

On The Pass
Gabriel Ornelas
On The Pass serves up inspiring conversations with dynamic figures in the food + beverage, hospitality and travel space. Hosted by Gabriel Ornelas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 49min
121. Laurent Gardinier: Leading Relais & Châteaux
Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux and co-owner of Domaine Les Crayères and Le Taillevent, shares his journey in hospitality. He dives into the importance of meaningful connections in travel experiences and how the collection promotes sustainability and local culture. Laurent discusses the upcoming 70th anniversary of Relais & Châteaux, the shift toward boutique hospitality, and the challenges of expanding into new markets like India and China while maintaining high standards. Passion and collaboration are key themes throughout.

Feb 19, 2025 • 44min
Effects Of Change Ep. 6: Fawn Weaver + Series Round Up
In Episode 6 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Fawn Weaver, entrepreneur, author, and spirits mogul, CEO of Grant Sidney Inc. and owner of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. They discuss leading as your authentic self. Jamila and Gabriel close out the series by reflecting on everything they've learned through these conversations, the progress that has been made, and the work that still lies ahead. Learn More about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: https://bit.ly/464ow8N Follow Fawn Weaver on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ZacgkS Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

Feb 19, 2025 • 47min
Effects Of Change Ep. 5: Clare Reichenbach + Tim Brooke-Web
Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, champions a fair and sustainable food system, while Tim Brooke-Webb leads the World’s 50 Best platform recognizing culinary excellence. They discuss the critical role of awards in fostering community and inclusivity. The conversation highlights chefs as agents of change, addressing barriers in the food industry, and the rise of local awards that showcase diverse cuisines. They also touch on the impact of the pandemic on hospitality and the significance of community-driven insights in shaping future culinary landscapes.

Feb 19, 2025 • 40min
Effects Of Change Ep. 4: Melina Shannon-DiPietro + Juliane Caillouette Noble
In Episode 4 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Melina Shannon-DiPietro, Managing Director of MAD, the nonprofit founded by chef René Redzepi of restaurant Noma, and Juliane Caillouette Noble, Managing Director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Together, they discuss sustainability, the supply chain, and the broader impact of how and what we eat. Follow Melina Shannon-DiPietro and Juliane Caillouette Noble on Instagram: https://bit.ly/40Zn5r8 https://bit.ly/4i4Xbcp Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

Feb 19, 2025 • 52min
Effects Of Change Ep. 3: Daniel Humm + Elena Reygadas
In Episode 3 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Daniel Humm, chef and owner of the iconic New York fine-dining establishment Eleven Madison Park, and Elena Reygadas, The World’s Best Female Chef 2023 and chef-owner of Rosetta in Mexico City. They discuss philosophical change and the courage to cook the food they truly want to create. Learn more about Bon Appétit: https://bit.ly/49CWK51 Follow Daniel Humm and Elena Reygadas on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3EVVdg3 https://bit.ly/3EUm4sR Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

Feb 19, 2025 • 50min
Effects Of Change Ep. 2: Sean Sherman + Rupa Bhattacharya
In Episode 2 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Sean Sherman—award-winning chef, educator, author, and activist—and Rupa Bhattacharya, Executive Director of the Strategic Initiatives Group at The Culinary Institute of America. Together, they discuss heritage, culture, and education through the lens of food. Learn more about Bon Appétit: https://bit.ly/49CWK51 Follow Sean Sherman and Rupa Bhattacharya on Instagram: https://bit.ly/412ibK1 https://bit.ly/439ckVI Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

Feb 12, 2025 • 24min
Effects Of Change Ep. 1: Jamila Robinson + Gabriel Ornelas
Jamila Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit, and Gabriel Ornelas delve into the transformative effects of the pandemic on the restaurant industry. They discuss the rise of early dining slots, the necessity of prioritizing staff well-being, and redefining restaurant culture. The duo emphasizes creating equitable environments and revamping culinary awards for inclusivity. They call for a stronger community among culinary professionals, highlighting the challenges faced by chefs and urging a renewed appreciation for diverse culinary traditions.

Feb 5, 2025 • 56min
120. Thomas McNaughton + Ryan Pollnow: Building Culture & Community
How do you build a great partnership? And how does that partnership foster a strong company culture—one that extends beyond your guests to include your entire team? Our next guests have mastered this balance, creating a thriving hospitality group while continuing to expand their portfolio of offerings. In this episode of On The Pass, we’re joined by two culinary visionaries who have helped shape San Francisco’s dining scene—Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow, partners and co-executive chefs of Flour + Water Hospitality Group. Renowned for their dedication to craft, sustainability, and culture-driven leadership, Thomas and Ryan oversee an impressive portfolio, including Flour + Water Pasta Shop and Penny Roma in the Mission District, as well as Flour + Water Pizzeria and Flour + Water Foods. Together, they pull back the curtain on their dynamic partnership and share the philosophies that guide their decision-making—whether it's building a thriving restaurant culture, championing regenerative agriculture, or redefining what it means to make high-quality, organic pasta accessible to all. We also dive into their approach to leadership, the evolution of Flour + Water, and how their team continues to push the boundaries of Italian-inspired cuisine. And as a special treat, On The Pass listeners get 15% off Flour + Water Foods’ organic dried pasta with promo code ONTHEPASS (one use per customer). Trust us, their regeneratively sourced, organic pasta is something truly special—you don’t want to miss out! Learn more about Flour + Water Hospitality Group: https://bit.ly/3Empt3s Follow Flour + Water on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Q3Xp7G Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

Jan 15, 2025 • 53min
119. Hot Spot: Murray Paterson of MURI
No matter where you are in the world, January is a time for reflection—a moment to consider how we’ve moved through the past and envision how we want to step into the future. January offers us a cultural and astrological milestone, the New Year, as an opportunity to start fresh. For many, Dry January becomes a product of this cultural shift, reflecting a growing interest in a more health-conscious start to the year. Some dive in wholeheartedly, others embrace a "Damp January," balancing moderation with indulgence, and some choose not to participate at all. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum or how you choose to begin the year, this episode is for you. This is a story about flavor—bold, innovative, and deeply considered. It just so happens that this flavor comes through the lens of nonalcoholic beverages. In the Season 6 opener, we sit down with Murray Paterson, founder of MURI, a pioneering drinks brand born out of the gastronomic community in Copenhagen. Inspired by the city's renowned expertise in fermentation and its culinary creativity, MURI is redefining what it means to enjoy a nonalcoholic or low-ABV drink. Using obscure ingredients, inventive flavors, and techniques typically associated with high-end cuisine, Murray and his team create beverages that transcend the concept of "alternatives." These drinks stand on their own as complex, delicious, and innovative expressions of flavor. MURI’s offerings are a celebration of taste and creativity, challenging traditional boundaries in the drinks world. In this episode, you’ll hear Murray’s infectious passion for flavor as he dives deep into the artistry of his craft, his vision for the evolving nonalcoholic drinks category, and the philosophy that drives Muri. Learn more about MURI: https://bit.ly/4hgPcsw Follow MURI on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4g0iASw Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

Dec 11, 2024 • 49min
118. Santiago Perez: A Celebration of Mexican Culture
At On The Pass we have a deep love for Mexican food—from the humble street taco to the artistry of fine dining. Mexican cuisine is vibrant, flavorful, and as colorful as the people, culture, and diverse landscapes it represents. It’s hard to imagine a time when the beauty and richness of this storied food culture weren’t widely celebrated, both in Mexico and across the globe. In many ways, we can thank our next guest and his partner for helping spark more appreciation for Mexican cuisine and culture. Santiago Perez, CEO of CasaMata, business partner to renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera, and co-owner of iconic restaurant brands like Pujol, Cosme, Damian, Atla, Criollo, and more. Santiago and Enrique were recently recognized on The Observer’s Nightlife and Dining Power List for the second consecutive year—a testament to their enduring influence. Their restaurants have also received accolades from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and they continue to celebrate major milestones, such as Pujol turning 25 and Cosme marking its 10th anniversary. CasaMata is rooted in tradition, innovation, and an undeniable pride in Mexican culture. Dive into our conversation with Santiago as he discusses his vision for building on these incredible milestones and the future of CasaMata. Learn more about CasaMata: https://bit.ly/3ZNqw4V Follow CasaMata and Santiago on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4f77lHC https://bit.ly/4g6Kspa Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com