

Andrew Talks to Chefs
Andrew Friedman
Our top chefs, as you’ve never heard them before. Author Andrew Friedman, one of the nation's chief chroniclers of professional kitchen life, interviews a diverse cross-section of the best and biggest names in the business, bringing his personal relationships and industry knowledge to bear in coaxing personal and professional revelations from his guests.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2021 • 2h 11min
Episode 148: Terrance Brennan, Vinay Gupta, Maile Carpenter
We're kicking off 2021 with two new features: A current events segment at the top of every episode, and an accompanying blog post on our site. Today, we celebrate the new Summerlong Supper Club with founder/director Vinay Gupta, and forecast food trends to look for in 2021 with Food Network Magazine's founding editor in chief Maile Carpenter. Then, we're delighted to present a full-length biographical interview with Terrance Brennan--formerly of the influential NYC restaurants Picholine and Artisanal--who joins Andrew to talk about his life and career in a conversation recorded pre-pandemic.LINKS PROMISED ON AIRSummerlong Supper Club (sign up by January 17)Maile Carpenter's 2021 trends story Terrance's Instagram feedToqueland Post - "Every Little Bit Helps"Charlie Needs a KidneyPlease consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Dec 24, 2020 • 3h 5min
Episode 147: Our Holiday Spectacular featuring Dan Kluger, Allison & Matt Robicelli, Erick Williams, and Harold Moore
We're closing out 2020 in style, with three hours of entertainment to keep you busy until we return in January.First, a quartet of our favorite guests--Dan Kluger, Allison and Matt Robicelli; and Erick Williams--check in from their respective home bases. Dan discusses his great new cookbook Chasing Flavor; Allison & Matt join Andrew for the first Shelter en Place review since the summer--a look at the holiday classic Christmas in Connecticut; and Erick phones in from his Virtue Restaurant in Chicago to reflect on 2020.Then first-time visitor Harold Moore discusses his life and career, including an under-the-radar chefs potluck holiday party he used to host, which was Andrew's favorite night of the year.Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Dec 23, 2020 • 50min
Episode 146: Charlie Palmer
Legendary chef and restaurateur Charlie Palmer (Aureole, et.al) joins Andrew from his home in Northern California to discuss how he and his team have been adapting during the COVID crisis, and his thoughts on where the industry goes from here. Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Dec 23, 2020 • 1h 14min
Episode 145: Joshua Smith (Director of Culinary Innovation, Alltown Fresh)
Joshua Smith took a long and winding road to his current role as Director of Culinary Innovation for Alltown Fresh. A tumultuous home life led him to move out at age 16; he spent 8 years as a vagabonding cook, traveling the United States in search of new influences and experiences; and a passion for charcuterie drove him to found his former businesses, New England Charcuterie and Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions. A fascinating and very personal dialogue with a chef who's forged his own, singular path to successPlease consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Dec 17, 2020 • 1h 22min
Episode 144: Zod Arifai (Wicked Jane, NYC)
Zod Arifai has been a darling of TriState food cognoscenti for decades. The self-taught culinary wizard behind such popular New Jersey successes as Juniper, Ten Square, and Blu, first attempted a New York move way back in 1999 with a well-received but painfully short-lived restaurant in Brooklyn. Twenty-one years later, he was poised to try it again in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, but the pandemic intervened with his plans for a tasting-menu format at his new Wicked Jane. In July, Zod decided to go for it, and opened with an adjusted small-plate format (Andrew ate there--it's terrific). The restaurant is temporarily closed along with the renewed indoor dining ban in New York City, but he'll be back soon. In the meantime, whet your appetite with this very personal, deep-dive interview with this former professional musician turned chef.Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Dec 16, 2020 • 1h 12min
Episode 143: Bo Bech (author, The Relation Between Us)
One of our favorite recurring guests, Chef Bo Bech, returns from his home in Denmark to discuss his beautiful new book The Relation Between Us. The book combines Bo's stunning photographs from around the world with his notes on travel and simple, adaptable recipes inspired by the book's images and the memories they evoke. Andrew and Bo talk over his burgeoning interest in photography, how he integrates it into his life, his approach to sharing cooking wisdom, and myriad other subjects. Listen to our previous interviews with Bo:Bo Bech discusses his book In My Blood.Bo Bech at The Philly Chef Conference.Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Dec 15, 2020 • 56min
Episode 142: Deborah Madison (author, An Onion in My Pocket)
Deborah Madison has been a beloved figure in the American food scene for decades, first making her mark as chef of the seminal vegetarian restaurant Greens in San Francisco, and as author of such classic cookbooks as The Greens Cookbook and Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. In her new memoir An Onion in My Pocket, Deborah shares stories and reflections on her life and career to-date. It's a wonderful, evocative book that also tracks the American food revolution. For a rewarding way to support restaurants at this difficult time, please check out Restore, a new website offering curated products and exclusive events from chefs and restaurants. (It's supported by our promotional partner, S.Pellegrino.)Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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.(photo of Deborah Madison by Doug Merriam)
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!

Dec 2, 2020 • 1h 17min
Episode 141: Aaron Bludorn (Bludorn restaurant, Houston, TX)
In 2019, Aaron Bludorn left a prime gig as chef of Cafe Boulud in New York City to move to Houston, Texas, and open his first restaurant as chef-proprietor, Bludorn. Aaron recently called in to talk to Andrew about his Seattle childhood, teenage years as member of a rock band with professional aspirations, his shift to the kitchen, years under the auspices of Daniel Boulud, and what it's been like to open a new restaurant in the midst of a pandemic. (Many listeners might also know Aaron as one of the more successful competitors on the Netflix series The Final Table, on which he made the final four.)We'd also like to be among the first to welcome Gregory Christopher Bludorn into the world. Aaron and his wife Victoria welcomed Gregory just the other day and we are thrilled for them.Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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.(photo of Andrew & Aaron copyright by Eric Vitale Photography)
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!

Nov 24, 2020 • 1h 16min
Episode 140: Darin and Greg Bresnitz (authors, Snacky Tunes), Hong Thaimee (Thaimee Love popup), and Kate Heddings (author, Hungry Games)
It's Thanksgiving week in the United States and this episode is designed for listening as you prep and cook your respective holiday dinners, in restaurants or in homes. Fellow podcasters Greg and Darin Bresnitz discuss their new book Snacky Tunes, based on their show about the intersection of chefs and music; former guest Hong Thaimee discusses her new popup Thaimee Love, which just launched for a planned 6-month run in New York City; and Kate Heddings talks about her new book Hungry Games.We also revisit a recent interview with David Kinch, subject of the documentary A Chef's Voyage, which begins streaming on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Amazon Prime Video today.For more information, including registration link, on Andrew's December 7 online conversation with Greg and Darin Bresnitz, visit Book Ya Ya.Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!

Nov 17, 2020 • 1h 2min
Episode 139: Jeff Gordinier (Esquire Magazine)
It was no small feat for Esquire magazine to identify a class of 2020 for its Best New Restaurant List in the midst of a global pandemic. But Jeff Gordinier, in collaboration with his colleague Kevin Sintumuang, managed to pull it off in style with a celebration of what's new in American restaurants that launches today. Jeff sat down with Andrew to discuss why Esquire decided to produce a list this year, how he and Kevin pulled it off, and what they were seeking in restaurants and chefs to trumpet in this unusual time.Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. 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!


