The Dave Chang Show How We Consume Now With Alex Stupak
Oct 20, 2025
In a lively conversation, Alex Stupak, chef and founder of Empellón, dives into the evolution of culinary trends, from modernism to nostalgia-driven menus. He discusses the effects of social media on food consumption, emphasizing how visual experiences redefine our dining journeys. With a nod to authenticity, Alex reflects on the blurred lines of culinary attribution in the age of Instagram and critiques the shift from culinary street cred to viral fame. Surprisingly optimistic, he foresees a future where skilled execution and comfort food reign supreme, even amidst the rise of AI.
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Episode notes
Technique Over Result
- Modernism in food focused on how a result was made, not just the result itself.
- Chefs experimented with technique as a new language to transmit flavor and experience.
Postmodern To Metamodern Shift
- Postmodern food mixed nostalgia, irony, and multiple narratives into dishes.
- Now a meta phase favors serious statements delivered with humor or irony.
Dumping Techniques On Instagram
- Alex publicly listed and taught his original pastry techniques on Instagram as an art piece.
- He deliberately uses algorithm-friendly antics to hide the origin and provoke debate.
