Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

Truffles are a rare and prized ingredient. They can be described as having a powerful aroma, euphoric smell and intoxicating flavor. This season in particular, truffle prices are skyrocketing. Rowan Jacobsen, author of "Truffle Hound: On the Trail of the World's Most Seductive Scent, with Dreamers, Schemers, and Some Extraordinary Dogs" shares his quest to uncover the culinary delicacy. Sabatino Truffles founder and CEO Federico Balestra details the evolution of truffles from his company's hundred year history in Umbria, Italy to modern day cultivation around the world.Follow @‌rowanjacobsen @trufflehoundbook @‌sabatinotrufflesSabatino | The Truffle FamilyIn partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for 40 years @‌wherechefsshophttps://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Up until 20 years ago, caviar was a wild and highly prized delicacy from the beluga, sevruga or osetra species of sturgeon. But in recent years, caviar is sustainably farmed, resulting in a high-quality delicacy that has increased in demand, allowed it to be more approachable and accessible, and has provided surprising nutritional benefits. Acclaimed chef Michael White, known for his luxurious pasta dishes, shares the evolution of caviar in fine dining and how he is preparing the ingredient at his new post Lido Restaurant, and its adjacent Champagne Bar at The Surf Club in Miami. Sasanian Caviar is among the leading farmed caviar importers in the U.S. and educates on the process of farming caviar and the variety of caviar offerings available.Follow @‌chefbianco @sasaniancaviar @‌wherechefesshop @ingredientinsiders @‌truffledawg @theprosciuttoqueenIn partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for 40 years @‌wherechefsshophttps://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Chef Burt Bakman opened Slab BBQ in 2018 after years and years of perfecting the craft of smoked meats. On a trip to Texas, Chef Bakman, a real estate agent at the time, was inspired by the barbeque scene and, over the next several years, decided to perfect the craft at home. He developed a reputation for outstanding barbeque and gives us in-depth knowledge in this episode!From Westholme Wagyu, Deborah Funk joins John and Andrea in the NYC studio and deep dives into how Westholme “crafts contemporary Australian Wagyu for professional kitchens. Chefs love the fine, even marbling that creates deep, rounded flavors and delicate mouthfeel: the Westholme signature.”You can watch our interview with Burt on YouTube HERE!Follow @‌burtbakman @‌slab @‌westholme @‌ingredients insiders @‌wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find us on Instagram: @‌gothamproductionstudios

We continue the west coast tour with a stop in beautiful Healdsburg, California, to speak with the legendary Chef Charlie Palmer about beef!Recording from Dry Creek Kitchen, Chef takes us through his culinary journey from running from one shift to another in New York City in the 80s, moving his family to California, to opening Charlie Palmer Steak.We also speak with Harris Heckelman of Allen Brothers about their meticulous aging methods to hand-cut custom portioning and how they use the highest grade of USDA Prime, representing the top three percent of all graded American beef.You can watch our interview with Charlie on YouTube HERE!Follow charliepalmer**, allenbrothers, ingredientinsiders, **wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find us on Instagram: @‌gothamproductionstudios

Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group joins from her restaurant kitchen to talk all things mozzarella and shares some of her favorite recipes with the ingredient. Stefano Bruno of di Stefano Cheese, a family-owned​ dairy company in Southern California, reflects on their tradition and passion for making cheese and the introduction of burrata to chefs in the United States, including Silverton.Follow @nancysilverton @distefanocheese @ingredientinsidersIn partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years @wherechefsshop

Single Thread Farm, Restaurant, & Inn is a 3-Michelin Star powerhouse helmed by Chef Kyle Connaughton. Today we dive deep into California tomatoes and how his wife, Katina Connaughton, farms their bountiful array of vegetables for their restaurants.We then speak with Hugo Gomez of Munak Farms to talk about his family’s farm, selling at the California farmer's markets, and how they are meticulously growing some of the best tomatoes in the world.Follow @kyleconnaughton @singlethread @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/ Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find us on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

Chef and restaurateur Doug Psaltis of Chicago's Andros Taverna opens up about his heritage and passion for Greek cuisine and the versatility Greek olive oil plays in his cooking. He shares his experiences using different olive oils in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens with chefs like Alain Ducasse in New York City and Monaco to Thomas Keller in San Francisco. ILIADA, a multi-awarded olive oil brand, is a favorite among some of the most lauded chefs, including Psaltis. ILIADA’s Kostas Peimanidis details the history, production and health benefits of cooking and consuming Greek olive oil. Follow @eatatandros @iliada_us @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years @wherechefsshophttps://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Dan Richer, Chef & Owner of Razza Pizza Artigianal, details the art of tomatoes and how the ingredient is key to pizza making. He breaks down the variation among tomatoes from California to Italy and the several components he looks for when tasting tomatoes: color, viscosity, texture, seeds and skins, quantity, positive flavor attributes, negative flavor attributes, acidity and sweetness. Kim West of Mutti Tomatoes USA discusses the Italian company’s legacy spanning four generations, expanding their goods in U.S. markets and with top chefs, and how they sustain their renowned high-quality products.Follow @danricher @razzanj @muttipomodorousa @ingredientinsidersIn partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years @wherechefsshophttps://www.chefswarehouse.com/

There are few ingredients you will find in every single chef's kitchen. Across cuisines, styles, and preferences, there may be none as fundamental as salt.Gracing us for a second time is food journalist, cookbook author, and New York Times columnist Melissa Clark in our New York studio. Melissa, John & Andrea discuss the history of salt and how they like to implement it into their recipes and cooking.Then we travel to the Oregon coast to speak with Jacobsen Salt founder Ben Jacobsen. We sit outsde the salt factory when Ben details how he got into the salt business, how Jacobsen produces their salt, and why it is a pivotal part of cuisine.Watch our interview on YouTube HEREFollow @clarkbar @jacobsensaltco @ingredientinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveyng high quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years.

In this flavorful episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Maneet Chauhan, Food Network star, two-time Tournament of Champions winner, and owner of Chauhan Ale and Masala House in Nashville.Maneet shares her deep love for chaat masala, her journey from India to the U.S., and what it’s like to both compete and judge on shows like Iron Chef and Chopped. She also opens up about finding a home—and culinary inspiration—in Nashville, and the importance of bringing bold, Indian flavors to American kitchens.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea chat with Sana Javeri Kadri, Founder and CEO of Diaspora Spice Co., a company on a mission to radically change the spice trade. Sana discusses her passion for chaat masala, why she started Diaspora to bring India’s heritage spices to chefs and home cooks in the U.S., and how the company is leading the way with sustainable, regenerative sourcing practices.An inspiring, spice-packed conversation that’s equal parts heart, heat, and heritage.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @maneetchauhan @diasporaco @sanajaverikadri @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Joe Cooper, General Manager at Down East Seafood and a seasoned chef whose career spans iconic kitchens like The Plaza and Le Cirque.Joe shares his remarkable journey—from culinary school to Paris, Venice, and finally New York City—offering insights into the evolution of fine dining and the lessons he’s learned along the way. They also dive into the fascinating story of the resurgence of Chilean Sea Bass, and the innovative sustainability practices that are helping protect its future.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Barry Markman and Josh Burman of Mark Foods, a top-tier seafood supplier. They discuss the company’s founding, how they’ve built relationships with some of the best seafood sources in the world, and what makes their Chilean Sea Bass one of the most sought-after products by chefs.An episode that celebrates global culinary experience, sustainability, and excellence in seafood.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @downeastseafood_ny @markfoodsnyc @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Robert Irvine, renowned host of Restaurant: Impossible and other Food Network favorites. Robert shares his personal do’s and don’ts when it comes to tea, stories from his time in the British Royal Navy, and how that experience continues to shape his mission to support veterans and military families. Plus, he offers behind-the-scenes tales from years of filming for Food Network.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Michael and Paul Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas. They discuss the company’s family roots, the art and craft of tea blending, and how Harney & Sons has built its stellar reputation for its vast catalogue of premium teas—from traditional blends to creative infusions.An inspiring and flavorful episode steeped in purpose, passion, and a perfect cup of tea.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @chefirvine @harneytea @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome David Nayfeld, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Che Fico in San Francisco and author of the new book Dad, What’s for Dinner?David shares how growing up in the Bay Area shaped his love for fresh, seasonal ingredients, and how he fuses California’s bounty with Italian culinary traditions. He dives into his deep affection for Calabrian chili bomba, his family roots, and the creative influences that continue to inspire his cooking—both at the restaurant and at home.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea chat with Gian Paolo Celli of Tutto Calabria, the company behind some of the finest Calabrian chili products in the world. They explore the brand’s rich heritage, the distinctive flavor of Calabria’s regional peppers, and what makes their chilies a staple in kitchens around the globe.Spicy, heartfelt, and packed with flavor, this episode is a celebration of tradition, heat, and home cooking.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @davidnayfeld @tuttocalabria @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Ed Levine, celebrated food writer, founder of Serious Eats, and host of the podcast Special Sauce.Ed shares his expert take on the best bagel spots in NYC, weighs in on the ever-controversial California bagel scene, and talks about the rising love for bialys. From the perfect crust-to-chew ratio to what really matters when judging a bagel, Ed’s insights are as delicious as they are opinionated.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Melanie Frost of Ess-A-Bagel, one of New York City’s most iconic bagel institutions. They explore the brand’s deep roots in NYC food culture, how it has grown and evolved while staying true to its signature recipe, and what’s next for this beloved bagel destination.A must-listen for bagel obsessives and culinary culture lovers alike.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @seriouseatered @essabagel @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with the legendary Jacques Torres, the world-renowned pastry chef, chocolatier, and beloved judge on Netflix’s Nailed It!They dive into Jacques’s incredible journey from pastry kitchens in France to becoming one of the most respected names in chocolate in New York City. He shares his thoughts on the current state of global cacao production, the story behind how he became known as “Mr. Chocolate,” and reveals which desserts still excite him most in the kitchen.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Michelle Roman of República del Cacao to discuss the company’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose, their rigorous sustainability practices, and how they partner with local farmers to create high-quality chocolate with a conscience.If you love chocolate—from bean to bar to bonbon—this episode is a must-listen!Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @jacquestorres @jacquestorreschocolate @republicadelcacao @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

This special anniversary episode of Ingredient Insiders celebrates 40 incredible years of Chef’s Warehouse! Hosts John and Andrea sit down with Chris and John Pappas, CEO and COO of Chef’s Warehouse, to reflect on the company’s journey from its humble beginnings as Dairyland to becoming a leading provider of specialty ingredients for top chefs across the country.Chris and John share how a passion for food and a dedication to chefs fueled decades of growth, innovation, and expansion. They dive into how new technologies are shaping the future of foodservice, what’s next for Chef’s Warehouse—including expansion into new markets—and some of their favorite meals (and funniest moments) from the past four decades.Whether you’re a long-time partner or just discovering Chef’s Warehouse, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the people, ingredients, and stories that made the last 40 years unforgettable.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with celebrated chef and Chopped host Amanda Freitag. From her early days in the kitchens of New York City to becoming a familiar face on the Food Network, Amanda shares the journey of her culinary career, the behind-the-scenes reality of hosting Chopped, and her expert tips for cooking the perfect egg (spoiler: it’s trickier than it looks!).In the second half of the episode, we turn to the source of those perfect eggs—Mark Sauder of Sauder Eggs. Mark, a fourth-generation “egg man,” shares the rich family history of the company, how Sauder Eggs became the very first vendor for Chef’s Warehouse, and what makes their eggs stand out in a competitive market.From the skillet to the supply chain, this episode is all about the incredible, edible egg.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @chefamandaf @saudereggs @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop @loewsmiamiIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with legendary pastry chef Duff Goldman. Known for Ace of Cakes and beloved for his creativity and humor, Duff shares stories from his early days in Baltimore, how he found his way to the Food Network, and why mastering cookies is more complex than it looks. He also teases his exciting new show, Super Mega Cakes, where he takes cake artistry to the next level.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea chat with Ken Gordon, founder of Mochidoki. Ken dives into his love for mochi, why it's the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and how he continues to push boundaries with new and surprising mochi flavors.This episode is packed with pastry passion, dessert innovation, and insider stories from two of the sweetest minds in the business.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @duffgoldman @mochi_doki @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse are joined by Antonia Lofaso—winner of Tournament of Champions VI and Executive Chef of Scopa Italian Roots and DAMA. Antonia opens up about her recent culinary victory, how her passion for golf influences her approach in the kitchen, the role of confidence in both cooking and leadership, and the mindset that’s fueled her success.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea speak with Todd Gosule of B&W Quality Growers. They dive into B&W’s newest innovation: the Power4 blend—a flavorful and nutrient-packed combination of watercress, spinach, arugula, and kale. Todd explains how the blend was developed and why it’s becoming a favorite among chefs and health-conscious eaters alike.This episode is a celebration of excellence—from championship kitchens to powerhouse greens.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @chefantonia @bwqualitygrowers @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef's Warehouse sit down with Robbie Felice, the award-winning chef and restaurateur behind Viaggio, Osteria Crescendo, pastaRAMEN, and Bar Mutz. Robbie shares his passion for working with Brandt Beef, the lessons they don’t teach you in culinary school, and how he pushed his creativity—and his businesses—forward during the challenges of the pandemic.In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea speak with Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef. They explore the multi-generational roots of the family-run company, the ongoing conversation around corn-fed vs. grass-fed beef, and what truly sets Brandt Beef apart in terms of quality, sustainability, and flavor.From kitchen to cattle ranch, this episode dives deep into what it takes to build excellence—from the ingredients to the people behind them.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @robbiefelice @brandt_beef @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios