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Tom Ackerman is joined by Cat Neville to discuss an exciting new film that highlights St. Louis as a top culinary destination. The half-hour film features prominent chefs like Nick Bogner, Simone Faure, and Michael and Tara Gallina, showcasing the city's rich food culture. This project is part of a broader campaign to elevate St. Louis' culinary reputation, incorporating live events, media tours, and social media initiatives to engage audiences nationwide.
On this week's episode of the Baked-In Podcast presented by Busey Bank, Josh had a chance to catch up with Tara and Michael Gallina of Take Root Hospitality – who in less than 7 years have opened 4 distinct restaurant concepts in St. Louis and given the community dining and hospitality experiences on par with the best the town has to offer. They talk about the challenges of scaling their roles and their organization and how they define success after years in the industry. The restaurant business is never easy and their honestly and candidness is what makes these conversations so powerful. #buseybank #takeroot #stlouis #success #cortex
This is the Best Chefs' Stories episode of the 'Flavors Unknown' podcast, as we celebrate a milestone - episode 150 alongside, 100,000 episode downloads, and the one-year anniversary of my book, “Conversations Behind The Kitchen Door.” This special edition is a journey into the culinary world, highlighting big themes like Heritage and Influences, Childhood Memories, Sources of Inspiration, and Cooking Techniques. We delve into the stories of chefs Kelly English, Maneet Chauhan, Michael Diaz, Suzanne Goin, Chris Kajioka, Jeff McInnis, Sheldon Simeon, and others, exploring their roots and how these have influenced their cooking. From the nostalgic flavors of New Orleans to the cherished aloha spirit of Hawaii, each chef shares their unique story of embracing heritage and childhood memories. We also discuss the role of mentorship and leadership in cooking, alongside the importance of simplicity and collaboration. As we explore the diverse inspirations and techniques that drive these chefs, we understand the deeper connections between food, culture, and personal history. This episode is not just a celebration of culinary diversity but also a toast to the passion and creativity that fuels the world of cooking. Join us in this flavorful journey and be inspired by the stories and insights from some of the most talented chefs in the industry.Link to all podcast platforms to listen to the episode: https://pod.link/1438591377 What you'll learn from this Best Chefs' Stories Episode SEGMENT 1: Heritage and InfluencesDiscussions with chefs like Kelly English, Michael Diaz, Jeff McInnis, and Sheldon Simeon about how their roots and background influenced their passion for cooking.SEGMENT 2: Childhood MemoriesFeaturing chefs such as Michael Gallina, Leia Gaccione, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Maneet Chauhan, Nando Chang, Michael Diaz, and Will Fung exploring how their early culinary experiences and family traditions shaped their cooking styles.SEGMENT 3: Sources of InspirationInsights from chefs like Leia Gaccione, Kelly Whitaker, Chris Kajioka on what inspires their menus and culinary creations.SEGMENT 4: Techniques in CookingDelving into the importance of cooking techniques with chefs including Jacques Pépin and Matt Conroy, and their impact on culinary mastery.SEGMENT 5: Passion for Cooking & Early InfluencesExploring the role of passion in cooking, with insights from chefs like Maneet Chauhan and Suzanne Goin.SEGMENT 6: Lessons Learned in Their CareersChefs like Chris Kajioka and Michael Gallina share the valuable lessons they learned throughout their careers.SEGMENT 7: Leadership and MentorshipDiscussing aspects of leadership and mentorship in the culinary world with chefs like Rick Lopez, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, and Suzanne Goin.SEGMENT 8: Simplicity and Collaboration in CookingFeaturing thoughts from chefs like Jacques Pépin, Joe Sasto, Nathanial Zimet, Kelly English, and Michael Gallina on the importance of simplicity and collaborative efforts in cooking.SEGMENT 9: Local/Seasonal Ingredients & Menu CreationChefs such as Michael Gallina, Chris Coleman, Andy Doubrava, and Derek Wagner discuss how local and seasonal ingredients influence their menu creations.CONCLUSIONWrapping up with thoughts from chefs including Brad Kilgore, Maneet Chauhan, Jose Sasto, and Will Guidara and reflecting on the overall themes of the episode. I'd like to share a potential educational resource, "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door", my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.Get the book here!
In this captivating episode, we dive deep with the illustrious James Beard Award-nominated Chef Michael Gallina. At the helm of St. Louis's Vicia restaurant, Michael crafts seasonal, vegetable-centric dishes, epitomized in his signature 3-course Farmers Feast. Journey with us as we explore Vicia's underlying philosophy, the forces that continually reinvent its menu, and the core values driving Take Root Hospitality Group. Plus, discover how Michael's culinary adventures in California and New York have been instrumental in shaping his unique gastronomic vision. Don't miss this flavorful conversation! What you'll learn from chef Michael Gallina The flavors and smells of chef Michaael Gallina's childhood 2:54A family-favorite dish that sparked his interest in cooking 3:35Road tripping and discovering a love for food 5:35When school finally clicked for him 7:37Working with Daniel Humm 9:05How chef Michael Gallina met DanBarber 10:40Learning and cooking based on seasonality 12:01The most transformative time of his culinary life 12:43Why Miichael Gallina eventually went back home to St. Louis 14:56Working at Fäviken 16:14The philosophy behind his hospitality group 17:57How they personalize the menu for each guest 18:56The importance of relationship-building with suppliers 20:28The vegetable that's inspiring him right now 21:33His biggest source of inspiration 23:01How a new dish makes it into the rotation 24:14Why hMicchael Gallina values creativity over technique and how he balances the two 25:15A creatively inspired new dish 26:29The type of food you'll find at Winslow's Table 28:31How to make his Tomato Tartine at home 30:36The food scene in St. Louis 32:51Big city chefs versus small city chefs 33:09How his wife helped him explore more of the St. Louis food scene 34:11Restaurants to visit in St. Louis 36:02Where to find the best ice cream in St. Louis 37:41The cookbooks that have inspired him the most 38:33Kitchen pet peeves 39:09His controversial favorite hot dog 39:42A Unique Hot Sauce Obsession 40:17An addendum to his favorite cookbooks 41: I'd like to share a potential educational resource, "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door", my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.Get the book here! Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon Chef Andy Doubrava Chef Chris Kajioka Chef Suzanne Goin Click to tweet We really get to work with the farmers. Instead of always wanting the best produce, we ask, what else do you need us to utilize to make you successful? It's my job as a chef to figure out a way to cook that in a delicious way that people will enjoy. Click To Tweet We don't have a menu. You come in and we ask you if you have any dietary restrictions. or any allergies and then we hand write a menu for you. Click To Tweet We all think collaboration is the best way to be successful. Because one or two minds can only come up with so much when you're trying to push and be creative and be different. Click To Tweet Social media Chef Miichael Gallina Instagram Facebook Social media Vicia Restaurant
This week is episode 228 of the Meet St. Louis podcast. For nearly five years, we've brought you episodes showcasing the best of our city and region. A city with a food and drink scene that continues to grow. All the way back in episode 3, we took you inside Vicia, the vegetable-forward restaurant in the Central West, garnering national attention. That attention hasn't changed. The restaurant continues to receive major recognition but what has changed is the growth for Tara and Michael Gallina with their restaurant group, Take Root Hospitality. The husband and wife duo are joined by culinary director and partner Aaron Martinez. Aaron joined us on the podcast this week to talk about the growth of not just Vicia, but the other restaurants the team has now opened, including Bistro La Florisian, Winslows Table and Taqueria Morita, which is inspired by his own Mexican heritage and time living and working in California. We talk about the email that brought him to St. Louis, the change in work-life balance in his role and his advice for young chiefs.
This week we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes from our first year of podcasting to celebrate Chef Michael Gallina being named a finalist for “Best Chef – Midwest” in the 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards... and to celebrate an award for Abby Eats St. Louis!For a list of restaurants offering curbside and altered service, click here.Follow us on Instagram: Abby Eats St. LouisUntil next time, seize the plate!..................“Eat Your Veggies!” originally aired in August 2019In this episode, we're eating our vegetables and loving them! Some of the most creative, inventive chefs in the country let us behind the scenes, where they're working veggie magic, and they share how we can all spice things up.We chat with Michael and Tara Gallina, the power couple behind Vicia. We also talk to Dave Bailey, the man behind Baileys' Restaurants.What's your secret to mixing in more veggies or getting a picky eater to eat their greens? Send your comments, questions and suggestions to podcasts@ksdk.com
The vegetable-forward restaurant in St. Louis’ Cortex district continues to earn praise locally and nationwide. This month Chef Michael Gallina graces the cover of Food and Wine magazine with the title of Best New Chef. He is one half of the husband and wife team running one of the city’s most innovative restaurants. The restaurant was also a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant. Michael and Tara Gallina met at one of the best restaurants in New York and moved back to St. Louis to open their first restaurant. In the episode, they talk about working together as a team, what’s next for Vicia and how they deal with the occasional cruel Yelp review.
Tara and Michael Gallina and I talk about Blue Hill Stone Barns as the epicenter fo sustainable farming, cute guy in the kitchen, 3am ideas, emailing yourself, support the farmer, food waste, push yourself to do something different, baked potato bar, ugly carrots, Craigslist apartment, let's just go out, CSA programs, change the perfection mindset, The French Laundry, dock to dish, butter fish, GMO vs selective breeding, health of soil and honeybees and yardlongs (which are half a yard long).
Just days before being named to Esquire's 18 Best New Restaurants list, Michael and Tara Gallina stopped by the shipping containers to talk to Kat Johnson about opening their restaurant, Vicia in St. Louis. The husband-and-wife team met while working at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York’s Westchester County, and relocated to Michael's hometown where they started cooking and serving pop-up dinners under the name Rooster and the Hen. Vicia is located in the Cortex Innovation Community, a vibrant and fast-growing innovation hub and technology district. Michael and Tara's restaurant has also been named to Bill Addison's Eater 12 Best New Restaurants in America list and Bon Appetit's 50 Best New Restaurants list. HRN On Tour is powered by Simplecast
Tara and Michael Gallina are the duo behind Vicia, one of St. Louis' most anticipated restaurants of the year. They tell us about the year of planning behind the restaurant, and some interesting stories about how they work and play as a couple! As a favor to We Eat Stuff, would you consider giving our podcast a rating and review? It would mean the world to us! That helps get the word out about what we're doing, and help even more people learn about the great stuff going on in St. Louis! We'd also appreciate your support on our patreon site! Please visit www.patreon.com/weeatstuff to make a financial contribution. Thanks.