

Chefs Without Restaurants
The Chefs Without Restaurants Network
Join Chris Spear as he interviews food and beverage entrepreneurs who have built successful careers outside of traditional restaurant kitchens.From personal chefs, caterers, and food truck operators to cookbook authors, research chefs, and farmers, each guest has paved their own way in the culinary world. Through candid conversations, they share the challenges, lessons, and successes of creating a business on their own terms.With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry—including running his own personal chef business, Perfect Little Bites—Chris is dedicated to helping chefs and food entrepreneurs navigate their own unconventional paths in the industry.If you're looking for inspiration, business insights, and real stories from those who have stepped beyond the restaurant world, this podcast is for you.🎧 New episodes available—subscribe now and start exploring the road less traveled in the culinary industry!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 13, 2020 • 1h 20min
Distiller Mark Vierthaler of Tenth Ward Distilling Company
On this episode we have Mark A. Vierthaler. Mark is the head distiller at Tenth Ward Distilling Company in Frederick, Maryland. Some of the spirits they produce are a genever style gin, absinthe nouvelle, caraway rye, and a smoked corn whiskey. On this episode:· Support and collaboration within the craft spirits community· The history of absinthe and Maryland rye· An in-depth look at how the spirits world operatesThe distillers and distilleries mentioned: Privateer Rum, Leopold Brothers, Few Spirits, Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery, and McClintock Distilling.Books Mentioned: Liquid Intelligence by Dave Arnold (and check out Dave’s podcast Cooking Issues), Neurogastronomy by Gordon Shepherd, and the popular favorite The Flavor Bible.=========================== 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

Apr 7, 2020 • 50min
Gettysburg Chef Josh Fidler on Cooking in a Smaller Market
On this episode we have chef Josh Fidler. Josh is a chef in the Gettysburg, Pa area. He was the chef and owner of Fidler & Co in Biglerville, and most recently consulted on the menu and kitchen at GearHouse Brewing Co in Chambersburg, PA. Currently, he is working on a new project called Mela Kitchen in Gettysburg. Mela is located in the brand new Jack’s Hard Cider facility, and will feature brick oven pizza and Italian inspired small plates and entrees.On this episode:· Cooking in a smaller market· The impact of Covid-19 on life and business· How to (and if you should) market and self-promote during a global pandemicCookbooks: Smoke & Pickles – Edward Lee Ottolenghi- Yotam Ottolenghi Momofuku – David Chang Relæ – Christian Puglisi and The French Laundry Cookbook – Thomas Keller=========================== 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

Mar 31, 2020 • 49min
Anthony DiGiulian on Pasta, Italian Food and Home Cooking
On this episode we have our good friend Anthony on the show. This episode is a little different. Our guest isn’t a professional chef, and doesn’t even work in a foodservice setting. He is a very serious home cook, who’s passions include pasta and Italian food, fermentation, charcuterie and gardening. Last year, he and chef Chris Spear of Perfect Little Bites did a pop-up dinner in downtown Washington D.C that focused on homemade pasta.Since pasta is one of Anthony’s favorite hobbies, he shares a lot of resources which we’ve listed below.Chefs to Follow: David Marcelli, Rob Gentile, Anthony Andiario, Todd Stein, Dan Barber, Ben Fatto, Kris Lee, Evan Funke, Luca Donofrio, Michele ForgioneBusinesses Mentioned: Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana in Gaithersburg, MDRow 7 SeedsKeep Well VinegarRancho Gordo BeansHayden Flour MillsBaldassarreCookbooks: Zahav- Michael Solomonov, Six Seasons- Joshua McFadden, Flour & Water- Thomas McNaughton=========================== 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/If you want to support the show, our Venmo name is ChefWoRestos and can be found at Get in touchSupport the show

Mar 31, 2020 • 5min
Continuing The Chefs Without Restaurants Podcast During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Things are changing every day during the Covid-19 global pandemic. We have decided to continue with our podcast, even if it means changing the format a little, and how we conduct the show. I have added some resources and links here in the show notes, but be aware that they're literally changing by the minute. Please let me know if there's ANYTHING we can do to help you. Please be safe. I love you.Chris SpearFounder Chefs Without Restaurants================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/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. Links and ResourcesMatt Jennings: It's Time to Demand Government Action to Save the Restaurant IndustryNow What: Business Ops Guide for RestaurantsThe F&W Pro Guide to Coronavirus: What Restaurants Should KnowIndustry UnitedGig Workers Collective: Resources state-by-stateUnemployment Benefits and Sites by StateUnemployment Office LocationsFeeding America Find Your Local Food BankNational Relief Funds One Fair WageRWCF COVID-19 Emergency Relief FundUnited Way Community Response and Recovery FundBartender Emergency Get in touchSupport the show

Mar 24, 2020 • 1h 15min
Drew Pumphrey of The Smoking Swine BBQ and Smoked Meats Emporium
On this episode we have Drew Pumphrey. Drew is the owner of The Smoking Swine BBQ and smoked meats emporium. His food truck is based out of Baltimore, Maryland, and services the surrounding areas. He recently began working on a brick and mortar restaurant, which is currently operating on limited hours, but will be fully operational soon. In this episode:· BBQ· Food truck life· His appearance on the Guy Fieri show Diners, Drive-Ins’ and Dives· Guerrilla marketing· Hospitality, customers and customer service· Not overthinking it· Vegetarian BBQ Favorite Culinary Tool: Continuous Feed Robot Coupe Food ProcessorRecommended Book: Setting the Table by Danny Meyer and Burn the Ice by Kevin AlexanderFavorite Chefs: Guy Fieri and Jesse Sandlin================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, , 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

Mar 18, 2020 • 42min
The Litrell Show - with Chris Spear of Perfect Little Bites
From Jason Littrell: It's a tough pill to swallow, but we're not going to be dining the way we used to in ten years. It's chefs like Chris Spear from Perfect Little Bites and Chefs without Restaurants who are going to surface in the emerging gig and convenience economies. Chef breaks down his techniques and tactics to build his brand, and deliver world-class in-home dining experiences.***Questions, comments or thoughts please get in touch! I’m on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and even TikTok…..I think. Or just head to my website http://jlittrell.com. You can even book a call through this link.***Want a copy of my Banquet Event Order Template?Nerdy Cocktail Calculator? Ok.***================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/chefswithoutrestaurantsCheck our Insta pics https://www.instagram.com/chefswithoutrestaurants/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. Get in touchSupport the show

Mar 10, 2020 • 1h 17min
Self Care for the Service Industry - A Conversation with Chef Sarah Acconcia
On this episode we have chef Sarah Acconcia. Sarah is currently employed as an in-home personal chef for a professional athlete, and is also the owner of Juniper Culinary Apothecary. Prior to that, Sarah spent many years working in Baltimore restaurants. She is a self-described service industry wellness advocate, and has started a Facebook group called Self Care for the Service Industry.In this episode we talk a lot about kitchen culture and self-care for those who work in food service. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work, you can go to her website https://www.sarahacconcia.com/ Recommended Book: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero================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, , 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

Mar 6, 2020 • 5min
We Hear You, Can You Hear Us? A Mini-Sode on Audio Quality
This is a mini episode, if you can even call it that. I wanted to take a moment to thank all of our listeners...especially those who have stuck with us as we work to continually improve the show. We were new to podcasting, and realize that there were some technical and quality issues. We hope that we have rectified many of those issues. Please listen to this very brief episode to lean more about what we have done to improve the show.Thanks so much.Chris & Andrew================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, , 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

Mar 4, 2020 • 53min
Matt Finarelli - Washington D.C. Area In-Home Culinary Instructor and Personal Chef
On this episode we have chef Matt Finarelli. He is an in-home culinary instructor and personal chef in the Washington DC area. Matt has also published a cookbook called Beyond the Red Sauce.In this episode:· We discuss some of Matt’s most popular classes· Marketing, Yelp and the pros and cons of Thumbtack· His spice company Ani Spices· Cocktails· The Ideas in Food 3-Minute Risotto· and so much more Recommended Books: Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan, The Flavor Bible, Culinary Artistry, What to Drink With What You EatFavorite Kitchen Tool: Fish TurnerFavorite Culinary Resource: The Cook’s Thesaurus (Foodsubs.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, , 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

Feb 26, 2020 • 1h 11min
Chef Cat of Just Call Me Chef on Pop-Ups, Collaborations and the Personal Chef Business
On this episode we have chef Cat. She is a personal chef in Baltimore, MD, the founder of the organization Just Call Me Chef, and is a board member for The Food Project. In this episode:· The personal chef industry· Collaborations and pop-ups· The Just Call Me Chef Organization· Marketing your business· and so much more Recommended Books: Notes From a Young Black Chef by Kwame OnwuachiFavorite Kitchen Tool: Chef KnifeFavorite Digital Tool: Sous Vide System================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, , 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


