Andrew Talks to Chefs

While at the LA Chef Conference last week, Andrew met the charming and passionate Chef Tolu "Eros" Erogbogbo, who's heading up the most talked-about popup in the LA area this year. Andrew and Chef Eros found some time to meet up before Andrew blew town to record this interview at the site of Eros'  West African popup, ILÉ, which has taken Los Angeles by storm since it launched in April.And in this week's Tech and Restaurants segment, brought to you by BentoBox and Clover, Daniel Holzman of Danny Boy's Famous Original pizza in Downtown Los Angeles, joins us to discuss the evolution and practical benefits of online ordering. Please visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

Reem Assil, of Reem's California, was in New York City recently to promote her book Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora. In addition to discussing the book, Reem and Andrew got into a variety of hot topics swirling around the industry, and Reem previewed her episode of the new online series "Normal Ain't Normal" (the episode debuts on Tuesday, October 18). And in this week's Tech and Restaurants segment, brought to you by BentoBox and Clover, Roni Mazumdar of Unapologetic Foods discusses their Biryani Bol direct-to-home and takeaway business, how they manage online orders and delivery with their own vehicles, and how the concept fits within their larger mission. Please visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.Please say hello to Andrew if you'll be at the LA Chef Conference this Monday. The Conference is sold out, but you can still get tickets to the afterparty on Monday, October 17.Special thanks to chef and restaurateur Greg Baxtrom for hosting Andrew and Reem at Maison Yaki  in Brooklyn, NY, where this interview was conducted. Please support Maison Yaki and Greg's other restaurants.Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

Ariel Fox has had an eclectic life in the kitchen, from a California childhood to an East Coast career; from the Nordic-in-New York Acme restaurant to setting the menus for Del Frisco's and Dos Caminos; and from a championship run on TV's Hell's Kitchen to authorship of her first cookbook Spice Kitchen: Healthy Latin and Caribbean Cuisine. In this episode, Ariel sits down with Andrew to discuss her unique path and current endeavors.And in this week's Tech and Restaurants segment, brought to you by BentoBox and Clover, Sean Feeney, of Grovehouse Hospitality, discusses exploring and succeeding with new revenue streams online, specifically the MP (MisiPasta) product line. Please visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.See Andrew in conversation with Mary Sue MIlliken, and take in a day's worth of knowledge from some of the best chefs on the West Coast at the 2022 LA Chef Conference--visit their site for information and tickets!Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

It’s our sincere honor to welcome Jacques Pepin back for his third appearance on the pod. Last Friday, Andrew ventured north to Connecticut to Jacques’ home, where they discussed the genesis of Jacques’ latest book, Art of the Chicken: A Master Chef's Paintings, Stories, and Recipes of the Humble Bird, just published this week. The book is a charming and compelling mingling of biographical essays, recipes, and Jacques’ original artwork, all of which provided wonderful stepping off points for myriad topics of conversation.And in this week's Tech and Restaurants segment, brought to you by BentoBox and Clover, friend of the pod chef Erick Williams of Chicago's Virtue and the recently launched Daisy's Po-Boy and Tavern shares what he's learned about customizing websites to reflect the distinct characters of the restaurants they represent. Please visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.See Andrew in conversation with Mary Sue MIlliken, and take in a day's worth of knowledge from some of the best chefs on the West Coast at the 2022 LA Chef Conference--visit their site for information and tickets!Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

With dishes like her signature Southern Fried Lasagna, chef Shenarri Freeman has been garnering media attention and a growing and devoted fan base at the plant-based soul food restaurant Cadence in New York City. On this episode of the pod, Shenarri sits down with Andrew to discuss her Richmond, Virginia, childhood; her evolution from carnivore to vegan; and her upcoming residency as part of the Shifting the Lens series at J Vineyards Winery in Healdsburg, California, which begins September 29.And in our new Tech and Restaurants segment, brought to you by BentoBox and Clover, BentoBox's Director of Design Operations Jaqueline "Jaq" Andre shares advice for fashioning an effective restaurant website. Please visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.See Andrew in conversation with Mary Sue MIlliken, and take in a day's worth of knowledge from some of the best chefs on the West Coast at the 2022 LA Chef Conference--visit their site for information and tickets!Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

A few weeks ago, Marc Forgione opened his latest New York City restaurant, One Fifth, in a storied space in Greenwich Village. In his second appearance on the pod, recorded in Marc's Chelsea home, he shares the inspiration for this new market-driven project, his affection for landmark New York City restaurant spaces, how and why he took over the beloved Peasant in lower Manhattan, and explains the name behind his new Respect Hospitality Group.Please join us in welcoming a new advertiser to the pod, and take a moment to visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.Periodic reminder: Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

Talk to enough pizzaiolos and you'll realize that many of them are obsessed with their craft and generally soulful beings. Anthony Mangieri, the legendary force behind Una Pizza Napoletana for close to 30 years, is no exception: On a recent spring morning in New York City, Andrew walked into the restaurant, had an espresso with Anthony, and proceeded to discuss with him everything from pizza as a way of life, to creativity to off-hour pastimes (music, mountain biking, etc.) to a love-hate relationship with social media. It's a  fascinating, open conversation that we know you'll enjoy. Calling all young chefs and aspiring chefs: If you're under 30, we encourage you to apply for the S.Pellegrino* Young Chef Academy Competition. Application deadline has been extended to June 30. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

Chef Shinobu Namae visits New York City this week to address the United Nations on World Oceans Day (June 8). During his stay, Chef Namae generously made time to visit with Andrew and discuss the subject of his presentation (the importance of seaweed to the planet and how chefs can help advance the cause of its health and longevity), his personal journey to the professional kitchen, and the evolution of his palate and culinary style at his three-Michelin-star restaurant L'Effervescence in Tokyo. ** See Andrew LIVE in Chicago: If you live in Chicago or will be visiting for the James Beard Foundation Awards, please register for your FREE ticket to a panel he'll be moderating the afternoon of Sunday, June 12 on the steps owners, chefs, and coworkers can take to help make motherhood a non-issue for hospitality workers.**Calling all young chefs and aspiring chefs: If you're under 30, we encourage you to apply for the S.Pellegrino* Young Chef Academy Competition. Application deadline has been extended to June 30. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

Nikita Richardson, writer of New York Times Cooking's "Where to Eat: New York City" column/newsletter (pro tip: subscribe to it!), and an editor for the paper's Food section, sits down with Andrew to discuss restaurants, recommending restaurants, the shifting dining landscape, and her path to this unique and enviable role. A fun, informative, and free-ranging conversation.Click through to read Nikita's pieces on food in The Sims and "Where Are All the Black Restaurant Critics?" (both mentioned in the interview).** See Andrew LIVE in Chicago: If you live in Chicago or will be visiting for the James Beard Foundation Awards, please register for your FREE ticket to a panel he'll be moderating the afternoon of Sunday, June 12 on the steps owners, chefs, and coworkers can take to help make motherhood a non-issue for hospitality workers.**Calling all young chefs and aspiring chefs: If you're under 30, we encourage you to apply for the S.Pellegrino* Young Chef Academy Competition. Application deadline has been extended to June 30.  * our promotional partner THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!

A perennial seeker, Johnny Clark has had a long and unpredictable road to his success (with wife and co-chef/owner Beverly Kim) at Wherewithall and Parachute restaurants in Chicago, Illinois. From a Cincinnati childhood punctuated by a passion for skateboarding to New York City and gigs in several old-school kitchens to a stage under the late, great Im Ji-ho in Korea, and ultimately to Chicago, Johnny's path is utterly unique and his openness about his life and career challenges makes for a wonderfully open and honest dialogue. (He and Beverly and their team are also the subjects of Andrew's next book, due out in 2023.) This is one of those true deep-dive conversations that longtime listeners know is our favorite kind to record and share.And, in the mid-show break, S.Pellegrino's Michele Vieira drops by to discuss the  global S.Pellegrino* Young Chef Academy Competition, and explain why listeners under 30 should consider applying. (For a sense of the competition, listen to Andrew's 2019 interviews with the most recent class of North American finalists.)  * our promotional partner THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!