Pot Luck Food Talks: Kitchen Stories From Behind the Pass

Eric sits down with Ivan Brehm to explore his incredible culinary journey. From honing his skills under the legendary Thomas Keller to working at the cutting-edge kitchens of Mugaritz and The Fat Duck, Ivan's path has been anything but ordinary. Now at the helm of the Michelin-starred Nouri in Singapore, Ivan reflects on the experiences that shaped his innovative approach to cooking. Join us as we...

In this episode, Eric sits down with Yingxin Huang, a talented chef and pastry chef from China now living in Paris. Yingxin shares her unique perspective on blending the rich traditions of Chinese cooking with the delicate art of Parisian pastry. Yingxin’s journey is a testament to the beauty of cross-cultural culinary fusion.

In the next episode, Eric and Phil are joined by Kevin Jeung, to delve into the fascinating world of Noma's fermentation lab and the groundbreaking Noma Projects. As the Chef of Research and Production at Noma, Kevin offers a unique insider's perspective on the innovative concepts and techniques that define Noma's approach to fermentation. Together, they discuss the intricacies of fermenting ingre...

In the next episode, Eric and Phil sit down with Kevin Jeung, to reminisce about their shared experiences at the renowned Mugaritz. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs they faced in one of the world’s most innovative kitchens. From unforgettable culinary experiments to the rigorous demands of high-end gastronomy, this episode dives deep into the bonds formed and lessons learned duri...

In the next episode, Eric and Phil sit down with Kevin Jeung, aka 'the Koji Whisperer', a veteran of some of the world’s most renowned kitchens and currently the Chef of Research and Production at Noma. Having first met 10 years ago while staging together at Mugaritz, the trio reunites after some time apart to share Kevin’s latest culinary adventures. They delve into Kevin’s recent trip to San Seb...

In this lively episode, Phil and Eric dive into the latest gossip from the restaurant world, sharing insider stories and juicy tidbits that you won't hear anywhere else. They explore the fascinating realm of strange ingredients, uncovering the weird and wonderful items making their way onto menus. From bizarre delicacies to groundbreaking new restaurant concepts and openings, Phil and Eric cover i...

In the next episode, Eric and Phil team up to offer invaluable advice to young chef aspirants, outlining the crucial dos and don’ts for a successful culinary career. Drawing from their extensive experience, they provide insights on mastering essential skills, handling kitchen pressures, and maintaining passion in the industry. Additionally, they share their all-time favorite chefs who have influen...

In this episode, Eric delves into the fascinating world of liquid gastronomy with the esteemed Esther Merino, a veteran from renowned establishments like Disfrutar and Alchemist. Esther, a pioneering Beverage Developer, shares her insights on the convergence of traditional and cutting-edge techniques in creating innovative drinks. From kombuchas and kefir to low-temperature distillation and centri...

In the next episode, Eric and Phil dive into the gripping world of "The Bear," the critically acclaimed series about a young chef who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after a heartbreaking loss. They'll explore the show's depiction of the culinary industry's highs and lows, from the soul-crushing challenges of small business ownership to the heartwarming moments of camaraderie...

In this special episode, Eric and Phil dive into the digital world as they read and react to comments from their various online platforms. From insightful questions to hilarious anecdotes, they explore the diverse perspectives and engage with their audience like never before. Join us for a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of Eric and Phil as they interact with their fans and followers, sharin...

Eric and Phil delve deeper into the culinary wonderland of one of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. With new stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, they uncover the hidden gems and untold tales that make Mugaritz a gastronomic legend. From kitchen mishaps to unforgettable encounters, join us for an immersive journey into the heart of Mugaritz, where innovation meets tradition and every dis...

In the upcoming episode, Eric delves into the vibrant world of Taiwanese food culture with Leslie Wang, a Taiwanese graphic artist and food illustrator. With a background in environmental graphic design and a passion for gastronomy, Leslie brings a unique perspective to the table as she discusses her experiences and her new book on Taiwanese Food Landscape. Join us as we explore the intersection o...

Phil and Eric delve into the complex world of heroes and villains in the culinary industry, exploring a wide range of topics from cultural appropriation to acts of culinary heroism. They navigate the nuanced terrain of paella terrorism and top culinary artistry, discussing the controversies and acclaim surrounding prominent figures in the global culinary landscape. With a blend of humor and insigh...

Join Phil and Eric as they reminisce about their time as stagiers at Mugaritz, one of the world's top restaurants. From the moment they first heard about the restaurant's innovative cuisine to their arrival in the Basque Country, anticipation filled the air. Stepping into the kitchen, they were met with a whirlwind of activity and the intoxicating aroma of culinary creativity. As they navigated th...

In this episode of 'The Line,' Phil and Eric confront the dark side of the culinary world as they delve into the topic of kitchen abuses in top restaurants. From toxic work environments to harassment and exploitation, they share their experiences and discuss strategies for addressing and preventing abuse in professional kitchens. Join them as they shine a light on this important issue and advocate...

🔥🍴 On episode 7 of "The Line" series, Phil and Eric are back with more kitchen chaos tales from the world of fine dining! This time, they dive into wild stories about kitchens running out of gas, blackouts during service, and the legendary fire at Mugaritz. Find out how top chefs and their teams pulled off miraculous meals against all odds. Plus, meet the unforgettable characters who keep these...

Eric and Phil take a deep dive into the world of restaurant chains. From sharing their favorite dining spots to discussing collaborations with chefs and restaurant chains, they explore the dynamic landscape of the food industry. Tune in as they share their candid opinions on popular chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and more. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious about the inner wo...

Join Phil and Eric as they embark on a culinary adventure exploring the art of nose-to-tail cooking. From succulent cuts like head and neck to more adventurous options like tongue and chin, they'll dive deep into the world of utilizing every part of the animal. Get ready to discover innovative techniques, flavor-packed recipes, and sustainable cooking practices that celebrate the whole animal. Whe...

In the upcoming episode, Eric sits down with Nabila Rodriguez, a gastronomic scientist, to explore the rich food culture of the Canary Islands. From the iconic mojos and papas arrugadas to delightful sweets and beyond, Nabila offers insights into the culinary delights of the region. Additionally, she sheds light on the fascinating world of food science and shares her unique experiences as a gastro...

What is bad service? Eric recounts his encounters with two establishments where service fell short of expectations. Join Eric and Phil as they delve into the delicate balance between effective salesmanship and genuine hospitality. They also explore how cities and gastronomic scenes can stagnate when success leads to complacency. Tune in for a candid discussion on the nuances of dining experiences...

Eric delves into the dynamic world of Vietnamese cuisine with special guest Jovel Chan. From the aromatic bowls of pho to the crispy banh mi sandwiches, they'll navigate the bustling streets of Vietnam's culinary scene. Join us as we explore the rich flavors and textures of iconic dishes like bun cha, banh xeo, and ca kho to. With vivid imagery of red neon lights and steamy bowls of goodness, this...

Eric and Phil take a nostalgic journey through the life and work of the culinary icon, Anthony Bourdain. From his exhilarating adventures to his thought-provoking insights, they'll dive deep into Bourdain's remarkable legacy. Join us as we revisit his most memorable moments, reflect on his impactful series and books, and examine the lasting imprint he left on the world of food and travel. Whether...

In this captivating episode, Eric delves into the rich tapestry of culinary history with his friend and esteemed chef, Alejandro Cancino. With a career spanning across the globe and stints at acclaimed restaurants like Mugaritz, Manoir at Quatre Saisons, Noma, Urbane, and Bulgari, Alejandro brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. Join us as Eric and Alejandro reminisce about their...

Eric and Rebeca Pérez Gerónimo, founder and editor-in-chief of Concordia Press, have a conversation about the intersection of writing, food, and literature. From her roots in Caracas to her current ventures in Berlin, Rebeca shares insights from her writing workshops, and founding Concordia Press, where she explores the connections between herbs, fermentation, the femenine condition and literature...

In the upcoming episode, Eric and Phil dive into the captivating world of TV chefs. From the charismatic Jamie Oliver to the talented Karlos Arguiñano, they'll explore the unique styles and personalities that have made these culinary icons household names. Join us as we unravel the stories behind their rise to fame, dissect their cooking philosophies, and discuss the impact they've had on the culi...