On The Pass

Imagine walking into a bustling restaurant filled with intoxicating energy. The awards hanging on the walls, food is hitting the table, the wine is flowing, the music is setting the mood, and you even spot a celebrity face or two in the corner booth. When that picture is painted, it's not hard to see why restaurants get romanticized. Yet, what is usually hidden behind the curtains is often the turmoil of day to day operations and the sad reality of how many perceived successful restaurants can barely pay the light bill.      Our next guest, restaurateur Simon Kim, personally knows what it's like to be in that position. Before opening New York's first Michelin starred Korean steakhouse, Cote with a newly opened 2nd outpost in Miami, Simon had to deal with failure. In today's conversation, we dive into his formative teenage years having to adapt in America as an immigrant and what it was like to run his former restaurant Piora, a bustling Michelin starred restaurant that could not financially sustain itself.     He shares with us the valuable lessons he's learned through that experience and how he's evolved into the restaurateur he is today as the owner of Gracious Hospitality Management. We talk about his philosophy on growing the business with the right team and the right financial goals.     This episode is a must listen. It’s an honest conversation about turning failure into wisdom and resiliency.     Use code TAOP10 for 10% off Perrier-Jouet: https://bit.ly/3ptPC6S     For more info on Cote: https://bit.ly/3uuCwH9     Follow Simon on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3mbcEw5   Info on Cote Wine Club: https://bit.ly/3ulOdzZ     Follow On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3BpHckD     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://bit.ly/3hTpONC     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

It's no surprise that being a chef is challenging — the commitment, hours, and lack of sleep that all strains relationships. Now add the layer of being a South American female in what has been a predominately white male environment which has made it even harder to get ahead. This has been chef Victoria Blamey’s experience over the past 17+ years.     In reference to Victoria in Episode 31, chef Dan Barber said, “anyone who’s had her experience, any man who’s accomplished what she’s accomplished, would be at the top ranks of the profession.”     Born in Santiago, Chile, Victoria has worked all over the world in some of the best fine dining establishments. She's cut her teeth at restaurants like The Vineyard at Stockcross, Interlude in Melbourne, Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Atera in NYC, and many others before becoming the Executive chef of legacy restaurants like Chumley's and Gotham Bar & Grill.   In today's episode, Victoria shares what’s it like to finally break out of the constraints that's held her back from fully expressing herself. We talk about her recent residency at Stone Barnes, her residency at Fulgurances in Brooklyn, and her hope for the future.      For more information on Gaggenau: https://bit.ly/3AcIaiD Follow Gaggenau on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2VeMPCb     For more info on Victoria Blamey: https://bit.ly/3k2JMFw     Follow Victoria on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3k3vHYg     Follow On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3BpHckD     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://bit.ly/3hTpONC     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com

On this latest edition of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas chats with Santiago Lastra, Chef and Co-Owner of Kol restaurant and Kol Mezcaleria in London. Santiago —who is originally from Mexico —was recently named GQ Food and Drink Award's Best Chef 2021.   Santiago humbly talks to us about working on Rene Redzepi’s Noma Tulum pop-up, one of the most globally recognized pop-ups of all time, and what he learned through that experience which allowed him to explore Mexico's rich culinary history and deepen his relationship to ingredients and techniques from local indigenous communities.    We also talk about how his journey took him across the world to London to create a restaurant that is somehow both deeply Mexican and British at the same time. Santiago gives us an in-depth look at the restaurant where he marries Mexican cuisine with local and fresh British produce, the Mezcaleria, and the Mexican spirits and cocktails they are offering.      For more information on Gaggenau: https://bit.ly/3AcIaiD     Follow Gaggenau on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2VeMPCb   For more info on Kol & Santiago: https://bit.ly/3lwj8aq     Follow Santiago on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rPQ3I4     Follow On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3BpHckD     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://bit.ly/3hTpONC     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

Launching today is our new series Rising Talent on On The Pass in conjunction with The Art of Plating Rising Talent 2021 program. This series highlights some of the emerging individuals on the list who are are all making an impact on our industry.    To kick off our first episode of this series, Gabriel Ornelas chats with Jenny Dorsey, an On The Rise awardee on the 2019 Rising Talent list. Jenny is a Chef, writer, artist, and activist who fuses interdisciplinary storytelling with food as medium to explore topics like income inequality, social issues, and racial injustices.   In this episode, Jenny discusses a recent tool kit she published through Studio Atao, a 501c3 non profit she founded. The tool kit guides entrepreneurs and companies on implementing systemic changes towards equitable representation in food media. You can find info on the tool kit in the show notes below, we highly recommend you check it out.     Use code TAOP10 for 10% off Perrier-Jouet Champagnes: https://bit.ly/3ofbDCW     For more info on Jenny Dorsey: https://bit.ly/3wO8M7G     Follow Jenny on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3xWJuWa     Follow On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3BpHckD     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://bit.ly/3hTpONC     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

Beaches, caipirinhas, açaí, and the Amazon are probably just a few things that come to mind when Brazil is mentioned, but there is so much more to this diverse nation than our preconceptions.   Being Latin America's largest country, it's layered with both international and indigenous influences, history, experiences and cuisine across its different regions.     In this episode, we learn about Curitiba through today's guest Manoella “Manu" Buffara, chef-owner of Manu, a restaurant that has singlehandedly put this city on the map and exposed food lovers to its culinary scene.   Curitiba, located in the southern part of Brazil, is most sought after for its agricultural biodiversity and farming lands -- something Manu is deeply integrated in.     Manu has become known around the globe as a figure that leads by example with her work. Not only has she created a sustainable ecosystem in her restaurant through responsibly sourced products, she's dedicated her time to create farming programs that educate local underserved communities.     We talk about her work installing over 4,000 beehives in the region, transformed 89 abandoned sites into urban gardens, and her support of local artisans.     In addition, she gives us a glimpse into her 2nd restaurant Ella which is slated to open mid 2022 in Chelsea, NY.     For more info on Manu:   http://www.restaurantemanu.com.br/us-en/menu-us-en/       Follow Manu Buffara on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/manubuffara/     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en   Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

When you’re innovating in a category, there is no clear roadmap––you have to pave your own path. This week’s guest did just that and focused on creating a brand, building community and tapping into the deep social connection that we all so desperately crave. On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas chats with Jen Batchelor, Co-founder and CEO of Kin Euphorics, functional non-alcoholic adult beverages made with adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals. Each of their mood-boosting blends were developed to uplift, balance and create joy.    Jen launched the company in 2018, and since then it has developed a cult-like following among the sober curious and those simply looking to re-examine their relationship with the ritual of drinking. One thing drinking for centuries has gotten right is it brings people together; creating community and fostering memorable experiences. Jen and her team have taken a special focus on developing and building the Kin community, with social connection at its core. Even during the pandemic, they challenged themselves to create social moments and experiences where people could connect, express themselves and find a bit of joy in what was a dark and uncertain time for many.    Join us on a journey into the world of Kin Euphorics. Their drink lineup includes a handful of staples: High Rhode (Kin’s version of an aperitif), Dream Light (Kin’s version of a nightcap), Kin Spritz (Kin’s bestselling blend) and Lightwave (their newest launch). The attention to detail on the ingredients used and the science behind these products is fascinating. Enjoy!   For more info on Kin Euphorics: https://www.kineuphorics.com   Follow Kin Euphorics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kineuphorics/   Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenofkin/?hl=en     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en   Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

How do spirits brands create memorable experiences and build a loyal following? Veteran spirits executive Robert Furniss Roe believes it comes down to the few fundamental principles of authenticity, differentiation, flavor and building brands with a certain humanity behind them.   Having been the former President and Regional CEO at Bacardi Limited, he follows those principles through to Samson & Surrey, a boutique spirits house he Co-founded whose portfolio of brands includes Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Vago Mezcal, FEW Whiskies, Ocho Tequila, Brenne, and small batch bourbon Widow Jane.    He shares his journey and valuable insight into creating and maintaining a beverage brand in today’s competitive market.   For more info on Samson & Surrey: https://samsonandsurrey.com     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en   Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

From the dense city life of CDMX to tranquil sands of Cabo, Mexico has become one of the top travel destinations in the world, yet so much of it has been undiscovered. In this conversation, legendary hotelier Carlos Couturier, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Grupo Habita, a boutique hotel group with destinations across Latin America, passionately takes us on a journey through Mexico through his eyes as a hotel developer.   Over the last two decades Carlos and his partners have been credited with invigorating destinations throughout Mexico with art, design, architecture, culinary, and of course exceptional hospitality.   He shares his approach to developing in unique neighborhoods and regions, the importance of finding your tribe, and learning to let the guests give life to a hotel's personality. We also dive into his most recent hotel project Baja Club in La Paz, a place he considers one of Mexico's best kept secret.   For more info on Grupo Habita: https://www.grupohabita.mx   Follow Grupo Habita on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grupohabita/?hl=en   Baja Club, La Paz: https://www.bajaclubhotel.com     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en   Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

Having kids changes your life and for our next guest it was the catalyst to better understand food and nutrition, which - like a true entrepreneur - led him to the launch of a new venture. On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas chats with Jacob Pechenik, Co-founder and CEO of Lettuce Grow, an outdoor and indoor hydroponic growing system that allows it’s users to grow their own fresh food such as veggies, herbs, leafy greens, and fruits at home without pesticides and with 95 percent less water than traditional gardening.   Before coming onto the show, Jacob expressed his passion and interest in Mezcal, so it was only appropriate to host him at the On The Pass studio for this chat while sipping some artisanal mezcal Gabriel recently brought back from his trip to Oaxaca, Mexico.   Jacob shares how having kids was his catalyst for healthy eating and how a farm he helped start in Austin, Texas propelled the creation of Lettuce Grow and the beloved Farmstand product. Not only is The Farmstand producing delicious fruits and veggies at home, but it's an educational tool helping families reconnect with their food. Jacob's hope is his product helps create a deeper appreciation and better decision making around food.    For more info on Lettuce Grow: https://www.lettucegrow.com   Follow Lettuce Grow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettucegrow/     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en   Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com  

Can chefs step up and takeover our broken food system? Chef Dan Barber thinks they can and should. Dan is the Co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, author of The New York Times Bestseller "The Third Plate", and Co-Founder of Row 7 Seeds, a company developing and exploring new varieties of vegetables and grains.   We dissect today’s broken food system and take a deeper look at the current state of our farms, how the seeds today have been modified for high yield rather than grown for nutrition, and how his company Row 7 Seeds is looking to combat that by breeding organic seeds that result in maximum nutrition and flavor.   Dan is someone who is deeply committed to the concept that better ingredients means better health for ourselves and for our lands. He also is adamant that chefs can be the vehicle to help change our world. Honest, open, and quite the conversationalist, this episode is not to be missed.   This episode was brought to you by Perrier-Jouët as part of our series to bring sustainability inspired content in celebration of Earth Day. We love their holistic approach to becoming a more sustainable Champagne House, not only in the vineyard but also in production. Perrier-Jouët has reduced their carbon footprint by 55% since 2009, and recently launched the Ecobox, a fully recyclable and sustainably sourced gifting solution made of 100% natural fiber, inspired by the chalky soils of Champagne. Join us in making eco conscious choices and enjoy 15% off the non-vintage Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs EcoBox with code TAOP15 until April 30th.  Enjoy, and please drink responsibly.   For more information on Dan Barber and Blue Hill Farm: https://www.bluehillfarm.com   Follow Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdanbarber/?hl=en     Follow On The Pass: https://www.instagram.com/itsonthepass/?hl=en     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielmornelas/?hl=en   Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com