I'll Cry If I Want To

This week we brought back show favorite, Chef Robbie Gonzalez (@chefbobbyrobby), and he brought treats! We get to discuss, learn about, and most importantly,  try out the desserts from Kevin’s new restaurant Masons. We go through each dish as not only a way to educate the public, but also to train their new staff. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the one to listen to. (I mean I like all the epis...

This week, Aly and Kevin discuss what they have been up to over the holidays. From Kevin’s new restaurant finally opened to great reviews to Kevin’s trip to Chicago for a one of a kind culinary experience at renowned chef Grant Achatz’s flagship restaurant Alinea. Kevin also shares his favorite of Chef Achatz’s concepts called Next which is doing a very fun past, present and future menu for 2025....

Executive Chef at the Blacksmith Tavern in Pembroke MA and founder of www.flavorprofile.net , an at home food delivery service that provides chef cooked healthy meals at home. We learned all about his online weekly ordering system and how it works. If you have been considering a food delivery service, this is a local one to try! (in case you’re like Aly and hate going to grocery stores!) Listen as...

Kevin is passionate about his water! In this wide-ranging discussion, Aly and Kevin delve into the complexities and controversies surrounding water - from the types of water available, to the potential health impacts, to the environmental concerns around bottled water and how they are made. They discuss ph levels and how that affects the taste and their preference for water….or crystal light if yo...

Aly and Kevin discuss how the events and hospitality world are entering a busy season with the start of fall and the end of the summer. They discuss some events they have hosted recently and the new location for their studio. They also discuss the pros and cons of third party ticket sales and their tricks to save when planning your next event. In short, they talk about a little of everything in th...

In our 1 year anniversary show, we remember back to our first fall together and finally get Kevin on the pumpkin spice train. In this one, Kevin and Aly are discussing Aly’s past working with coffee and really tests her knowledge. They also discuss holiday parties and when you should be booking your venue. Spoiler alert, it's as soon as you can! A lot of banter on this one.    Want to get in touch...

This week, we got to bring our friend Amanda Albee on the show! We first met Amanda working together at Stars and Tosca and now we get to learn all about her new group, as the General Manager of Abby Park and Novara in Milton. One of our favorite restaurants from our recommendation episode! We discuss everything from the pros and cons of social media, to our thoughts on “cancel culture” and more! ...

Kevin Introduces Aly to chef Doug Rodrigues. Doug recently opened Osteria Vivo in Pembroke MA. We hear all about opening that concept and about some of his signature dishes. We also discuss restaurant concept boards, the uniquely competitive process of interviewing/testing and hiring chefs, and stage shifts!    Want to get in touch with the hosts? You can send Aly and Kevin an email at illcryifiwa...

This week, Aly tells Kevin all about the newest member of the Improv Asylum family, The Lil Chuck at the Charles Playhouse. A 199 seat venue in the heart of Boston’s theater district. Home to some of the best comedy, theatricals, and stand-up in town! We also discuss some cocktails, some recent events we have hosted, and really whatever we want! Want to get in touch with the hosts? You can send Al...

In this lighthearted discussion, hosts Aly and Kevin discuss everything from social media to the darker side of working in the restaurant industry.  Aly finds social media stressful and Kevin appreciates the educational and artistic content he discovers. They also discuss some of the darker sides of the industry. They recount stories of sleeping in their cars between shifts and the sacrifices requ...

As our listeners know, Kevin is in the process of opening up a new restaurant in Quincy MA with Jimmy Liang, named Mason’s Steak House. Today we bring back Jimmy to discuss the opening and how it is going. Listen as we discuss what goes into the construction and opening of a new concept, everything from staffing, to planning the opening day event. We go over everything and hopefully get everyone e...

Our first Vendor episode! Meet Alex who, along with his late partner Fred, started Land and Sea Provisions. A food supplier who started in 2021 and has grown exponentially! Learn about the ins and outs of the people who supply you and your favorite restaurants with meat and seafood. You’ll also learn more about meat than you thought was possible! (I know I did!) Want to get in touch with the hosts...

Aly and Kevin bring back some of our favorite guests! Our good friends Chef Michael Morway and Chef Robert Gonzales. Join us for a lively roundtable as we discuss a little bit of everything. We debate the age-old rivalry: Android vs iPhone and discuss our favorite TV shows. We also fill each other in on our current projects, and generally make each other laugh! We do our best to stay on topic for...

Kevin and Aly would like to introduce you to JoAn, the GM of Laugh Boston. JoAn has been working in comedy for over 20 years and has her PhD in law and public policy. She is also the first black woman to be the general manager of a comedy club in the country! She has seen it all and knows everyone in comedy. We get to hear some behind the scenes anecdotes and wild stories from the green room. (One...

Have you ever looked at the kitchen of a restaurant and wondered what they talk about back there? Well that’s basically this episode. Sometimes Kevin and Aly just like to chat and catch up on events and projects we are working on. We talk/vent about some of our recent events, and some projects we are working on to be on the lookout for!    Want to get in touch with the hosts? You can send Aly and...

Aly and Kevin discuss what they don’t like. Not specific restaurants, just bad habits and poor practices we see when we dine out. What to do and what NOT to do when opening your restaurant? When should the server be at the table? How often should they be checking on the table? Why are some host staff unable to hide their contempt for people on their faces? Why are menus becoming 4 page novellas? D...

Kevin introduces Aly to his old colleague, Jamie Pollock, the VP of Operations at Big Night Entertainment. Jamie oversees the operations and performance of 12 venues across four states, including restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, entertainment, and event spaces. We discuss all the things that go into running a successful venue, from concept to all the licenses and “red tape” to training and execut...

Aly and Kevin discuss this hot button issue in the restaurant and hospitality industry. When do we tip? How much should we tip? Is tipping culture out of control or do we need to limit where we tip? We discuss newly proposed legislation on tipping and what that will mean for the restaurant, the servers, and the customers!    Want to get in touch with the hosts? You can send Aly and Kevin an email...

We all love pizza, but how much do you know about it? This week we got to chat with Chris, Owner of CP’s Woodfired Pizza in Scituate MA. We learn about Chris’s techniques and his thoughtful use of ingredients, and just how family driven his restaurant is (down to his mother making fresh cookies everyday!) Learn about why the flour we use in America is contributing to the Gluten intolerance problem...

This week, Kevin introduces Aly to a very interesting, and very accomplished woman in our industry. Meet Elizabeth Bramwell, Distinguished Chef, TV Host, three time Emmy Winner, Oyster aficionado, and now North American Produce buyer for Sysco! This woman has truly lived an exciting life, all around food. Join us for this fun conversation and rediscover your passion for this industry.    Want to g...

Kevin and Aly reflect on the podcast so far. How it started and how it’s evolved. We reflect on the people we have met through the podcast and the gratitude we feel for everyone who has participated and everyone who has listened to the podcast and given us their feedback. We also share some very fun stories of things that have happened to us working in Hospitality.   Want to get in touch with the...

The conversation continues! We loved our chat with Pablo so much we had to continue it. We discuss our love of having great systems in place, business ethics, setting boundaries, managing expectations, and our overall love and passion for our industry. Find Pablo on Instagram @thepablorojas Want to get in touch with the hosts? You can send Aly and Kevin an email at illcryifiwanttopodcast@gmail.com...

If you have been listening, you know how much we love Pablo Rojas. Well, we finally got him on the show! Pablo is the Director of Operations for Improv Asylum, Laugh Boston, and Asylum NYC with almost 20 years of experience in our industry. Listen as we discuss acting, theater, comedy, and the operations that make all those shows happen.  Find Pablo on Instagram @thepablorojas Want to get in touch...

To start the second season, we are going BIG with two guests! Meet Chef Maria Cavaleri and Chef Robert Gonzalez. Maria is the head pastry chef at Tosca Restaurant in Hingham, and former pastry chef at Big Night Entertainment. Robert is currently starring on Food Networks - Spring Baking Champion and can soon be seen opening his own restaurant in Quincy Ma. We discuss the chefs favorite ingredients...

Thanks so much for tuning into our first season! We have so much more content coming very soon! Season 2 is in the works but we want to give Aly and Kevin a well deserved break before jumping right back in to weekly releases. Stay subscribed to this feed for updates and we will see you in June!