On episode 9, Chef Victor Albisu—the mastermind behind Taco Bamba—gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn, one of his first friends in the DC food scene. From their early days of hustling in kitchens to building their own culinary empires, this episode is packed with a whole lot of flavor and even more mezcal.

Chef Victor Albisu is an award-winning American chef and restaurateur known for his bold approach to Latin American cuisine. Raised in Virginia with Cuban and Peruvian heritage, he trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris before leading BLT Steak in Washington, D.C., where he cooked for Presidents Bush and Obama. In 2013, he opened Del Campo, followed by the successful Taco Bamba taqueria chain. A James Beard semifinalist and Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s Chef of the Year, Albisu has appeared on Beat Bobby Flay and Hell’s Kitchen. Beyond cooking, he is deeply involved in humanitarian work with World Central Kitchen and Smile on the World. In 2025, he plans to open Electric Bull, a boutique steakhouse in Virginia.

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🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by:

Saltverk Salt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

Open Water is ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed canned water in BPA-free aluminum packaging.They are driven by love and passion for our oceans and the environment. Visit https://drinkopenwater.com to learn more and use promo code INTHE WEEDS for 20% off.

Just Ice Tea isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org