Real Chefs Talk

In this episode of Real Chef Talk, Mark Sotelino shares his journey from a reluctant entry into the restaurant industry to becoming a partner at Lettuce Entertain You. He discusses the importance of learning every role in a restaurant, the value of mentorship, and the significance of caring for employees to create a positive work environment. Mark emphasizes the need for continuity in staff and th...

In this episode of Real Chef Talk, Chef David Blackman shares his extensive journey in the culinary industry, from his early days as a cookie dealer in high school to becoming a prominent chef and educator. He emphasizes the importance of engaging and empowering students in culinary arts, advocating for practical skills and real-world applications in education. Blackman discusses the challenges fa...

In this engaging conversation, Chef Carmen shares her inspiring journey from a corporate marketing background to becoming a successful food truck owner and caterer. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the culinary industry, the importance of marketing, and how COVID-19 forced her to pivot her business model. Chef Carmen emphasizes the significance of quality service, community enga...

From homelessness to culinary fame: Chef Matt’s inspiring journey proves resilience is the secret ingredient to successMost people see the end result — a thriving catering business and a seat on the board of a shelter — but behind the scenes is a story of unimaginable grit. Chef Matt was living in a shelter with his two sons, barely holding on, when he decided to rewrite his story through food. Hi...

In this powerful episode of Real Chef Talk, you’ll discover how mentorship impacts growth, why embracing humility and patience makes a difference, and how personal struggles—like mental health battles and time behind bars—can fuel your passion and purpose. Chef John shares the transformative lesson his brother instilled in him: make every plate like it’s for your mother, a philosophy that keeps hi...

In this episode of Real Chef Talk, Chef Derious interviews Chef Alyssa LaFrance, who shares her culinary journey from cooking with her grandmother to running her own catering business, Rustic Roots Kitchen. Alicia discusses the influence of her family on her cooking style, the differences between catering and restaurant work, and the importance of mental health in the culinary industry. She reflec...

Join us on "Real Chef Talk" as we dive into the vibrant world of the hospitality industry. In this episode, Derious shares his personal journey from learning to cook in his aunt's kitchen to navigating the fast-paced culinary world. Discover the challenges and triumphs of working in renowned kitchens, the importance of mentorship, and the passion that drives chefs to create unforgettable dining ex...