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Restaurant Hoppen
Restaurant Hoppen
Author: Hurrdat Media
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© Hurrdat Media
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Dan Hoppen breaks down the Nebraska cuisine scene one bite at a time. He talks to local chefs, media members, and just interesting people about what's going on in the Cornhusker State when it comes to food, where people need to eat, and how food relates to Nebraska sports.
336 Episodes
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What's it like to be the Executive Chef at a comedy club? It's a question most people don't know the answer too, which is why I loved having this conversation with Brian. We talked about how to "chef up" burgers and chicken tenders, the various requests famous comedians make, preparing for potential "Chopped" appearances, the value of cooking school, and the social toll working in restaurants takes on cooks' lives. It's a wide-ranging conversation that opened my eyes in several ways.
📍 Omaha Funny Bonehttps://omaha.funnybone.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
⏱ Episode Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:00:42 - Welcome Brian!
00:09:01 - The New Location & Menu
00:21:13 - Elevating Standard Dishes
00:25:33 - Feeding the Stars
00:30:40 - Brian’s Cooking Origin
00:37:12 - No More Empty Pots
00:43:34 - Urban, Local Farming
00:53:14 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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Bronco’s has served some of Omaha’s favorite fast food since 1959. So how did it become so beloved originally? What has allowed it to thrive when other iconic restaurants have closed? And how did Blake Barnes, the General Manager and grandson of founder Billy Barnes, get up to speed as he took over the family business? We discuss all that and much more!
Order Today:
Broncos Hamburgershttps://broncoburgers.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:04 - Nebraska’s First Fast Food Place!
00:08:12 - Balancing Tradition with Innovation
00:15:22 - Speed of Service & Fresh Ingredients
00:27:04 - Taking Over the Family Business
00:31:10 - Who Was Bronco Billy?
00:45:06 - Menu Changes
00:58:26 - Wrap-up
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Food competition TV shows are fun, but what are they like behind the scenes? Three Omaha chefs/bakers who've competed on Food Network dish on the behind-the-scenes details that we don't see on camera for a fascinating conversation!
Episode References
Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com
Supermarket Stakeout — https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/supermarket-stakeout
Beat Bobby Flay — https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/beat-bobby-flay
Christmas Cookie Challenge — https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/christmas-cookie-challenge
Sauce While Alfaro — https://saucewhilealfaro.com
Noble Hospitality — https://noblehospitality.com
The Finicky Cookie — https://thefinickycookie.com
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser
00:01:23 – The Food Network Party
00:08:51 – Show Prep & Getting Casted
00:17:14 – Themes & Improvisation
00:24:07 – Calming the Nerves
00:34:54 – Hold-Over Time Challenges
00:44:02 – Physical Challenges
00:55:05 – Advice for Future Competitors
00:58:29 – Final Question & Wrap-up
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When Carlos decided to make tamales for his own wedding a few years ago, he had no idea he was starting down the road to a thriving restaurant. Those tamales led to a tamale delivery business, which blew up so quickly that it blossomed into a brick and mortar restaurant that is consistently packed with diners excited to try this couple's "authentic-ish" takes on tamales, tacos, tortas, and more. Hear the story of Masa Luna's rapid rise and the way Carlos and Gillian have leaned on the wonderful people around them to make it to this point.
Masa Luna – https://masaluna.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser
00:01:36 – What is Masa Luna?
00:06:50 – The Love of Tamales
00:12:48 – Signature Offerings
00:21:35 – Amazing Staff & Culture
00:26:34 – Cocktails
00:38:03 – Creative Tamales
00:47:51 – Restaurant Lessons
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Ooh De Lally is a restaurant serving great food, but its mission goes much deeper. It partners with Metro CC to help formerly incarcerated individuals get jobs, skills, and training to get back in the work force. LaRue knows firsthand how difficult that life can be, and Chef Doug and the rest of the Ooh De Lally team treated him differently and embraced him. Hear LaRue's story and get an inside sense of how Ooh De Lally's program gives new life to its participants.
Ooh De Lallyhttps://www.oohdelally.org/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser
00:01:32 – What Makes Ooh De Lally Special?
00:11:58 – A Restaurant that Cares
00:20:07 – Personal Growth
00:26:27 – First Months of Training
00:35:11 – Friends & Family Night
00:45:50 – Dispelling Stereotypes
00:53:06 – The Redemption Feast
00:57:11 – Final Question & Wrap-up
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So much of a restaurant experience is defined before a bite of food is served, as the atmosphere, vibe, and design of a restaurant set the tone for the guest. Omaha veteran restaurateurs Carlos Mendez (Au Courant; Dolomiti), Tom Allisma (Flagship Restaurant Group), and Sagar Gurung (Kathmandu Momo Station; Cattle Call) discuss the ins and outs and restaurant design and architecture and the way restaurants can set themselves up for success.
Episode References
Kathmandu – https://www.kathmandurestaurant.com
Momo Station – https://www.momostationomaha.com
Saffron Urban Indian Kitchen – https://www.saffronurban.com
Cattle Call – https://www.cattlecallomaha.com
Bluejays Sushi – https://www.bluejayssushi.com
Roja – https://www.rojaomaha.com
Blatt – https://www.blattbeer.com
Ghost Donkey – https://www.ghostdonkey.com
Flagship Commons – https://www.flagshipcommons.com
Plank – https://www.plankomaha.com
Champagne Lanes – https://www.champagnelanes.com
Memoir – https://www.memoiromaha.com
Cleo – https://www.cleorestaurant.com
Dolomiti Pizzeria – https://www.dolomitepizzeria.com
Ruby Rotisserie Urban Bistro – https://www.rubyurbanbistro.com
España – https://www.espanaomaha.com
Hunger Block – https://www.hungerblock.com
V. Mertz – https://www.vmertz.com
Boiler Room – https://www.boilerroomomaha.com
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:04:26 - Restaurant Design Affecting Guest Experiences
00:16:34 - Focal Points & Pros/Cons of Open Kitchen Concepts
00:32:09 - Layout Design & Restaurant Balance
00:42:57 - Lighting
00:59:01 - Wrap-up
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When Elizabeth decided to open a donut shop in Omaha, she had no idea the trials and hardships to come. But she and her son Jack fought through tremendous hardship both in and outside the business to create a donut shop that few—if any—in Omaha can rival. We talked about the science behind what makes these donuts unique, why Square Donut places such a high priority on hospitality, and how the rough road has helped form not only Square Donut, but who Elizabeth and Jack are as people and family.
Bite into Square Donut Today!
https://www.squaredonutomaha.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:20 - 5 Years of Squared Donuts!
00:13:13 - The Donut Making Process
00:21:00 - What Sets Square Donut Apart from the Rest?
00:29:28 - D2Donuts (The Precursor)
00:36:50 - How to Make a Successful Business
00:43:02 - First Year Open
00:55:08 - A Rewarding Creation & Wrap-up
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Le Quartier has become Omaha and Lincoln's go-to spot for bread and pastries, but the path that led these brothers to open their bakery nearly 20 years ago is one neither saw coming. Hear how a random interest in baking, an apartment in Montreal, and a baguette-attached resume led to a bread supplier that many Omahans (and Omaha restaurants) couldn't live without.
Check Out Le Quartier Today!
Le Quartier – https://lequartierbakingco.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:02:12 - What is Le Quartier?
00:06:08 - The Collective Shift
00:15:15 - Learning to Teach with Four Locations
00:21:00 - Sibling Synchronicity
00:37:32 - “Listening to the Dough”
00:46:40 - Working with Restaurants (Establishing & Maintaining Relationships)
00:49:07 - The Bank Robbery
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Tomato-free pasta sauce?! This Omaha couple never knew they'd need such a thing until they developed a heartburn-inducing sensitivity to tomatoes. Rather than swear off pizza and pasta forever, they created a carrot-based sauce and launched Carinara, a product that is taking the Midwest by storm. We discuss where the idea came from, what the R&D process was like, how they got Hy-Vee to buy in, and the future of this exploding company.
Order Carinara Pasta Sauce: https://carinara.com
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:22 - What is Carinara?
00:04:39 - The Problem with Nightshades
00:10:48 - Other Favorite Recipes
00:17:18 - A Clean, Healthy Product
00:25:28 - Tweaking Recipes Until They Work
00:33:39 - Getting into Stores & a New Sauce!
00:38:56 - Dynamic in the Kitchen & Final Thoughts
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You know that good feeling you get at certain restaurants, where it just seems everyone is operating like a family? It's rare because it's a hard culture to cultivate, but it's intentional and you feel it at Good Evans, one of Nebraska's fastest growing breakfast spots. Angie Padgett (Executive Chef) and Tamra Johnston (Chief Marketing Officer) joined me to talk about how Good Evans cultivates that familial feeling, put together a menu that's comfortable for IG-loving teenagers as well as grandparents, and crafted a culture that has allowed it to expand to five locations (including two in Omaha) in less than a decade.
Taste the Difference that from Scratch Makes:
Good Evans – https://goodevans.com
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:02 - Guests’ Backstories
00:02:18 - What is Good Evans?
00:18:00 - Creating Flavor
00:22:01 - Good Evans’ History
00:34:02 - Pros & Cons of a Breakfast Joint & The Responsibilities
00:40:02 - Specialty Menu
00:46:47 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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The Haven Express food truck comes from humble beginnings, but now DeVaute and his crew are feeding Bud Crawford and the Nebraska football team! The truck's wings, Philly egg rolls, and smoked meats have massive followings now, and while the road to get here wasn't easy, DeVaute is proud of his journey. And now he's using his story (and his food) to inspire the next generation.
Find Flavor Here:
Haven Express Food Truck – https://www.facebook.com/havenexpress/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/havenexpressomaha/?hl=en
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:03 - What is Haven Food Truck?
00:09:11 - Small Menu Charm
00:15:10 - Bud Crawford’s My Buddy
00:31:24 - Starting the Food Truck
00:41:35 - Wrap-up
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Bodegas were a part of Nate's daily life when he lived in New York, but after moving to Omaha, he wondered if the concept would work here, too. Three years and two locations in, it's safe to say Godega, Omaha's hybrid convenience store/bar/coffee shop is just what the city needed. Hear the origin story, what makes Nate so passionate about featuring local products and vendors, and the most important lessons he's learned since diving headfirst into the hospitality industry.
👉 Learn more about Godega: https://godegamarket.com/
👉 Follow Restaurant Hoppen for more inspiring culinary stories from Omaha and beyond.
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:00:59 - Welcome Nate!
00:04:34 - Why Locate in the Old Market?
00:10:17 - Supporting Local
00:17:12 - Listening to Customer Feedback & Menu
00:32:59 - Historic Charm & Opening Day
00:38:58 - Opening the Second Location
00:45:57 - The Future of Godega
00:46:58 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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Joel has cooked various cuisines all over the world. He's worked for celebrity chefs and private sports teams. He's cooked dinner for Oprah and her family in his apartment. During this episode, Joel shares those stories and explains how they influenced and formed him into the chef now, and what he's trying to express through his restaurants in Omaha now.
Taste the Elevated Experience:
Salted Edge — https://www.salted-edge.com/
Pivot Prime Steakhouse — https://www.luckyelevenhg.com/pivot-prime/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:58 - Chef’s Backstory
00:06:02 - “Chef-Partner”
00:12:34 - Open Kitchen Concept
00:17:48 - Laying Down Roots in Omaha & Serving Celebrities
00:27:13 - “Chef Spidey Sense”
00:37:42 - Making Life Changes
00:44:46 - Being a Chef at Universal Studios
00:53:10 - Coming to Omaha
01:00:46 - Quick Hitters & Wrap-up
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This new food truck is bringing the unique flavors of the Phillipines and Southeast Asia to Omaha. With a great respect for traditional dishes and an obsession with umami, Chef Gerald is using his 13+ years of cooking experience all over the world to power this food truck, all while completing nursing school. From cooking on seafaring ships to getting "murdered" during his first food truck service, Chef Gerald opens up on his food and career.
The Fifth Tastehttps://www.facebook.com/p/The-Fifth-Taste-by-Chef-Gerald-61577247144496/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:02:14 - The Fifth Taste Story
00:10:57 - From Fine Dining to Food Trucking
00:21:43 - Global Influences on the Menu
00:34:29 - The Joy of Feeding People
00:46:50 - What’s Next for Chef Gerald & The Fifth Taste
00:52:19 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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A college semester abroad in Sydney changed Eli’s life. Enthralled with the country’s creative fusion dishes, he decided to combine two of his favorite baked goods: cookies and muffin tops. The result is one of Omaha’s best cookies, and one he developed while not only going to college, but also was a student athlete. Safe to say, Eli’s story is fascinating. You have to learn about this guy and his cookies!
👉 Order online: https://www.kookaburracookies.com/#4
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:07 - Welcome to the Show!
00:07:17 - Bigger Cookies are Better!
00:17:46 - Discovering Food Through Travel
00:27:59 - Cookie R&D
00:34:35 - Keeping Things Running Smoothly
00:41:59 - Cookie Chains
00:46:48 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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In 2016, Brian called Katie, then working as a pastry chef in California with an idea: come back to Omaha and let's open an ice cream shop. Little did either know the impact that call would have! It led to the creation of Coneflower Creamery, Omaha's beloved ice cream destination, that now has three locations, has garnered national awards, and still clings to its farm to cone ethos. Hear the story and all the magic that goes into this ice cream during this fascinating panel discussion.
✍️ Taste the Hype NOW
Coneflower Creameryhttps://coneflowercreamery.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
00:00:00 – 🍦 Scoop Dreams Begin
00:00:59 – 🙌 Welcome to the Show!
00:04:16 – 😅 Hoppen’s Ice Cream Complaint
00:12:41 – 🧪 Texture & R&D Secrets
00:17:37 – 🌿 Flavor Inspiration & Creativity
00:33:03 – 📖 The Coneflower Origin Story
00:44:28 – 📞 “The Ice Cream Call”
00:50:25 – ✨ Creating the Coneflower Experience
00:56:20 – 🏆 #1 Ice Cream Shop in the U.S.
00:59:01 – ⚡ Quick Hitters & Wrap-Up
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Few food/drink establishments in Omaha can match the vibe at Cafe Postale, which mixes the space's rich history with great coffee and modern elements to create an unforgettable coffee shop/cafe. General Manager Haley Farrell explains what makes the space special and how Cafe Postale partners with local purveyors and suppliers to serve great food and drink.
✍️ Episode References:
Café Postale: https://www.cafepostaleomaha.com/
This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:04 - What is Cafe Postale?
00:09:28 - Weddings & Events
00:13:51 - The Menu
00:22:35 - Coffee & Seasonal Drinks
00:33:26 - The “Ah-Ha!” Moment
00:43:28 - The Future & Wrap-up
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The restaurants and food at Arbor Day Farm (Nebraska City) were overdue for an upgrade, and leadership tabbed Chef Garrett Kasper to level up the cuisine. And despite some reservations from long-time guests, the move has paid off and elevated the guest experience. Chef Kasper explains what changes he made, how he implemented them, and how seeing the staff get excited has energized him. We also touched on the importance of bringing great food to small towns and where Chef draws inspiration from (hint: it's not Instagram).
Visit today!
Arbor Day Farm
https://www.arbordayfarm.org
This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:17 - Welcome Chef Kasper!
00:03:00 - Arbor Day Farms Food Scene
00:13:55 - Is the Diner Always Right?
00:16:50 - Chef Kasper, Improving the Restaurant Since Day 1
00:21:33 - Uniqueness of a Hotel/Restaurant
00:30:07 - Why the Staff are so Special
00:38:28 - “Voices from the Dining Room”
00:49:02 - Inspiration through Food Creation
00:53:50 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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Nothing about SET The Bar is like what you'd expect at a normal sports bar. From the focus on women's sports to the elevated takes on bar food coming out of the kitchen, it's a completely different experience. And it's Chef Kristin's dishes that take the Benson bar to another level... something she never could have imagined considering her culinary journey just began a few years ago and she didn't even apply to be the executive chef! You have to hear Kristin's story and the techniques she employs to take humble "bar food" to a whole new level.
Check out SET the Bar for great food and atmosphere!
https://set-thebar.com/
This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:10 - Welcome Kristen!
00:06:04 - Molly as the Right Leader
00:17:50 - Questions from Fans
00:35:01 - Kristen’s Background
00:58:08 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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When this couple opened Cumbia in 2021, they brought two relatively unknown concepts to Omaha: Latin American food and tapas (small shared plates). But the intent wasn't just to feed people. They wanted to educate guests on the various histories, cultures, and dishes that exist in Latin America. And though there were bumps in the road, they're definitely accomplishing their mission and bringing something special to Omaha now.
References:
Cumbia – https://www.cumbiarestaurant.com
Hunger Block – https://www.hungerblock.com
Grow Omaha – https://www.growomaha.com
This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser
00:01:18 - What is Cumbia?
00:06:02 - Bringing Something New to the Community
00:15:42 - The Key to Traveling through Food
00:22:31 - The Flavor Starts at Home
00:35:43 - Menu Deep Dive
00:42:27 - New Beginnings
00:48:42 - Final Questions & Wrap-up
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Running a small restaurant taught me that wall space is just as valuable as floor space. When we were struggling with kitchen organization, I decided to mount https://www.amgoodsupply.com/stainless-steel-wall-shelves/ above our prep stations and it made a huge difference. These stainless steel shelves hold plates, bowls, and cooking tools right where we need them during busy dinner rushes. The health inspector loves them too because they're easy to clean and don't collect grease like some other materials. Staff can grab items quickly without bending down or walking across the kitchen. Best investment we made for improving workflow efficiency