Chefs Without Restaurants

On this episode, we speak with chef Benjamin from Dallas, Texas. Starting his culinary career at The Olive Garden in Montgomery, Alabama, Benjamin worked his way up the culinary ladder, from cooking on a cruise ship, to cooking at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen in Las Vegas. He ended up moving to Dallas, right before the Covid-19 pandemic started, and soon found his employment options limited. Instead of giving up on cooking, he actually decided to start a business amid this. Deciding to focus on just a couple of items, he’s had tremendous success in a short period of time, selling his Pineapple Bang Boats, and the Vanilla Banana Pudding Soft Sweet Bread Tacos.​We talk about his culinary path, using Instagram to market his business, and starting a food business during the Covid-19 pandemic. =========================== Chef Benjamin Leggitte =========================== Chef Benjamin on Instagram Chef Benjamin on TikTok==========================CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS==========================If you enjoy the show, and would like to support it financially, check out our Patreon, or you can donate through Venmo or Buy Me a Coffee.   Get the Chefs Without Restaurants NewsletterVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff)Chefs Without Restaurants Facebook pageChefs Without Restaurants private Facebook groupChefs Without Restaurants InstagramFounder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little BitesGet in touchSupport the show

On this episode, we speak with Jacob Pratt. Jacob is a sales rep with International Gourmet Foods. Prior to working there, he’s spent most of his career working in, and running, kitchens.We discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the restaurant industry including diminished sales, the supply chain, pivoting to the carry-out model, and restaurants turning into mini grocery stores. We also talk about work/life balance and being addicted to the restaurant lifestyle.​We asked Jacob to share some love for some of the restaurants still open, so check out The Tasting Room, Guide House Grill, Brewer’s Alley, Canapes Catering, Chrysalis Vineyards, Dolce & Ciabatta, Dan’s Restaurant & Tap House=========================== International Gourmet Foods =========================== Visit their website http://www.igf-inc.com/Like their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/InternationalGourmetFoods/Check those Insta pics  https://www.instagram.com/internationalgourmetfoods/=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary Chefs Without Restaurants swag, or simply want to help, it would be much appreciated. Feel freGet in touchSupport the show

On this episode, Chefs Without Restaurants founder Chris Spear speaks with Billy Trakas of Story on the Pass. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Story on the Pass is aimed at revealing the backstory of a chef through a recipe. Oftentimes, food ignites influential emotions that remind us of childhood memories, significant individuals or an event that has helped shape the story of a chef. Occasionally, these occurrences can become the catalyst that launches an individual into a culinary career.Story on the Pass is currently in the process of creating a community cookbook. Proceeds will go directly to participating restaurants and restaurant relief programs.=========================== STORY ON THE PASS =========================== Visit their website https://www.storyonthepass.com/Like their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/storyonthepass/Join the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/pass_storyCheck those Insta pics  https://www.instagram.com/storyonthepass/=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary Chefs Without Restaurants swag, or simply want to help, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.Get in touchSupport the show

This episode is a little different than the other episodes. On this episode, chef Chris Spear of Perfect Little Bites gives some easy cooking tips to a group of moms from a local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group. They had scheduled a Zoom session to learn some easy ways to make dinner a little more interesting, without having to invest a lot of extra time or money.I hope you all enjoy this episode. If there are any recipes you’d like, or want some personal tips, you can email Chris at PerfectLittleBites@gmail.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary Chefs Without Restaurants swag, or simply want to help, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.Thanks to this week’s sponsors: Tyler Wright, Danny Spletter, Little Fig Bake Shop in Baltimore, Maryland, Café Bueno in Frederick, Maryland, Ron Creger, Maryland Bakes in Frederick, Maryland and The Savory Spoon Catering Company in Frederick, MarylandGet in touchSupport the show

On this episode we have Christian Blouin, the executive chef of Hootch & Banter restaurant in Frederick, Maryland. Christian is the first restaurant chef we’ve had on the show. Obviously, we talk a lot about the impact of covid-19 on the restaurant industry. We also touch on kitchen culture, continuous learning and culinary inspiration. Some of the people and businesses mentioned are: Jeff Naylor, Brad Deboy, Elle, Chuck Hughes, Rick Bayless, Roy Choi, Lazy Fish SushiTwo of his favorite books are the classics, Larousse Gastronomique and Escoffier.=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary Chefs Without Restaurants swag, or simply want to help, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.Thanks to this week’s sponsors: Tyler Wright, Danny Spletter, Little Fig Bake Shop in Baltimore, Maryland, Café Bueno in Frederick, Maryland, Ron Creger, Maryland Bakes in Frederick, Maryland and Get in touchSupport the show

On this episode we have David Pollack, a chef in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region. After experiencing kidney failure in 2003, and undergoing dialysis, David finally received a kidney transplant. Like all people with kidney issues, he had to change the way he cooked and ate. Taking what he learned about his new diet, and combining it with his knowledge of cooking, he’s created Cooking Without Kidneys. David is in the early stages of creating this non-profit organization. Currently, he’s sharing recipes on his website https://cookingwithoutkidneys.wordpress.com/. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Listen to Dave tell his story about trying to continue working as a line cook and sous chef as he was undergoing dialysis. He also shares some of his favorite recipe ideas.Some of the people and businesses mentioned are: Guillermo Veloso, Jose Garces, Caffe Gelato, Cuba Libre, Marc Vetri, Jeff Michaud, Chef’s Table, The Mind of a Chef, Epicurious.com=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been givGet in touchSupport the show

On this episode we have Andrew Wilkinson from Pizza Llama. Most people know Andrew as the cohost of this podcast. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Andrew has taken a temporary leave from the podcast, as he’s focusing on his business. Pizza Llama is a mobile, wood-fired pizza operation based out of Frederick, Maryland.Andrew has had to change many of the ways that his business operates due to social distancing and the travel restrictions put into place. He believes that most of the changes he’s made will continue, even as things return to “normal”. He also talks about bringing a new chef into his operation. It’s a great conversation about adapting your business to the current situations, and how you can possibly grow from it.=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary Chefs Without Restaurants swag, or simply want to help, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.Thanks to this week’s sponsors: Tyler Wright, Danny Spletter, Little Fig Bake Shop in Baltimore, Maryland, Café Bueno in Frederick, Maryland, Ron Creger, Maryland Bakes in Frederick, Maryland and The Savory Spoon Catering Company in Frederick, MarylandGet in touchSupport the show

On this episode we have Rachel Armistead from The Sweet Farm. Many people know The Sweet Farm from their fermented products such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and ginger beer. They were the first business licensed to sell sauerkraut in the state of Maryland. They also had a successful food truck that served their fermented products along with grilled sausages.They recently made the decision to stop using the food truck, and to end production of the krauts, focusing solely on the production of their ginger beer. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, they lost much of their existing ginger beer business, and have decided to pivot again. Hear Rachel tell her story, and learn more about the pasture-raised pork business they’re focusing on. If you live in the Frederick, Maryland area, you can go to their website https://www.thesweetfarm.com/ to learn more, and to order some pork.Some of the people and businesses mentioned are: Sandor Katz, Boxcar Burgers, Full Cellar Farm, Open Book Farm, 1,000 EcoFarms, Pleasant Hill, Produce, McClintock Distilling, Tenth Ward Distilling, Idiom Brewing Company=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guesGet in touchSupport the show

On this episode we have Katrice Scott. Katrice is one half of Two Sweet, the custom confections business she started in Frederick, Maryland with her twin sister Karin. On this episode:·         Transitioning for baking at home, to cooking out of a commercial kitchen·         The impact of Covid-19 on life and business·         Finding time to be creative·         The cookie business Businesses Mentioned: Canapes Catering, Frederick Community College,  Djs Catering, Dutch’s Daughter, Lazy Fish, and Jerk n Jive Thanks to this week’s sponsors: Tyler Wright, Little Fig Bake Shop in Baltimore, Maryland, and Café Bueno in Frederick, Maryland.=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary Chefs Without Restaurants swag, or simply want to help, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.Get in touchSupport the show

On this episode we have chef Terence Tomlin. He was the executive chef at the restaurant Hawthorne in Washington DC. In November 2017 he suffered two strokes while working at the restaurant, leaving the right side of his body paralyzed. He has been able to regain much of his strength, though he has still not regained full use of his right side. Since then, he’s gone on to compete in Baltimore’s Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament, and won the seafood competition at The Maryland Foodie Fest. Terence current lives and works in Chesapeake, VA, and does both private and public dinner parties under the name Terence Tomlin Powered by Dinner with the Hortons. This episode is one of our Covid Zoom Sessions.In this episode we discuss his road back to cooking after the stroke, making amends, continuing to cook during the Covid pandemic, cooking competitions, his ice cream company and cooking at home during self-isolation. You can find his YouTube channel here.Chefs & Businesses Mentioned: Chef Stiletto, Justin Holloman, Just Call Me Chef, Modernist Pantry.=========================== CONNECT WITH US =========================== SUPPORT US ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsGet the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fe0d8a0cc7a6/chefs-without-restaurants-email-listVisit Our Amazon Store (we get paid when you buy stuff) https://www.amazon.com/shop/perfectlittlebites?isVisitor=trueCheck out our websites (they have different stuff) https://chefswithoutrestaurants.org/ & https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/chefswithoutrestaurantsJoin the conversation on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChefsWoRestosCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/Founder Chris Spear’s personal chef business Perfect Little Bites https://perfectlittlebites.com/Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXxixMxjf05XxUIbz6ER-QIf you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at https://venmo.com/ChefWoRestos. If you enjoy the show, have every received a job through one of our referrals, have been a guest, been given complimentary ChefsGet in touchSupport the show