Indulge Podcast

What does it take to craft a cocktail that tells a story? In this episode of Indulge, Tural Hasanov, the Beverage Director at the Tampa EDITION Hotel, shares his inspiring journey to becoming a mixology expert shaping Tampa’s cocktail scene. The conversation explores the artistry behind cocktail creation, the cultural influences that shape beverage preferences, and the unique experiences offered a...

In this flavorful episode of the Indulge Podcast, hosts Marlon and Melissa sit down with Chef Jon Atanacio, Executive Chef at the Epicurean Hotel and Élevage Soho Kitchen & Bar, to uncover the gritty, unglamorous path that led him from a doggy daycare job to the top of Tampa’s culinary scene. Chef Jon shares hilarious and raw stories from his early kitchen days in New York—yes, including being...

What does it take to become one of the top chocolatiers in the world? How does creativity influence the art and science of chocolate making? In this episode of the Indulge Podcast, Marlon Gordon and Melissa Santell sit down with Bill Brown, Chief Chocolate Officer at William Dean Chocolates, to explore his unexpected journey into the world of fine confections. The conversation covers everything fr...

In this episode of the Indulge Podcast, Chef Shelby Farrell shares her lifelong journey in the culinary world, from her roots in Gulf Coastal Mississippi to her current role at Oystercatchers in Tampa. She discusses her experiences working with Hyatt Hotels, her partnership with celebrity chef Richard Blaze, and her passion for molecular gastronomy. Shelby emphasizes the importance of approachable...

In this engaging conversation, Olivia Giesler, the executive chef of The Pearl Tampa, shares her culinary journey, discussing her early inspirations, the importance of community and family in cooking, and the challenges faced in the culinary industry. The discussion also touches on the significance of maintaining a positive work environment, the role of fitness in her life, and her experiences wit...

Sponsored by Cox’s Seafood, leading the way in premium Florida shrimp. Get ready for an exciting deep dive into the world of Florida seafood, local agriculture, and the Fresh from Florida initiative. This episode explores how seasonality, trade shows, and culinary collaborations are shaping Florida’s food scene, leading up to the highly anticipated Taste of NFL. From farm to fork, learn how local...

In this episode of Indulge, we sit down with Jada Vidal, a rising star in the culinary world and sous chef at Noble Rice. Jada takes us on a journey from her childhood baking days to the high-stakes world of competitive cooking shows, sharing how those experiences shaped her passion for food. She dishes on the importance of top-tier ingredients, the evolving restaurant culture, and the exploding f...

What does it take to thrive in the ever-evolving culinary world? Chef Bryce Bonsack, owner of Roca, serves up an inspiring and insightful conversation that takes you from the heat of a Michelin-star kitchen to the vibrant Tampa Bay food scene. Bryce shares his journey—culinary school trials, the art of fostering talent within his team, and the unglamorous realities of restaurant ownership. But thi...

Get ready for an episode packed with flavor, fun, and inspiration! The hosts of the Indulge podcast dive into what they love most about podcasting—from building their audience to the thrill of watching their show grow. Along the way, they dish on everything from trying the Whole30 diet to the art of food photography and their behind-the-scenes adventures in creative collaborations. The conversatio...

How does a dishwasher become the chef-owner of a celebrated restaurant? In this captivating episode, Chef Rob Reinsmith shares his inspiring path from humble beginnings to leading Wild Child, a vibrant dining destination in St. Pete. Rob opens up about his time in New York City, balancing the challenges of raising a family in a fast-paced metropolis, and the resilience required to navigate the res...

Ever wondered what it takes to earn a Michelin star? In this must-watch podcast episode, restaurateur Max Lipton shares his incredible journey from managing a family-owned restaurant to striving for Michelin star excellence. What secrets lie behind the elusive Michelin guide? How do restaurants like Alinea and Alchemist create unforgettable dining experiences that captivate all senses? Join Marlon...

In today's Indulge episode, Marlon and Melissa explore the journey of pizza entrepreneur Travis Kaiser, from New Jersey to Tampa. We discuss the evolution of social media in business, the importance of building a strong restaurant culture, and the nuances of menu design. Travis shares what it’s like building a family legacy through the Santoros brand and future expansion plans... press play to be...

Donatello Italian Restaurant in Tampa Bay has a rich family history that dates back to Sotomarina in the Lagoon of Venice. The restaurant was opened by Gino Tiozzo's father and has been operating for over 40 years. The restaurant operates like a big family, with a professional staff that has been with them for many years. The menu at Donatello is classic Italian, focusing on highlighting the b...

Join us in this exciting episode of the Indulge podcast where Marlon Gordon and Melissa Santell interview acclaimed Chef Ebbe Vollmer. Discover the journey that led him to become a Michelin star-rated chef, learn about his culinary philosophy, and gain insights into his innovative restaurant concepts. From the importance of using local ingredients to the art of creating memorable dining experience...

Zach and Christina Feinstein, owners of The Feinstein Group, discuss their journey in the restaurant industry and their various establishments, including The Black Pearl, The Living Room, and Saunders Social Club. They talk about their experiences working together as a couple and the collaborative approach they take in menu creation. They also share insights into the design and ambiance of their r...

Indulge is Tampa’s newest addition to the food scene, highlighting culinary talent across the nation. Co-hosted by Marlon Gordon, CEO + Founder of NxtGen Network, an agency known for its stunning creative hospitality & foodservice focused productions, and Melissa Santell, Founder of FoodxFeels, a photography and branding studio that emphasizes culinary magic. Together, we’re on a mission to un...