St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast

This is a special edition one-time show where we talk to Ray Lampe on the closing of Dr. BBQ the Restaurant, what the future may hold for him in the restaurant business and other projects he is working on. You'll get the real story on why the restaurant closed, and find out that Ray is quite the unstoppable entrepreneur with lots of fun and exciting current and future projects in the works. Will Ray be back in the restaurant business in the future? Listen to the ten minute interview to find out.

This is a special edition one-time show where we talk to Ray Lampe on the closing of Dr. BBQ the Restaurant, what the future may hold for him in the restaurant business and other projects he is working on. You'll get the real story on why the restaurant closed, and find out that Ray is quite the unstoppable entrepreneur with lots of fun and exciting current and future projects in the works. Will Ray be back in the restaurant business in the future? Listen to the ten minute interview to find out.

We interview Chef and Restaurateur Mike Crippin. Mike was the chef at The Moon Under Water for 20 years, and now he has his own place, Studio Public house. We discuss whether The Moon Under Water is coming back or not, learn Mike's trick for making a Guinness taste like a Bud Light, and the good news that you can still get the old Moon curries at Studio Public House, plus much more. After the interview we talk about the beef ragu we made with a beautiful chuck roast from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Chef and Restaurateur Mike Crippin. Mike was the chef at The Moon Under Water for 20 years, and now he has his own place, Studio Public house. We discuss whether The Moon Under Water is coming back or not, learn Mike's trick for making a Guinness taste like a Bud Light, and the good news that you can still get the old Moon curries at Studio Public House, plus much more. After the interview we talk about the beef ragu we made with a beautiful chuck roast from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Chef Jon Robben. We met Jon a few years ago at Tryst, and for the past few years he has upped the food game at Trophy Fish. Talking to Jon, we learn some things we never knew about fish and seafood, and he schools us (no pun intended) on fresh vs. frozen, and farmed vs. wild. At the top of the show we'll talk Pork Butt, Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets, and the evolution of American cuisine.

We interview Chef Jon Robben. We met Jon a few years ago at Tryst, and for the past few years he has upped the food game at Trophy Fish. Talking to Jon, we learn some things we never knew about fish and seafood, and he schools us (no pun intended) on fresh vs. frozen, and farmed vs. wild. At the top of the show we'll talk Pork Butt, Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets, and the evolution of American cuisine.

We interview Kelly & Alex Rodriguez. Kelly and Alex own Lolita's Wine Market, and we'll talk about their new place, Sammy & Paco's Cafe. After the interview we make pork carnitas with a recipe from IAmAFoodBlog.com using pork butt and pork belly from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Kelly & Alex Rodriguez. Kelly and Alex own Lolita's Wine Market, and we'll talk about their new place, Sammy & Paco's Cafe. After the interview we make pork carnitas with a recipe from IAmAFoodBlog.com using pork butt and pork belly from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Joel Sanchez. Joel is the General Manager and Partner at Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria. They just opened last month in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg, and they have fantastic food from several different regions of Italy. We talk about Joel's inadvertent start in the business at an early age, some favorite menu items at Matteo, and Italian food and cooking. At the top of the show, we have Abby Allen with her recipe for Peach, Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Seared Halloumi.

We interview Joel Sanchez. Joel is the General Manager and Partner at Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria. They just opened last month in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg, and they have fantastic food from several different regions of Italy. We talk about Joel's inadvertent start in the business at an early age, some favorite menu items at Matteo, and Italian food and cooking. At the top of the show, we have Abby Allen with her recipe for Peach, Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Seared Halloumi.

We interview Max Blowers. Max is the General Manager & Beverage Director at Social Roost. He is a St. Pete native, but spent 15 years living in NYC, and has worked for celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and David Burke. We talk about his time there, and then hear about the wild rollercoaster ride it's been upon his return to St. Pete. After Max, we recap our grilling and meat filled weekend with Juicy Lucy Burgers, Grilled Chicken, Duck Eggs and Bacon, all from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Max Blowers. Max is the General Manager & Beverage Director at Social Roost. He is a St. Pete native, but spent 15 years living in NYC, and has worked for celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and David Burke. We talk about his time there, and then hear about the wild rollercoaster ride it's been upon his return to St. Pete. After Max, we recap our grilling and meat filled weekend with Juicy Lucy Burgers, Grilled Chicken, Duck Eggs and Bacon, all from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Brian Levine. Brian is a life-long Disney aficionado, having worked at Disneyland in college, and is now working at a Disney Store 34-years later. He's been to Disney World innumerous times, and will be telling us what to eat, and what not to eat at all of the Disney parks in Orlando. At the top of the show we will discuss the real Fettuccini Alfredo vs. The American Version.

We interview Brian Levine. Brian is a life-long Disney aficionado, having worked at Disneyland in college, and is now working at a Disney Store 34-years later. He's been to Disney World innumerous times, and will be telling us what to eat, and what not to eat at all of the Disney parks in Orlando. At the top of the show we will discuss the real Fettuccini Alfredo vs. The American Version.

We interview Allan Bishop and Cristian Uguzzoni from Tutto Bene, which is a quaint Italian eatery in Gulfport that has quickly become quite popular. Allan is the co-owner with his wife Michelle, and Cristian is the GM hailing from Modena, Italy. After Tutto Bene, we make the most famous steak in Brazilian steakhouses, Picanha, provided by St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Allan Bishop and Cristian Uguzzoni from Tutto Bene, which is a quaint Italian eatery in Gulfport that has quickly become quite popular. Allan is the co-owner with his wife Michelle, and Cristian is the GM hailing from Modena, Italy. After Tutto Bene, we make the most famous steak in Brazilian steakhouses, Picanha, provided by St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Liz Senyak. Liz is the Director of Operations for Feed and Seed Hospitality, which owns Trophy Fish, Mandarin Hide, and Mandarin Heights. Liz got her start in the business bartending at Datz in Tampa. Her leadership skills got her promoted to manager, and she joined Feed and Seed in 2018 just after Trophy Fish opened. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen with her recipe for Curry Chicken Salad sandwiches + avocado hummus.

We interview Liz Senyak. Liz is the Director of Operations for Feed and Seed Hospitality, which owns Trophy Fish, Mandarin Hide, and Mandarin Heights. Liz got her start in the business bartending at Datz in Tampa. Her leadership skills got her promoted to manager, and she joined Feed and Seed in 2018 just after Trophy Fish opened. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen with her recipe for Curry Chicken Salad sandwiches + avocado hummus.

We interview Bill Brown from William Dean Chocolates. You'll learn which celebrity endorsed his chocolates on her TV show, which upscale chain of grocery stores, and which Las Vegas casino put William Dean Chocolates on the map by placing orders the first year they were in business. At the top of the show we will discuss the dichotomy of restaurants being super busy, and not having enough help, or experienced help.

We interview Bill Brown from William Dean Chocolates. You'll learn which celebrity endorsed his chocolates on her TV show, which upscale chain of grocery stores, and which Las Vegas casino put William Dean Chocolates on the map by placing orders the first year they were in business. At the top of the show we will discuss the dichotomy of restaurants being super busy, and not having enough help, or experienced help.

We interview Matt Bonano. Matt is the former owner of Brooklyn South, and is now one of two butchers at St. Pete Meat & Provisions. After Matt, we take his suggestion to make the hanger steak from St. Pete Meat, which turned out to be a succulent flavor bomb.

We interview Matt Bonano. Matt is the former owner of Brooklyn South, and is now one of two butchers at St. Pete Meat & Provisions. After Matt, we take his suggestion to make the hanger steak from St. Pete Meat, which turned out to be a succulent flavor bomb.

We interview Robin Sussingham. She is the Publisher & Editor of the newly re-launched Edible Tampa Bay Magazine. She is a long-time award-winning journalist in several areas, and especially in food. Robin is also the former host, and creator of The Zest Podcast at WUSF, Tampa Bay's NPR station. At the top of the show, Lori and Kevin discuss Food Inflation, Chili with Beans (or without), and Restaurant Server's Pet Peeves.

We interview Robin Sussingham. She is the Publisher & Editor of the newly re-launched Edible Tampa Bay Magazine. She is a long-time award-winning journalist in several areas, and especially in food. Robin is also the former host, and creator of The Zest Podcast at WUSF, Tampa Bay's NPR station. At the top of the show, Lori and Kevin discuss Food Inflation, Chili with Beans (or without), and Restaurant Server's Pet Peeves.

We interview Christine Cutler. She is the President of The International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. They will be having their 2021 conference in downtown St. Pete this November. Chris is also an expert on travel to Italy, Italian culture, and cuisine. Did you know that Spaghetti Bolognese does not exist in Italy? Neither does Fettuccini Alfredo, or Pepperoni Pizza amongst other things that we discuss. After Chris, Kevin does some "cooking for one" with Bajan Sausage and Moroccan Meatballs from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Christine Cutler. She is the President of The International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. They will be having their 2021 conference in downtown St. Pete this November. Chris is also an expert on travel to Italy, Italian culture, and cuisine. Did you know that Spaghetti Bolognese does not exist in Italy? Neither does Fettuccini Alfredo, or Pepperoni Pizza amongst other things that we discuss. After Chris, Kevin does some "cooking for one" with Bajan Sausage and Moroccan Meatballs from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Thomas Miller from The Treasure Coast Foodie. Just like us, he does reviews of local independent restaurants. He also does restaurant awards like us, has a wine club, dining club and more. He visited a few St. Pete restaurants for a feature article he is working on. He is also debuting a new video series reminiscent of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen with her recipe for St. Louis Spare Ribs with Hasselback Cantaloupe.

We interview Thomas Miller from The Treasure Coast Foodie. Just like us, he does reviews of local independent restaurants. He also does restaurant awards like us, has a wine club, dining club and more. He visited a few St. Pete restaurants for a feature article he is working on. He is also debuting a new video series reminiscent of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen with her recipe for St. Louis Spare Ribs with Hasselback Cantaloupe.

We interview Chef Susan Burdian. Susan is an acclaimed chef from NYC, and is now heading up the kitchen at Social Roost. She has cooked for Anthony Bourdain, and at The James Beard House, and is experienced in over ten different types of cuisine. After Susan, we have the best lamb we've ever had in our lives. We made the Colorado Rack of Lamb from St. Pete Meat & Provisions. It blew us away! We ate double portions, and there were no leftovers.

We interview Chef Susan Burdian. Susan is an acclaimed chef from NYC, and is now heading up the kitchen at Social Roost. She has cooked for Anthony Bourdain, and at The James Beard House, and is experienced in over ten different types of cuisine. After Susan, we have the best lamb we've ever had in our lives. We made the Colorado Rack of Lamb from St. Pete Meat & Provisions. It blew us away! We ate double portions, and there were no leftovers.

We interview Dean Hurst. Let us say this: Dean is just fun! He is the Beverage Director for The Datz Group, and today we have an extensive conversation on all things tiki and tiki culture with an emphasis on tiki drinks, and some tiki history. On the second half of the interview we get into the carefully crafted recipes for the drinks at the new Burnt Ends Tiki Bar. At the top of the show we will be talking about three news stories that include beef, tacos, and pizza - three of our favorite things.

We interview Dean Hurst. Let us say this: Dean is just fun! He is the Beverage Director for The Datz Group, and today we have an extensive conversation on all things tiki and tiki culture with an emphasis on tiki drinks, and some tiki history. On the second half of the interview we get into the carefully crafted recipes for the drinks at the new Burnt Ends Tiki Bar. At the top of the show we will be talking about three news stories that include beef, tacos, and pizza - three of our favorite things.

We interview Chef A.J. Lambden. A.J. has worked at several Tampa Bay area, and downtown St. Pete restaurants with most of his hours being logged at Cassis on Beach Dr. He started his catering business two weeks before the first pandemic shutdown. Then he pivoted by taking several business courses, and is now launching his new culinary-tech crossover - Kiosk Kitchen. After A.J., we'll tell you about the best Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs we ever had. The boneless, skin-on thighs are from St. Pete Meat & Provisions, and the recipe came from Delish.com.

We interview Chef A.J. Lambden. A.J. has worked at several Tampa Bay area, and downtown St. Pete restaurants with most of his hours being logged at Cassis on Beach Dr. He started his catering business two weeks before the first pandemic shutdown. Then he pivoted by taking several business courses, and is now launching his new culinary-tech crossover - Kiosk Kitchen. After A.J., we'll tell you about the best Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs we ever had. The boneless, skin-on thighs are from St. Pete Meat & Provisions, and the recipe came from Delish.com.

We interview Chef Olive Davis. She's been a charter boat chef in the Caribbean, appeared on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri, was the chef at Stella's in Gulfport, and was part of the opening team for Locale as the in-house butcher. Currently, Olive is the chef at Salty's Sandwich Bar in Gulfport, and we love the food. At the top of the show, for Cinco de Mayo, we have Abby Allen-Leach with her recipe for Quesa Birria Tacos. Be sure to wear your apron for this one. It's worth it though!

We interview Chef Olive Davis. She's been a charter boat chef in the Caribbean, appeared on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri, was the chef at Stella's in Gulfport, and was part of the opening team for Locale as the in-house butcher. Currently, Olive is the chef at Salty's Sandwich Bar in Gulfport, and we love the food. At the top of the show, for Cinco de Mayo, we have Abby Allen-Leach with her recipe for Quesa Birria Tacos. Be sure to wear your apron for this one. It's worth it though!

We interview Don Nguyen in this special episode solely dedicated to Asian cuisine. Just a few of the things we talk about include, the evolution of Asian cuisine, hidden gem hole in the wall local Asian eateries, fish sauce, myriad types of soy sauce, Asian cooking, why there is no cheese in Asian cuisine, or is there?, and a whole lot more in this extended longest episode ever on all things Asian cuisine. After Don, we make Korean BBQ with the flank steak from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Don Nguyen in this special episode solely dedicated to Asian cuisine. Just a few of the things we talk about include, the evolution of Asian cuisine, hidden gem hole in the wall local Asian eateries, fish sauce, myriad types of soy sauce, Asian cooking, why there is no cheese in Asian cuisine, or is there?, and a whole lot more in this extended longest episode ever on all things Asian cuisine. After Don, we make Korean BBQ with the flank steak from St. Pete Meat & Provisions.

We interview Chris Ciarcia. He was the GM and sommelier at Annata for five years, and he is now opening his own place named Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria. They are in a 100-year old building on the first block ever built in St. Pete, and they will be serving Italian-inspired New American cuisine including homemade pasta and gelato, Creekstone Farms steaks and more. To start they will have 177 bottles of wine, including - 115 reds, 42 whites, 16 sparkling, four rosés with 73 available by the glass. There is also an optional membership with benefits including temperature controlled wine lockers. At the top of the show we'll talk about the quesa birria taco craze, and Ketchup shortage.

We interview Chris Ciarcia. He was the GM and sommelier at Annata for five years, and he is now opening his own place named Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria. They are in a 100-year old building on the first block ever built in St. Pete, and they will be serving Italian-inspired New American cuisine including homemade pasta and gelato, Creekstone Farms steaks and more. To start they will have 177 bottles of wine, including - 115 reds, 42 whites, 16 sparkling, four rosés with 73 available by the glass. There is also an optional membership with benefits including temperature controlled wine lockers. At the top of the show we'll talk about the quesa birria taco craze, and Ketchup shortage.

We interview Florida food expert Heather McPherson. She doesn't bill herself as a food expert, but that is what we are calling her after we found out how much she knows about farms, livestock, fish, and produce that has its origins in our state. A few interesting things we found out during this interview are that olives and blueberries love old citrus soil, Florida is in the top five cow producing states, and there is real sturgeon caviar being farmed in Florida. Who knew? Heather was the food critic and a food editor during her over 30-years with The Orlando Sentinel. She has authored three cookbooks, and co-hosted a radio talk show about food. Currently, she is the media relations and PR machine behind Chef Art Smith's Homecomin Florida Kitchen, Splitsville, and several other restaurants.

We interview Florida food expert Heather McPherson. She doesn't bill herself as a food expert, but that is what we are calling her after we found out how much she knows about farms, livestock, fish, and produce that has its origins in our state. A few interesting things we found out during this interview are that olives and blueberries love old citrus soil, Florida is in the top five cow producing states, and there is real sturgeon caviar being farmed in Florida. Who knew? Heather was the food critic and a food editor during her over 30-years with The Orlando Sentinel. She has authored three cookbooks, and co-hosted a radio talk show about food. Currently, she is the media relations and PR machine behind Chef Art Smith's Homecomin Florida Kitchen, Splitsville, and several other restaurants.

We interview Rich Hollenberg. Rich is a TV sports personality calling college basketball on ESPN, and the pre and post games on Fox Sports for The Rays. He is also a former TV food show host, and has cooked on live television with the likes of Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Cat Cora, Art Smith, Scott Conant, Michelle Bernstein, and Roy Yamaguchi amongst many others. Rich's first culinary lessons came from the late Tom Pritchard of Salt Rock Grill fame. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen with her modern, lighter recipe take on the classic Lobster Thermidor.

We interview Rich Hollenberg. Rich is a TV sports personality calling college basketball on ESPN, and the pre and post games on Fox Sports for The Rays. He is also a former TV food show host, and has cooked on live television with the likes of Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Cat Cora, Art Smith, Scott Conant, Michelle Bernstein, and Roy Yamaguchi amongst many others. Rich's first culinary lessons came from the late Tom Pritchard of Salt Rock Grill fame. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen with her modern, lighter recipe take on the classic Lobster Thermidor.

We interview Celebrity Chef Art Smith. He has been Oprah's personal chef. He has cooked for the Obamas, Lady Gaga, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, and many more celebrities. He owns several restaurants, and occasionally visits St. Pete. Some of the things you'll find out on this show are who Art's secret friend is in St. Pete that takes him around to local restaurants, and several other St. Pete locals that he is friends with. We'll find out who the one celebrity is that he hasn't cooked for but might want to, how he makes his grits, and a ton of more information. This entire hour-long episode is dedicated to Art Smith.

We interview Celebrity Chef Art Smith. He has been Oprah's personal chef. He has cooked for the Obamas, Lady Gaga, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, and many more celebrities. He owns several restaurants, and occasionally visits St. Pete. Some of the things you'll find out on this show are who Art's secret friend is in St. Pete that takes him around to local restaurants, and several other St. Pete locals that he is friends with. We'll find out who the one celebrity is that he hasn't cooked for but might want to, how he makes his grits, and a ton of more information. This entire hour-long episode is dedicated to Art Smith.

We interview online cooking coach Chef Michal Kováč from The Czech Republic. We talk about the fine dining establishments he has worked in in London and Czech, as well as his personal one on one live coaching. At the top of the show we talk about Tik Tok's Feta Pasta craze and failures, and Kevin & Lori's blind soy sauce tasting. We try and compare Chinese, Japanese, and American made soy sauces.

We interview online cooking coach Chef Michal Kováč from The Czech Republic. We talk about the fine dining establishments he has worked in in London and Czech, as well as his personal one on one live coaching. At the top of the show we talk about Tik Tok's Feta Pasta craze and failures, and Kevin & Lori's blind soy sauce tasting. We try and compare Chinese, Japanese, and American made soy sauces.

We interview Maggie Prittie from Prittie's Chocolates. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate, and didn't even know to ask about. Most importantly, the best, and healthiest chocolates have just four ingredients, and you won't find them at your chain super market. We also discuss a chocolate tasting we did with Maggie earlier. After the interview, we have lunch at Greenstock, which is a Chef-driven and ingredient-focused salad and wraps, fast casual eatery right in the heart of downtown St. Pete.

We interview Maggie Prittie from Prittie's Chocolates. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate, and didn't even know to ask about. Most importantly, the best, and healthiest chocolates have just four ingredients, and you won't find them at your chain super market. We also discuss a chocolate tasting we did with Maggie earlier. After the interview, we have lunch at Greenstock, which is a Chef-driven and ingredient-focused salad and wraps, fast casual eatery right in the heart of downtown St. Pete.

We interview Jason Gordon & Ashley Simmons from 727Prep, 3Rivets Catering and St. Pete Salmon Co. Jason is an award winning chef that created spectacular menus for two different St. Pete eateries before starting his three new businesses. His philosophy is that anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should be able to eat good, healthy food. At the top of the show we have Abby Allen straight out of the St. Pete Foodies Test Kitchen with her recipe for Strawberry-Balsamic Chicken Salad with Watercress & Crispy Rice.