stirsoutherntier

STIR-Cast

Business EN ↓ 18 episodes

Welcome to STIR-Cast — a podcast hosted by Rick Dodd, owner and executive chef of P.S. Restaurant Downtown, and Brian Egan, a passionate local food enthusiast. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of the Southern Tier’s most beloved restaurants through candid conversations with the chefs and owners who bring them to life.

Author

stirsoutherntier

Episodes

Episode 18: Amanda O'Neil, Owner, Winederlust Wine Bar 19.06.2026 38:56

Rick & Brian sit down with Amanda O'Neil, owner of Winederlust Wine Bar in Downtown Binghamton, for a wide-ranging conversation about wine, wine making, and opening a new local establishment. Visit the STIR website

Episode 17: Rose Castro, Executive Chef, 205 Dry 12.06.2026 39:07

Rick & Brian sit down with Rose Castro, executive chef at 205 Dry, for a wide-ranging conversation about inspiration and revamping a menu. Visit the STIR website

Episode 16: Mike Morgan, Executive Chef, Culinary Judge 24.04.2026 34:03

Rick & Brian sit down with Mike Morgan, certified executive chef and culinary judge, for a wide-ranging conversation. Visit the STIR website

Episode 15: Maria Montemagno, Professor/Chair, Hospitality Programs Department, SUNY Broome 06.03.2026 38:01

Rick & Brian sit down with Maria Montemagno, professor & chair of Hospitality Programs at SUNY Broome, to discuss collaborating with local restaurants to foster the next generation of local culinary talent. Visit the STIR website

Episode 14: Patrick Blackman, Executive Chef, Pub 1844 at Trailside Inn 08.02.2026 52:03

Rick & Brian sit down with Patrick Blackman, Executive Chef at the newly reopened Trailside Inn, to talk all things southern cooking, family roots, and gritty hard work. Visit the STIR website

Episode 13: Paul VanSavage, Cookbook Author, Spiedie Fest Co-Founder, Passionate Local Foodie 25.01.2026 43:56

Rick & Brian sit down with local legend Paul VanSavage, a passionate local amateur chef, cookbook author, Spiedie Fest Co-Founder, and STIR board member, for an in-depth conversation.

Episode 12: Conner Harrington, Executive Chef, Remlik's Grille & Oyster Bar 06.01.2026 37:39

Chef Conner Harrington, Executive Chef at Remlik's, sits down with Rick & Brian to talk cooking inspiration, gaining experience, and of course, steak & pork chops. Visit the STIR website

Episode 11: Rachel Patinka, BOCES Culinary Arts Instructor 06.12.2025 41:36

Rachel Patinka, Broome-Tioga BOCES Culinary Arts Instructor, sits down with Rick & Brian to talk about the importance of culinary education. Visit the STIR website

Episode 10: Jim Simons, Sales Consultant & Certified Wine Educator, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits 07.11.2025 29:54

Jim Simons, wine expert & local sales consultant at Southern Glazer's, sits down with Rick & Brian to talk all things wine, bourbon, and food pairings. Visit the STIR website

Episode 9: Rick & Sylvana Dodd, Owners, P.S. Restaurant Downtown, STIR Co-Founders 22.10.2025 46:46

Rick & Sylvana Dodd, longtime area restaurant owners and STIR co-founders, sit down with Brian to talk local restaurant history, food, family, and the importance of eating local. Visit the STIR website

Episode 8: Colin Gaynor, Executive Chef, The Chestnut Inn at Oquaga Lake 30.09.2025 37:05

Chef Colin Gaynor, a veteran local chef and the current Executive Chef at The Chestnut Inn, which has recently reopened, sits down with Rick & Brian.

Episode 7: Jay Pisculli, Partner, Executive Chef, Downtown by Chef Jay Pisculli 05.09.2025 39:28

Chef Jay Pisculli, Veteran local chef and partner/executive chef at Downtown by Chef Jay Pisculli, sits down with Rick & Brian to talk experience, running a kitchen, and food trends. Visit the STIR website

Episode 6: Amarissa Scelsi, Veteran Local Chef, Soon-to-be Restaurant Owner 01.08.2025 39:10

Chef Amarissa Scelsi, Veteran local chef and soon-to-be owner of an exciting new pasta restaurant, joins Rick (her former boss) and Brian to talk pasta, experience, and inspiration. Visit the STIR website

Episode 5: Josh Crane, Executive Chef, McCoy's Chophouse 11.07.2025 29:22

Chef Josh Crane, Executive Chef at McCoy's Chophouse, joins Rick and Brian to talk all things steak, personal flair, and wine pairings. Visit the STIR website

Episode 4: Brian O'Neil, Executive Chef, The River Bistro/The DoubleTree Hotel 20.06.2025 26:28

Chef Brian O'Neil, Executive Chef at The River Bistro & DoubleTree Hotel Downtown, joins Rick and Brian to talk cooking creatively for massive events, The River Bistro, and much more! Visit the STIR website

Episode 3: Marc Yezzi, Co-Owner, The Kitchen Counter 06.06.2025 34:22

Marc Yezzi, co-owner of The Kitchen Counter, joins Rick and Brian to talk about the journey from food truck to brick-and-mortar, the art of a perfect smash burger, and everything in between. Visit the STIR website

Episode 2: Josh Lewis, Executive Chef, Lost Dog Cafe 02.05.2025 24:15

Chef Josh joins Rick and Brian for a fascinating conversation covering his education at CIA Hyde Park, being a Chopped runner-up, working with celebrity chefs in New York City, and his time at Lost Dog Cafe.

Episode 1: Dan Polhamus, Owner/Operator, Food & Fire and Iron Agave 03.04.2025 24:55

From dishwasher to multi-restaurant owner, Dan Polhamus joins Rick and Brian to talk hard work, food trends, family, and the role of restaurants in our Southern Tier community.