on how people feel, act, interact, and enjoy life. A well-prepared plate of food is the ultimate vehicle for expressing our feelings, our heritage, our belief in humankind, and how we inherently want to bring joy to other's lives. For some, that plate of food is hard to come by. Food insecurity and a lack of understanding how to prepare and present wholesome food for a balanced diet remains one of the greatest travesties in our country and around the world. Chefs can have an impact on resolving this problem and in the process make a significant dent in the universe. Join CAFÉ Talks for a conversation with Chef Vanessa Marquis – chair of the American Culinary Federation's Chef and Child Initiative and learn how you can help to resolve the problem of food insecurity and nutritional shortcomings among children. 

Chefs have always served an important role in bringing people together and brightening their day. Cooking and a plate of food is comforting and part of a wellness regiment, but it can be so much more. It is a form of expression and a vehicle for storytelling, a way for people to connect, and a perfect vehicle for setting aside or embracing our differences. When chefs understand these ancillary opportunities then a whole new perspective on the craft comes into play. Join CAFÉ Talks for a chat with Chef Adam Ochs whose experiences in clubs, grand hotels, and fine dining restaurants provide a platform for connecting with a different audience. Chefs for Seniors is a perfect vehicle that brings the chef into homes to provide a nutritious meal while offering the chance to connect on multiple levels with the client through active listening and special storytelling.

Chef to chef – this is what inspires us, this is what brings us together, this is how we move forward as an industry. Being part of something that is representative, collaborative, historically significant, and in tune with making a difference is inspiring. The American Culinary Federation, celebrating 95 years of representing and helping to define the American chef is such an organization. Positioned to lead the profession of chef forward and helping all who tie on an apron to navigate the challenges ahead, the ACF has never been more important than it is right now. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast as we share an hour with Chef Christopher Tanner, the newly appointed Executive Director of the ACF. His fresh perspective will serve to point, once again, to the significance of professional cooks and the important role they play in helping to define an important part of American culture.

Chef to chef – this is what inspires us, this is what brings us together, this is how we move forward as an industry. Being part of something that is representative, collaborative, historically significant, and in tune with making a difference is inspiring. The American Culinary Federation, celebrating 95 years of representing and helping to define the American chef is such an organization. Positioned to lead the profession of chef forward and helping all who tie on an apron to navigate the challenges ahead, the ACF has never been more important than it is right now. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast as we share an hour with Chef Christopher Tanner, the newly appointed Executive Director of the ACF. His fresh perspective will serve to point, once again, to the significance of professional cooks and the important role they play in helping to define an important part of American culture. 

There has never been a more interesting and challenging time to be a chef than right now! Everything is changing, everything seems to be in flux; but what is certain is that chefs will always be needed, and people will always respond well to great food. As the industry of food moves through a period of significant change it is essential that culinary education lead the charge. What will the position of chef look like in the years ahead? What types of positions will our graduates seek and how well are we preparing them for different roles? If you understand that this is the time to be proactive and define the role culinary schools will play in determining future career tracks for our students, then be sure to listen to CAFÉ Talks Podcast with Research and Development Chefs Sean Dwigans and Todd Ketterman from Reser Fine Foods as they focus on their role in determining the future of quality food and how restaurants and culinary schools might respond. 

What pulls people into the kitchen? What is the attraction and what might be in the DNA of chefs and future chefs that connects with the heat of the restaurant back-of-the-house? Walk through your kitchen and carry on a conversation with your cooks, bring the topic of a chef's DNA up at your next chef's meeting, and dig a little deeper to discover where that spark of interest comes from. You just might find that your kitchen is filled with frustrated artists and musicians looking for a way to express themselves. You just might discover those passionate cooks have a room full of guitars, drums, acrylic paints, homemade pottery, shelves full of journals where they write their thoughts, or even a handful of written poems they keep to themselves. Is the art of cooking a reason why creative people find a home in the kitchen – a place where live art connects through all the human senses? If this might be so, do your programs adequately connect to this underlying passion and help to nurture the need to be expressive? Tune in to CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a discussion on this very topic with Chef Joseph Bonaparte of the Culinary Institute of Myrtle beach – an award-winning culinarian and accomplished guitarist. 

Most would agree that chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. No matter your state of mind – chocolate makes things better. In fact, Chef Alain Ducasse stated: “Everywhere in the world there are tensions: economic, political, religious. So, we need chocolate.” Pastry chefs are admired and even revered, but the chocolatier is on a whole other level of awe. Chocolate stems from an agricultural product “cacao” and exhibits the same complexities and variances as grapes and wine. Those who master its secrets hold the key to culinary happiness. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a comforting interview with Pastry Chef and Chocolatier, Josh Johnson of Guittard Chocolate as he takes us on the journey of a cacao bean to its destination as chocolate in a professional kitchen. “Chocolate is ground from the beans of happiness.”  -Terri Guillemets (quotation anthologist)

The food industry has changed significantly over the past few decades. With over one million restaurants in the United States and a food supply system from farm through production and distribution and on to diner's tables, the complexity of this segment of the economy has become exponentially more difficult to manage. As is the case with so many other industries – technology is becoming a very important tool as we seek to find a path towards consistency, quality, efficiency, and profitability. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for our conversation with Chef Daniel Lessem – Corporate Chef and Director of Educational Partnerships for Rational Cooking Systems as we discuss the opportunities that kitchen technology offers today's chef.

A perfect croissant, crunchy exterior, soft layered interior – rich with delicious butter; a dense chocolate Sacher Torte with luscious ganache and bittersweet chocolate glaze, creamy bavarians, berry tarts, eclairs and cream puffs, and colorful macarons – everybody craves them even if they fight to resist. Dessert and pastry are what restaurant memories are made of. Behind those incredible sweets stand talented, dedicated, passionate, early-to-rise bakers and pastry chefs. These artisans have chosen a career that demands much of the technician and the creative chef. There is a science and an art to the preparation of these timeless treats – a science that demands attention to detail and respect for traditional preparations. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a lively interview with award winning Chef Nathaniel Reid of Nathaniel Reid Bakery in Kirkwood, Missouri as we delve into the passion, the commitment, the art, and the challenges of the modern pastry chef. 

It took a few decades, but here we are – The Education Experience. Simply delivering curriculum content is not enough anymore. Colleges are expected to create an environment that is conducive to attracting, retaining, and graduating competent and confident individuals. This Experience includes state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful campuses, loads of technology, the very best trained faculty, and in the case of culinary arts programs – sophisticated kitchens and dining environments. Tuition alone will not support these needs and expectations and tuition does have a breaking point – so, the ability to provide this experience rests firmly on the shoulders of effective Development Offices. Listen to our conversation with Jen Root – Associate Vice President of Development for the University of Idaho as we delve into the need for collaboration and synergy between all stakeholders in the education of tomorrows chefs, restaurateurs, and leaders. 

Ah…there are few foods more gratifying, fun, aromatic, flavorful, and nostalgic than pizza. The world loves it, Americans are hooked, and 75,000 pizza entrepreneurs across the country are making a living throwing and spinning dough, topping it with San Marzano tomato sauce, topped with stretched mozzarella, olive oil and a touch of fresh herbs. Every town seems to have their pizzeria where local show-person pizzaiolos are dazzling customers with their ability to master their version of a classic “pie”. What does it take to be at the top of your pizza game, what does it mean to be “all in” with the craft, and what separates the good from the great? Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a chat with Master Pizzaiolo Leah Scurto from PIZZALeah in Sonoma, California as she gives us the “real story” about the craft that has become her passion. 

Eight billion people on the planet and counting. Farmers, ranchers, and fisherman are faced with a momentous challenge: “How do we continue to feed a planet that is growing at an exponential rate, protect the integrity of our ecosystem, produce food that is delicious, nutritious, and safe, and do so with integrity”? Join CAFÉ Talks podcast as Dr. Alan McAnelly discusses regenerative agriculture and how it can help farmers, consumers, and the planet. Healthy soil builds healthy plants; healthy plants contribute to healthy animals, and ultimately healthy people. 

What once was thought to be of no use has been given a chance to be great again, to feed us all and pay respect to the plant, the animal, and the products we made and pushed aside what was left. What is one man's waste is another's treasure – how true it is to those who think and act in tune with the planet. Join CAFÉ Talks for a fascinating conversation with Dan Kurzrock, CEO of Upcycled Foods, Inc. as he challenges us to re-think how we approach the foods we prepare and consume. His company mantra: “To better align the food we eat with the planet we love” points to what each of us can do to impact the world around us. His company is finding new ways of using what we haphazardly referred to as waste in the past. This is the start of something great. 

At a time of crisis, the opportunities are limitless for those who understand how to lead and lift people up, for those who embrace change as a catalyst for innovation and improvement, and those who celebrate individuality and inclusion. This is the message from Glenn Llopis – a leading consultant, author, and mentor to leaders across the country. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast as Glenn helps us to build a roadmap for success in challenging times. His methods work! His focus on building Innovation Mentality in organizations is just what we need while we navigate through this incredible time that is positioned for innovation and creative thought. 

What would Escoffier think? This is a question that many chefs ask at times when a major shift in menu or concept is being contemplated, or when an educator is faced with the need to adjust content or methods of delivery. Change is difficult for anyone and at times we need to not only look back for guidance but also look forward for opportunity. Join CAFÉ Talks for an important discussion about on-line delivery methods for culinary arts students with Chef Kirk Bachmann, President and Provost for the Escoffier School in Boulder, Colorado. This is a very important topic as the restaurant industry and culinary education move forward through challenging times. 

Breaking bread is symbolism for coming together, putting aside differences and learning to appreciate those with whom we differ. Breaking bread, in this regard, is adopted by individuals, families, organizations, as well as countries intent on finding diplomatic solutions to the challenges we face. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast as Christopher Weissberg, a member of French Parliament, as we chat about diplomacy and the role that food plays in breaking down barriers.

In a world where “What's in it for me”, is too often the first concern, those who are truly successful build a foundation on generosity, giving, and value creation first. When we invest in others, we also invest in ourselves and our future. Listen in to CAFÉ Talks interview with world-renown author: John David Mann as we discuss the importance of generosity and the value of storytelling. Through books such as “The Go-Giver”, John points us in the direction of giving that benefits all stakeholders impacted by the process. An attitude of giving is evident, in practice, in our kitchens and classrooms – shouldn't it be part of our teaching philosophy? Should generosity be a critical trait of leadership? Join us for this important discussion.

Fire, smoke, and food. This is the origin of cooking; that a' ha moment when flavor came into play and the experience of eating extended beyond survival. Fast forward 300,000 years (give or take 100,000) and cooks still relish fire and smoke; low and slow preparations, and the development of flavor through caramelization and penetrating smoke. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast for an exciting conversation with Jonathan and Meghan Gravatt of West Shore Barbeque as they ignite your interest and share their passion for cooking with wood and live fire. Feed your fascination with barbeque and the regional variations that exist from Kansas City to Central Texas, and Memphis to Central Florida. Listen as the Gravatt's talk about bringing fire and smoke to the mountains of New York.

What we do is important! As chefs and chef educators we know the responsibility we have for preparing and presenting beautiful, delicious food, but do we fully realize the impact food has on the health and wellbeing of our communities? What happens in restaurants with food will eventually trickle down to the home. Chefs and cooks can set the tone for the food that we eat and how it is prepared. Proper nutrition need not infer that deliciousness is sacrificed. It is part of our responsibility to teach and train the next generation of professional cooks to understand, embrace, and practice good nutrition without sacrifice. We hold the key to changing habits. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a discussion with Chef-Dietitian Barbara Kamp of culinarymedicine.org as she walks us through their efforts to train medical professionals how to reference good nutrition with their patients and how chefs might better understand the role that this plays in changing the impact of disease.

Is there a magic formula for restaurant success? Why is it that some succeed while others fail? How should restaurateurs approach the business and what are the expectations of guests and employees? As chefs and restaurant operators we look for the answers to these questions – sometimes believing that we have it all figured out. As educators, we may believe that we know what should be taught and how to nurture the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs, but have we really unlocked the secret? Well, there is no secret sauce, no perfect locational answer, no concept that is foolproof, but there is a key that has been around since the first travelers visited local taverns – hospitality. Those operators and operations that understand the importance of hospitality are able to step into the winner's circle and those that do not will struggle. It's as simple and as challenging as that. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast conversation with a true restaurant operator, a seasoned veteran of restaurants like the Palm, Morton's, and now Truluck's in Dallas, Texas. Take the time to listen to the words of wisdom from Brian Perry who embraces the concept of hospitality and lives it every day.

What lays ahead, what will your future bring, where might you wind up? From those early days of washing dishes or the first opportunity to work on a kitchen line, there is a spark of wonder and loads of trepidation over these important questions. Is this what I want to do, what I should do with my life? At these early stages in a career many may have doubts, but some will say that the opportunities are only limited by a person's desire, commitment to learning, and willingness to build and stick to a plan. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast as we spend time with Charles Carroll, CEC, Executive Chef of River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas - one of the country's most accomplished chefs, authors, and visionaries. Catch his enthusiasm for team building, communication, professionalism, adventure, and family as he walks us through the challenges and opportunities that have come his way because he was ready and open to whatever came next.