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The Ultimate Dish

Author: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

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A show about good food, inspiring stories, and deep dive talks featuring the world’s most innovative culinary educators and thought leaders. Join us as we delve into the lives of the amazing people shaping the world of food and drink. Hosted by Chef Kirk T. Bachmann.
104 Episodes
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In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Ferdinand Metz, instrumental in establishing the Chefs’ Apprenticeship, Certification, and Master Chefs’ Certification programs in the United States. He’s also the first Certified Master Chef in history.Honored with nearly every major award in the culinary world, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the esteemed “Who's Who in Cooking” by the James Beard Foundation, Metz shares what it’s like to build a career and craft your own food philosophy. He elaborates on his 21-year tenure as President of the Culinary Institute of America, witnessing the graduation of over 30,000 students, as well as leading the United States Culinary Olympic Team to three consecutive world championships over 20 years.Listen as Ferdinand talks about introducing new qualifications to regions within the industry, valuing quality ingredients in culinary arts, and creating your own legacy.
In today’s episode, we speak with Daphne Oz, Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times-bestselling author, natural foods chef, and daughter of Dr. Oz. As a previous co-host at The Good Dish and ABC’s The Chew, Daphne dives into what it takes to start a career in TV hosting and her best social media tips. With features in notable publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, Daphne shares more about her distinct culinary philosophy, advocating confidence-boosting recipes with healthy twists. This is reflected in her latest cookbook, Eat Your Heart Out: All-Fun, No-Fuss Food to Celebrate Eating Clean. Listen as Daphne talks about what she’s learned from being a judge on MasterChef Junior, auditioning to become a TV host, and managing life as a content creator. 
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Kristen Kish, the new host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning Top Chef.* Kristen is the chef and partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, as well as the founder of Kish Apéritif.Kristen shares how remaining authentically true to herself has opened unexpected doors of opportunity, such as winning Season 10 of Top Chef and becoming the franchise’s second female winner. Now, coming full circle, Kristen is taking the helm as the host of Season 21, succeeding Padma Lakshmi. Kristen also chats about her experience authoring two cookbooks: "Kristen Kish Cooking: Recipes and Techniques: A Cookbook," and "It's All in the Sauce: Bringing Your Uniqueness to the Table."Tune in as Kristen details her journey of being chosen as the new host of Top Chef, reflects on the invaluable lessons gleaned from culinary school, and delves into the significance of encouraging children to pursue their curiosity.*“Top Chef” season 21 premieres on Wednesday, March 20 at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo. Episodes will be available the next day on Peacock.
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Bekei Ijewere, an Escoffier graduate and founder of Beks Culinary Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. What makes Bekei's story truly captivating is her unconventional path into the culinary realm. Trained initially as a chartered accountant, she seamlessly merged her financial acumen with her deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts. In 2021, Bekei established Beks Culinary Academy, marking the beginning of her mission to revolutionize Africa's culinary landscape.Listen as Bekei shares her unique perspective on Africa's dynamic culinary scene, her commitment to fostering opportunities for women at Beks Culinary Academy, and much more! 
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Shari Bayer, founder & president of Bayer Public Relations, as well as host & producer of All in the Industry podcast.With over 30 years in the industry, Shari established her PR agency in 2003, representing chefs, restaurants, and culinary-focused clients. As a Les Dames d’Escoffier NY member since 2010 and former president of the New York Women’s Culinary Alliance, Shari sheds light on the pivotal role of "networking" in her career.Listen as Shari shares stories of solo dining adventures, discusses writing her first book, Chefwise, and reveals the secrets to building an exciting career in restaurant public relations.
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Wonda Grobbelaar, an expert in soft skills, leadership quality assurance, and management training. As a PhD candidate, Wonda shares her ground-breaking research on how chefs can navigate stress, offers tips on hospitality leadership, and discusses the future of workplace psychology. She advocates for quality cultures in higher education, guides culinarians in burnout prevention, and explores Industry 4.0's impact on culinary jobs. Listen as Wonda talks about prioritizing mental health in the kitchen, identifying your personality type to help manage stress, and how robotics can support the hospitality industry.
To celebrate our 100th episode, today’s special guest is Michel Escoffier, the great-grandson of our school’s namesake Auguste Escoffier, renowned as the ‘King of Chefs’ and the pioneer of modern French cuisine.Michel holds the esteemed position of President at the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum in Villeneuve-Loubet, France. Additionally, he serves as an advisory board member at the Auguste Escoffier School Of Culinary Arts. His dedication revolves around preserving the enduring legacy of his great-grandfather. Michel, along with his father, authored "Souvenirs Inédits," a publication later translated by his wife into "Auguste Escoffier: Memories of My Life" in 1996. Beyond this, Michel remains actively engaged in global events, forging partnerships with organizations bearing the famous Escoffier name.Listen as Michel talks about encouraging culinary innovation, his vision for the future, and remembering Auguste Escoffier.*Consider your situation and resources to determine what is affordable and on budget, for you.
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gavin Kaysen, an award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis, home to his nationally-renowned restaurants and cafes in the Twin Cities. Gavins sheds light on how he became a nationally recognized chef, launching restaurants like Spoon and Stable, a 2015 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant; and Demi, a 20-seat gem ranked #3 on Robb Report’s list of the “10 Best Restaurants in North America.” He shares how his mentors helped him reach this caliber of success, and how taking bold, sometimes uncomfortable chances, expanded his career. Listen as Gavin talks about fostering a restaurant culture that enables culinarians to grow and his advice for the next generation of chefs.
In this episode, we're joined by Ragnar Fridriksson, the Managing Director of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and the host of "World on a Plate," a podcast presented by Worldchefs. With an impressive culinary career spanning over 25 years, Ragnar's expertise covers a multitude of roles – from consultancy and food & wine writing to the art of capturing delectable dishes through photography. Drawing from this tapestry of experiences, Ragnar delves into invaluable insights on navigating the culinary landscape. He not only shares strategies for career advancement but also details the importance of maintaining well-being while achieving success in the field.Tune in as Ragnar discusses bringing together a global society of culinarians, the significance of networking, and why upskilling is the key to unlocking advancement in the vibrant world of culinary arts.
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gina Homolka, founder of the award-winning food blog, “Skinnytaste,” and best-selling cookbook author. In this episode, Gina offers an intimate insight into the genesis of Skinnytaste in 2008, a venture ignited by her desire to “slim down some of her favorite recipes.” Through the ingenious combination of seasonal produce and a mindful approach to portion control, Gina not only discovered her niche but also attracted an enormous online following. Her digital footprint boasts 2 million Instagram followers, as well as over 6 million fans on Facebook. Gina's culinary prowess and cookbook achievements have been prominently featured in publications such as Fitness Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Oprah.com, and even on Good Morning America.Listen as Gina chats about her latest book launch, how to maximize flavor with limited ingredients, and the secret behind how she scaled her successful brand.
In today’s episode, we speak with David Wiens, a former professional cross-country mountain biker and Executive Director at the International Mountain Bicycling Association.With a prestigious induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000, David shares his remarkable story of how he achieved an incredible feat—six consecutive victories in the grueling Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. Along the way, he beat some of the cycling world's most prominent figures, including Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong. David also delves into his transition toward leadership advocacy. This shift prompted him to start Gunnison Trails, a non-profit organization passionately committed to improving and expanding trail networks in Gunnison, Colorado.Join us as Dave offers insights into the role that cycling plays in strengthening relationships and unveils the strategic mindset that propelled him to success in high-stakes competitions.
In today’s episode, we speak with Les Misfits d'Escoffier, a small virtual meetup group of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts graduates from around the country.  Back in January 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, these students came together with a simple goal: to help each other with assignments beyond the classroom. Since then, this small virtual community has grown, attracting more members from different corners of the country. Everyone in the group has graduated from Escoffier with honors and considers each other “family.”Listen as Les Misfits d'Escoffier members talk about how they structured their meetings, shared resources virtually, and ultimately, found an undeniable sense of belonging.
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Jocelyn Delk Adams, author behind the award-winning cookbook and her eponymous food blog, Grandbaby Cakes.In this episode, Jocelyn shares more about her decision to leave her 9-5 job to pursue blogging full-time, how she began authoring cookbooks, and her advice to beginner bakers. She also delves into her experience as a national TV personality, co-hosting Stab That Cake on Cooking Channel and Discovery+, alongside being a regular on the TODAY Show and Good Morning America.Listen as Jocelyn chats about her newest cookbook Everyday Grand: Soulful Recipes for Celebrating Life's Big and Small Moments, the artistry behind soulful baking, and her ultimate dish, Big Mama’s peach cobbler.
In this episode, we're thrilled to chat with Chad White—a Navy veteran, award-winning chef, and restaurateur.Chef Chad shares his journey from the United States Navy to becoming a Top Chef contender. His dedication led to opening successful restaurants, including Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar (2016), winning Best New Restaurant and Chef of the Year awards for an impressive five consecutive years. He was also a two-time semi-finalist for the James Beard "Best Chef" award in 2020 and 2022.Join us as Chad discusses chef collaboration, the valuable contributions of military personnel in the culinary world, and his distinction as the "Sea Maverick of San Diego."
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest John Lehndorff, an acclaimed Colorado-based food writer, radio host, and editor. In this episode, John shares how he pivoted from yearning to be a music critic to becoming an award-winning food media professional—penning the Nibbles column since around 1985 and hosting Radio Nibbles show at KGNU FM for more than 25 years. He takes a deep dive into his “food critic” days when he reviewed more than 400 restaurants for the Rocky Mountain News. John also elaborates on what it’s like to be a head judge at the National Pie Championships.Listen as John talks about how to cover local food scenes, what his days typically look like as a professional food writer, and his deep affinity for pies. 
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dan Pelosi, better known as “The Italian American Meatball” and the content creator behind GrossyPelosi on social media.In this episode, we delve into Dan's inspiring story of transitioning from a design career to building his own brand during the pandemic. Through the natural comfort and connection of food, he shares how this bright online community has rapidly grown. We also explore the heartwarming anecdotes behind the recipes in Dan’s new cookbook Let's Eat: 101 Recipes to Fill Your Heart & Home. Listen as Dan talks about “living in a rainbow,” enjoying punny catchphrases, and the real meaning behind his “don’t yuck my yum” philosophy. 
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nisha Vora, a lawyer turned foodie and full-time blogger behind Rainbow Plant Life. In this interview, Nisha outlines her journey to mastering vegan cooking at home through flavorful vegan recipes, entertaining cooking videos, and tips for making a vegan lifestyle easy. She also shares how she began to build a thriving social media presence, garnering over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 700k+ followers on Instagram.Listen as Nisha talks about landing her first cookbook deal, becoming “plant curious,” and how she was able to find success after pivoting careers. 
In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Iliana Regan, a self-taught chef who currently runs Milkweed Inn with her wife Anna. In this interview, Iliana shares why she turned over her successful Michelin-starred restaurant Elizabeth to her employees to run a 150-acre bed and breakfast—set deep in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She also divulges intimate details about finding her identity as a chef and what it took to write her debut memoir, Burn the Place, which was included on the National Book Award Longlist— being the first time a food writer was listed since Julia Childs.Listen as Iliana talks about growing up on a 10-acre farm, relying on instinct and memory to create dishes, and serving “new gatherer” cuisine at Milkweed Inn. 
In today’s episode, we speak with “The Queen of Scones” Danielle Sepsy, chef and owner behind The Hungry Gnome, and a finalist on HBO Max’s The Big Brunch. In this interview, Danielle details her culinary journey, from starting her own scone business at the age of 13 to opening The Hungry Gnome based in NYC—where she and her team produce over 100,000 baked goods a month. She also discusses how she secured the opportunity to be on The Big Brunch and what the rigorous casting process entailed. Listen as Danielle shares exclusive details about her secret cookbook project, what Dan Levy from Schitt’s Creek is really like off-camera, and how to become fearless in the kitchen. 
In today’s episode, we speak with Brian Malarkey, Top Chef finalist, San Diego-based celebrity chef, and restaurateur. Brian shares the “key” behind launching award-winning restaurant concepts, including Herb & Wood, named one of America’s 10 best restaurants by USA Today, and his latest work with Animae. He also reveals how he took his talent to television, with appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, ABC’s The Taste, Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, Good Morning America, and more. Listen as Brian chats about finding opportunities that highlight your culinary talents, cooking for the people, and mastering “the art of food parties.”
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