Dishin' Up Diaspora

In this episode of Dishin' Up Diaspora , I sit down with Chef Reginald Jacob Howell and Pitmaster Denzell Johnson, the powerhouse duo behind Grann, a restaurant that seamlessly blends Indian, BBQ, and Creole cuisines to create a bold and innovative dining experience. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of culinary fusion done right, where respect for tradition meets boundary-pushi...

This episode features a conversation with Chef Tu David Phu, who blends his Vietnamese heritage and Oakland upbringing to tell stories through food. Chef Tu’s culinary journey highlights the connections between identity, culture, and community. In this episode, Chef Tu delves into the question of what culture truly means, framing it as a deeply individual experience shaped by personal journeys. He...

This episode features a conversation with Efrem Fesaha, founder and owner of Boon Boona Coffee, as he shares his journey of building a coffee business rooted in East African tradition and innovation. Starting in 2011 as a wholesaler of green coffee beans, Efrem has since expanded Boon Boona into four thriving cafes in the greater Seattle area. Efrem discusses how Boon Boona honors the rich traditi...

I’m Chef Emme, and I’m bringing you an exciting new podcast, Dishin’ Up Diaspora ! This is where food meets culture, history, and identity. Each week, I’ll sit down with people shaping the food world—chefs, writers, food entrepreneurs, farmers and more —to explore the flavors of diasporas. Together, we’ll share stories of food, heritage, and the journeys that keep culinary traditions alive in new...