Food Under Fire

I had the honor of sharing a space with local food entrepreneur Liza Atkinson for this episode. She had JUST started her Minneapolis-based dinner party/meal service company, Nosh & Gather, when the pandemic hit. So how has she pivoted? In this discussion, we talk about how the idea of a "career" has fundamentally changed with the newest generation of workers and how she managed to not go insane with her three kids (and husband) during quarantine. She also shares the incredible story of how her business – it's literally just her – has evolved during the past year.You can order from her site here.Have any questions? You can get in touch with her here.//Check out the newest video on the Food Under Fire YouTube channel here.Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook.//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Candlepower” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

It's an unfortunate reality that many people refuse to listen to their inner voice and dedicate their lives to a career or craft that they have no particular interest in. This was almost the case for Jo Seddon: she spent most of her life in the United Kingdom, working her way through the ranks of medical school and into physician life. This high-paying job of much esteem looked good on paper but, within, Jo was distraught. She was meant to follow a different calling: food.And thus began her journey across a landscape of different culinary adventures. It's a long story, so I'll let Jo tell it. We spoke about her philosophy on food, how she has dealt with COVID-19, and much more.Jo is now a private, independent chef and you can order from her site here.Have any questions? You can get in touch with her here.//Check out the newest video on the Food Under Fire YouTube channel here.Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook.//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Wonder Cycle” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

Tracy Singleton (owner of Birchwood Cafe) and Gary Wertish (president of the Minnesota Farmers Union) have been faced with an especially large challenge this year. These two have a famous collaboration at the annual Minnesota State Fair, but with the fair gone, they lost what was normally a huge revenue stream for both organizations. So… now what? Well, these are the type of people that think on their feet, so they prepared a pop-up installation (called F + B) in downtown Minneapolis’ Mill District as a way to keep serving out fair favorites while still deriving some sort of profit from the situation.However, despite this whole ordeal, I wanted to talk to them about a singular topic that I’ve been trying to wrap my head around this whole pandemic: How has the relationship between farmers and restaurants been affected?If you’d like to support F + B and Birchwood Cafe during these difficult times, I’m going to copy and paste the instructions from their website below. If you’re nearby and have the money to do so, please support them!For downtown F+B Pop Up hours, menu + ordering CLICK HERE"When you arrive you can either call us at 612.436.8877 and we’ll bring your order out to you, or you can enter the building, shop our Grab + Go market and pick up your order at the counter. Masks are required."For Birchwood Cafe hours, menu and ordering CLICK HERE"When you arrive for curbside pickup please do not enter the cafe.  Give us a call from your car at 612.722.4474, pop your trunk and we will bring your order out to you! If you are walking or biking, please wear a mask while you wait, and observe social distancing with our employees + other guests."//Find the Food Under Fire Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWE_j8s2NfM3y4RnaQixzjA//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Divider” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

Jared Brewington has had quite the year. Not only did he have to shut down a restaurant but his very identity as a black man became under attack, once again, during one of the biggest race movements of all time. Thankfully, he’s had a chance to escape all the noise under the trees at his farmland in Cologne, MN.I drove 45 minutes west from St. Paul to visit Jared, a good friend of mine, to talk about how he has been processing this year and what’s coming next.As of right now, Jared has no physical restaurant that you can support. However, he is in the process of reviving some old concepts (Funky Grits, Thigh Times Birdhouse) and starting a new one (family restaurant in Cologne).//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Another Version of You” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“CGI Snake” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

Facundo Javier Defraia runs Boludo: a tiny pizza and empanada shop in South Minneapolis. Growing up in Argentina, he always dreamed of running his own place and being a true maestro of the kitchen. Well, his dreams came true, and now he's trying to expand his Argentinian street food concept to multiple stores. But the pandemic got in the way of that. So how is he doing right now? Let's find out.Want to support Boludo? Visit this link to find out everything you need to know, including hours and ordering details: https://www.boludoempanadas.com/contactoKeep in mind that demand is very high. Not only are wait times long, but Facundo has stated that online ordering is not active during the weekends.As stated in the intro, shoot me an email if you have recommendations for guests! I have a lot of exciting people in the works, but I am always looking for suggestions. It can be anyone in the food & drink industry who has an important story to tell in the context of COVID-19 and they can be from anywhere in the state, nation, or world!My email is matthewgundrum@hotmail.com//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/"BossaBossa" by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/3455-bossabossaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"No Frills Cumbia" by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/3571-no-frills-cumbiaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abdirahman Kahin emigrated from Djibouti, Africa in 1996. He came to Minnesota in 1997 and, initially pursued a career in multimedia. But after stumbling across a unique opportunity to run a coffee shop in the late 2000s, he realized how much he loved serving his community. Noticing a significant African food desert in the Twin Cities dining scene, he opened Afro Deli in 2010 to share the flavors of his homeland.COVID-19 has been tough on Kahin but his work ethic and positive attitude remain unmoved. We talked about how he's been processing things this year and what's to come for him and his business.You can order online from them here: http://www.afrodeli.com/orderonlineThe following two locations are currently open (skyway locations are closed):Afro Deli Minneapolis720 Washington Avenue SE. Minneapolis, MN 55414Afro Deli St. Paul55 5th Street East. St Paul, MN 55101//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Divider” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/"NewFlower" by Lilo SoundLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/6068-newflowerLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Since starting the podcast, there is one population in the food industry that I've neglected: farmers. How are they doing? The answer to this question is complex and long-winded – not all farmers are managing in the same way, so I began with Ben Wiedenman from Pink Teepee Farms in Ottawa, Wisconsin.//If you want to support Ben, the best thing you can do is visit his online natural foods store – Sourced in Nature – and purchase a few products: https://www.sinfoods.com///“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“CGI Snake” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

Yes, you read that right. Prince, an avowed vegan, loved cheesecake. Be he only loved it when it was made by one person: Vanessa Drews.This connection between her and Prince not only provided the conceptual framework for her cheesecake business (he literally named it: "Cheesecake Funk") but it also created an unforgettable story. We talk about how Prince came into the picture, how COVID-19 has affected her business, and how she perceived the George Floyd tragedy as a single, black mother.Want to support Vanessa and Cheesecake Funk? Visit their website and place an order! https://www.cheesecakefunk.com/shop It's probably best If you're in Minnesota though. Here's the disclaimer included with each item: You will receive an email confirmation stating your order is complete and ready for Pick-Up with instructions. Your cheesecake order can be picked up 4 business days after your order has been processed and completed.Daily order cutoff time is 4 pm CST. If your order was placed after this time, the order will be processed on the next business day. Business days are Monday - Friday.//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Readers! Do You Read?” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Out of the Skies, Under the Earth” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

The story of Dylan Alverson, his restaurant, and their efforts to serve a community in need.Alverson owns Modern Times – a hip and popular cafe spot in Minneapolis – six blocks north of where George Floyd was murdered. I spoke with him on how he has been managing during this incredibly tough year and the efforts he has taken to help his struggling neighbors.Modern Times is closed for the month of July. For updates, follow their online presence.Website: https://moderntimesmpls.square.site/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernTimesCafe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderntimescafempls///“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Oxygen Garden” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

As the proprietor of a black-owned business, many people are asking Chef Gerard Klass how they can support him and his peers. Well, there are more ways than you might think.Klass owns Soul Bowl, which is a soul food restaurant at the Graze food hall in Minneapolis. The operation started out as a pop-up but slowly grew into an operation that needed a home.Although the restaurant has bounced back from the COVID-19 sales hit, their souls were hurt by the George Floyd tragedy. Soul Bowl employs an all-black staff. Klass is the father of a black son. We talk about a lot here, but for the most part, Klass shares the feelings that he and his staff have grappled with since that fateful day on May 25th, 2020.//Soul BowlWant to support Gerard and his restaurant? You can visit their website for more information: https://www.soulbowlmn.com/You can actually pay them a visit if you feel comfortable doing so. Throw on that facemask and go to 520 North 4th St, Suite 202, Minneapolis, MN 55401.Their hours are Monday - Friday: 11 am - 9 pm and Sunday: 11 am - 8 pm.//“What True Self, Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/“Another Version of You” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/