Beyond the Plate

Alexis Soler made the leap from Miami’s high-energy bar world to a Nashville that looked very different from the city we know today. In this conversation, she shares how that move shaped her creatively and opened the door to building some of Nashville’s most thoughtful and dynamic hospitality experiences. We explore her process for developing cocktails, her growing passion for design, and her love of pushing herself - whether that’s opening a new food and beverage concept or climbing mountains (literally). She also speaks about her thoughtful approach to social impact - from supporting national parks to choosing brands whose values align with her own. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Alexis Soler.This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Vaughn Vreeland is a writer, recipe developer, and video series host for NYT Cooking - and the co-creator behind the wildly popular Cookie Week. We sat down for a live conversation at The Book Cellar in Chicago to talk about his journey from bakery counter to bylines, and how he brings joy and intention to everything he creates. Vaughn shares the inspiration behind COOKIES, the new book he curated for NYT Cooking. Whether you're a seasoned home baker or a total beginner, there are plenty of recipes that’ll make you want to play in the kitchen and share the joy of baking. And don’t miss the audience Q&A at the end - it’s filled with fun, thoughtful, and insightful questions. Enjoy this LIVE episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Vaughn Vreeland.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Simon Ford is one of the most respected voices in the spirits and cocktails industry - and a true steward of gin culture. In this episode, he returns to the pod and shares the story behind the second-ever release of Fords Sloe Gin, a centuries-old English tradition made by steeping wild sloes in gin. We cover some exciting things happening around the world in bars, including the martini (or rather, the size), savory cocktails, and the small details that leave lasting impressions in hospitality. Simon also shares his admiration for bartenders and bars around the world and reflects on how global travel continues to shape his creativity. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Simon Ford.This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Leah Cohen is the chef, author, and Top Chef alum behind NYC’s Pig & Khao. From delivering pizzas as a teen to training in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, she carved her path the old-school way - through hustle, honesty, and a whole lot of rice. In this episode, Leah opens up about how traveling through Southeast Asia became the turning point that shaped the food she makes today. She also shares what it’s like building a career alongside motherhood. While still running a restaurant, she reflects on leaning more into the social media world - and why showing people how to cook the food she loves has become such a meaningful part of her work. Leah also discusses causes close to her heart, including Alzheimer’s awareness and her support of Ark Solves, a charity that works with rural communities who want to secure their food, health, income, and a hunger-free future. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Leah Cohen.This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin - the cocktail gin.(You’ll find the drink recipe heard in this episode below.)Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com ***Ube & TonicRecipe courtesy of Anna Mains.Makes 1 cocktail1 1/2 parts Fords Gin 1/2 part  Ube Syrup *1/4 part Calamansi Juice 3 parts High Quality Tonic WaterAdd gin, ube syrup and calamansi juice to a collins glass filled with ice and top with tonic water. Give it a quick stir and garnish with a calamansi wheel (lime will work if you can’t find calamansi). * For the ube syrup, mix equal parts ube jam, sugar and water in a small sauce pot, stir, bring to a simmer to dissolve the sugar and let cool.

Iain McPherson is one of the most respected people in the bar world today - and his story starts in a lucid dream. He was recently named Best International Bar Mentor, while his bar took home awards for Best International Bar Team and World’s Best Cocktail Menu at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Iain has reimagined what’s possible behind the bar, pioneering freezing techniques that have inspired bartenders around the globe. He shares how studying at Gelato University became the unlikely turning point in his career, and why curiosity and never settling are among his core values. Iain also opens up about his passion for mentorship and sharing Scottish culture through the Panda Highland Games. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Iain McPherson.This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Kevin Boehm is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Boka Restaurant Group, which has opened more than 46 restaurants over the past 30 years. In this episode, Kevin opens up about the journey behind his deeply personal new memoir, The Bottomless Cup - a story rooted in resilience, identity, and the pursuit of authenticity. We discuss his path from growing up in Springfield, IL, to living in his car in Florida, to co-building one of the most respected restaurant groups in the country - all while exploring how his definition of success has evolved. Kevin shares lessons from decades in hospitality and how purpose, people, and self-compassion guide his life and leadership. He also reflects on the importance of giving back, including his work with organizations like the Hope Institute, 826CHI, and the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC). Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Kevin Boehm.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Ryan Chetiyawardana, known globally as Mr. Lyan, is not your average bartender - he’s a boundary-pushing innovator whose work continues to reshape how we think about food, drink, and connection. From his early days in kitchens to launching award-winning bars around the world, Ryan shares how curiosity, collaboration, and care are at the heart of everything he does. We talk about what it means to build spaces that are welcoming, sustainable, and deeply intentional - and how hospitality becomes a way to connect, care for, and uplift others. He also opens up about his advocacy for reducing food waste and his long-standing support of Action Against Hunger, using his platform to help fight global hunger. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Ryan Chetiyawardana.This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Asma Khan is the chef and changemaker behind Darjeeling Express, the London restaurant powered by an all-female kitchen of home cooks. Born into Indian royalty but made to feel invisible, she rose from an uncelebrated daughter to become one of the most powerful voices in food - earning a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and captivating millions through her Chef’s Table episode. In this episode, Asma shares how she built a restaurant without formal training and uses her platform to honor the women who came before her. She opens up about her work with the World Food Programme and how she channels empathy, culture, and care into every dish. This conversation is a reminder that food can be power - and that one woman can change the world, one dish at a time. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Asma Khan.This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin - the cocktail gin.(You’ll find the drink recipe heard in this episode below.)Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com ***Falooda FizzRecipe courtesy of Joe BrookeMakes 1 cocktail1.5 parts Fords Gin.5 part fresh lemon juice.5 part gum syrup1 part whole milk3 dashes rose water1 part soda waterShake the gin, lemon juice, gum syrup, milk and rose water over ice and pour into a smaller fizz glass. Let it settle and top it off with the soda water.

Abe Vucekovich is one of Chicago’s most imaginative bartenders, known for bringing storytelling and creativity to his cocktails. After nearly a decade at The Violet Hour, Abe now leads the bar programs at The Meadowlark and Friends of Friends - where each menu tells a story. In this episode, he shares how his background in writing influences his approach to drink design, why collaboration fuels his creativity, and how he’s using his platform to make sustainability more accessible behind the bar. Abe also opens up about his support for No Kid Hungry and the importance of addressing food insecurity in his hometown and beyond. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Abe Vucekovich.This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Gavin Kaysen is a two-time James Beard Award winner, a former Bocuse d'Or competitor, and a true force behind Minneapolis’ rising culinary scene - but his story is about far more than accolades. In this episode, Gavin opens up about his early childhood influences and how a sandwich shop taught him the power of hospitality. He shares the story of a bold cold-call to Gordon Ramsay, and lessons he learned under Chef Daniel Boulud’s mentorship. He also shares how he’s passing on those lessons - mentoring the next generation of young cooks through Ment’or BKB, while supporting his team and community through his nonprofit, Heart of the House Foundation. If you’ve ever questioned how to build a meaningful life in food - or in anything - this conversation is one you’ll want to hear. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Gavin Kaysen.This episode is brought to you by Mill - the sleek, odorless food recycler for your home. Learn more and get $75 off at mill.com/btp. Offer may expire. Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

In this season's first Beyond the Drink episode, Kappy sits down with Dave Arnold - an inventor, bar owner, author, and one of the most influential figures in the modern bar world. Known for challenging conventional thinking, Dave reflects on the early days of modernist techniques and how they’ve become common practice behind bars today. From shaping how bartenders think about drinks to his role as an educator and mentor, Dave shares stories and insights on the evolution of cocktail culture. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Dave Arnold.This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Enrique Olvera is the internationally renowned chef behind Pujol, one of the world’s top restaurants. He’s widely credited with transforming the global perception of Mexican cuisine. In this episode, he shares where his love for cooking began, why simplicity in food matters, and how a conversation with a culinary historian pushed him to embrace his roots even more boldly. From engineering a mole that’s been simmering for over a decade to redefining tacos for a new generation, Chef Enrique opens up about honoring tradition, working with small farmers, and ensuring communities benefit from the success of his kitchens. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Enrique Olvera.This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin - the cocktail gin.(You’ll find the drink recipe heard in this episode below.)Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com ***PolancoRecipe courtesy of Joe BrookeMakes 1 cocktail1 part Fords Gin.5 part fresh lemon juice.5 part hibiscus syrup2.5 parts Bichi Pet Mex3 dashes Orange Flower WaterCombine the gin, lemon juice, and hibiscus syrup and lightly toss (do not shake). Pour in a glass and top with the pet mex and drop the orange flower water on top.

We’re joined by Tiffany Derry, the co-founder of T2D Concepts, TV personality, and owner of critically acclaimed Dallas restaurants Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table and Radici Wood Fired Grill. Tiffany brings her Southern flair and global culinary insights, and discusses inventive ways of reimagining PepsiCo Foods brands as pantry staples. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Tiffany Derry.This series is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.To learn more about PepsiCo Foods visit PepsiCo.comFollow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

We’re joined by Tyler Malek, the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Salt & Straw, where he is best known for developing over 2,000 inventive, delicious ice cream flavors. Tyler brings his knack for creativity and innovation to the Culinary Advisory Board, highlighting his playful approach to rethinking and transforming familiar flavors. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Tyler Malek.This series is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.To learn more about PepsiCo Foods visit PepsiCo.comFollow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

We’re joined by Ali Bouzari,  a culinary scientist and the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Pilot R&D, where he combines his culinary creativity and scientific expertise to develop new products and techniques. Ali’s approach highlights the potential of PepsiCo Foods’ brands as everyday ingredients, including how ingredient substitutions can unlock a playful and delicious way to think about food. From his innovative use of iconic PepsiCo products like Cheetos in polenta, to tips for home cooks, Ali shares how his unique perspective bridges the worlds of science and culinary artistry. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Ali Bouzari.This series is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.To learn more about PepsiCo Foods visit PepsiCo.comFollow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

We’re joined by Ellen Bennett, the founder & Chief Brand Officer of the beloved culinary apparel brand, Hedley & Bennett, as well as the TV host of Kitchen Glow Up and author of Dream First, Details Later, inspiring people to make their dreams happen. Ellen shares her unique perspective on blending her fine dining background with her Mexican heritage. She also shares how she showcases the versatility of everyday ingredients from PepsiCo Foods. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Ellen Bennett.This series is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.To learn more about PepsiCo Foods visit PepsiCo.comFollow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

We’re joined by Eric Adjepong, a professional chef, Food Network host, bestselling author and activist, best known for his fusion of West African flavors into creative dishes. Eric dives into the creative intersections of his career and how they will all play a role as a member of the Culinary Advisory Board. He shares innovative uses for PepsiCo Foods brands as pantry staples, highlighting the power of bold flavors in everyday cooking. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Eric AdjepongThis series is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.To learn more about PepsiCo Foods visit PepsiCo.comFollow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

For our season finale, we’re thrilled to welcome Aaron Franklin, owner of Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, often hailed as the best barbecue spot on the planet. The self-taught barbecue expert shares his journey from humble beginnings—cooking just two briskets a day—to becoming the first pitmaster to win a James Beard Award and serving over 120 briskets daily to customers who line up for hours. Aaron opens up about why he still gets terrified cooking at events, the community-driven spirit that makes Franklin Barbecue a must-visit, and his Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival. Aaron supports a number of organizations, but shares the great work of his friend (and friend of the pod) Chef Chris Shepherd and his Southern Smoke Foundation. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Aaron Franklin.This episode is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

Dominique Ansel is the pastry mastermind who was named the World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017 by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, and is widely celebrated for his creation of the Cronut®. Dominique shares his journey from a small-town in France to revolutionizing the pastry world in New York City and beyond. We learn the story behind the Cronut's viral success, his commitment to quality over mass production, and the life lessons he’s learned through his culinary adventures. Dominique shares a glimpse into the magic behind his iconic creations and the memories they evoke for his customers- and introduces us to his latest cookbook, Life’s Sweetest Moments: Simple, Stunning Recipes and Their Heartwarming Stories. He also reflects on his dedication to teaching and giving back, including his inspiring work with City Harvest to fight hunger. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Dominique Ansel.This episode is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail. (recipe heard in episode is below)Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com***The Chocolate Chip Cookie SipRecipe courtesy of Joe BrookeMakes 1 cocktail1.5 parts Fords Gin1 part sugar cookie washed heavy cream (blended together and fine-strained)0.5 part crème de cacao0.5 part vanilla syrupGrated nutmeg, to garnish 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 2. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top to garnish.

Eric Adjepong is a father, chef, author, and Food Network host celebrated for bringing West African cuisine to the mainstream culinary conversation. From his memorable appearances on Top Chef to his collaboration with Crate & Barrel and his work with the PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board, Eric shares insights into his creative journey. He discusses the pivotal moment in culinary school when he realized he needed to focus on the culinary traditions of Africa. He also tells the story of which chef idol he declined the chance to work with—and the reason behind his decision. Beyond being one of the kindest chefs in the industry, Eric dedicates his time to giving back, partnering with organizations like Save the Children to support child nutrition initiatives. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Eric Adjepong.This episode is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail. (recipe heard in episode is below)Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com***Ghanaian GimletRecipe courtesy of Joe BrookeMakes 1 cocktail1.5 parts Fords Gin1 part fresh lime juice.25 part tonic syrup.5 part mango purée.5 part simple syrupGrated ginger, to tasteLime wheel, garnishSlice or cube of mango, garnish1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the ingredients. Strain over rocks. 2. Garnish with a skewered lime wheel and piece of mango.