The Ultimate Dish

In today’s episode, we chat with Maria Zouves, a Greek-American soprano, educator, director, producer, and current Escoffier student pursuing a degree in Holistic Nutrition & Wellness. As President of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, which she co-founded with her husband, legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, Maria has spent over 25 years nurturing artists and building new audiences for class...

In today’s episode, we chat with Brian Blum and Evan Kaplan, two expert recruiters from Gecko Hospitality—an esteemed partner of Escoffier. With over 20 years of experience in restaurant operations and staffing, Brian has held leadership roles at Applebee’s, Ragazzi’s, and Houlihan’s. His deep understanding of what makes a business thrive and his passion for community impact make him a powerhouse...

In today’s episode, we chat with Kevin Boehm, a James Beard Award-winning restaurateur. With a career spanning three decades and over 40 restaurants opened, Kevin has redefined the dining experience. From launching his first six-table restaurant at 23 to co-founding the acclaimed Boka Restaurant Group with his partner Rob Katz, Kevin’s influence is undeniable. Boka has earned 13 consecutive Michel...

In today’s episode, we chat with Trenin Nubiru, a graduate of Escoffier's culinary and baking & pastry programs. Trenin’s journey to the kitchen is far from conventional. With an engineering degree from West Point and 20 years of military service as a captain in communications, he made a bold leap into the culinary world. After discovering a deep passion for cooking and pastry, he enrolle...

In today’s episode, we chat with Chef Jesse Ito, co-founder of Philadelphia’s Royal Sushi & Izakaya.  A first-generation Japanese Korean American, Jesse refined his skills at his family’s restaurant, Fuji, under the guidance of his father, Masaharu Ito. Today, he’s celebrated for his exquisite omakase and the lively izakaya atmosphere at Royal. Since opening Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Jesse ha...

In today’s episode, we chat with Natalia Lepore Hagan, a 2022 Escoffier graduate with honors and the founder of Midnight Pasta Co. After experiencing profound personal loss, Natalia shares how she channeled her grief into building Midnight Pasta Co.—a beacon of joy and community. Since earning her culinary degree, she’s taught over a thousand people the art of making fresh pasta and hosted unforge...

In today’s episode, we chat with Dylan Trotter, a 33-year-old Chicago native and the son of famed chef Charlie Trotter.  Dylan reflects on growing up in his father’s iconic Lincoln Park restaurant, where he first discovered the magic of crafting unforgettable dining experiences. From interning at world-renowned kitchens like El Bulli to restoring his father’s former restaurant space, Dylan is dedi...

In today’s episode, we chat with Daniela Peregrina, a 53-year-old plant-based culinary student at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Daniela proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. A lifelong teacher, she shares how her love for culture, cuisine, and travel inspired her to pivot to a new career and take on the challenge of competing on MasterChef Generations . After being dia...

In today’s episode, we chat with Curtis Stone, Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, podcast host, and TV personality.  Curtis shares captivating stories from his early days as an apprentice for Marco Pierre White to his rise as a culinary master, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes intensity of top kitchens. We also discuss his experiences on hit shows like Take Home Chef , Top C...

In today’s episode of The Ultimate Dish , host Chef Kirk Bachmann addresses your most burning questions in this inaugural Q&A episode. Join Kirk as he delves into his daily motivations, reflects on the mentors who have influenced his culinary journey, and shares invaluable advice for aspiring chefs. He’ll tackle questions from followers, including: “What’s the best vanilla stacker for layered...

In today's episode, we chat with Joy Wilson, the founder and chief sweet tooth behind the beloved blog, JoytheBaker.com. Since launching in 2008, Joy has grown her platform into a baking empire, amassing over half a million Instagram followers. Along the way, she’s published cookbooks, served as editor-in-chief of the biannual Joy the Baker Magazine , and created the popular Camp Joy—an exper...

In today's episode, we chat with Chef Florian Tetart, an Escoffier Chef Instructor in Baking & Pastry Arts based in Boulder, CO.  Originally from Lille, France, Chef Florian has worked in top-rated restaurants across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tokyo, as well as local bakeries in the United States. These diverse experiences have shaped his commitment to delivering the highest quality in everyt...

In today's episode, we chat with Dave Beran, chef and owner of Pasjoli, a James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant, celebrated for its classic French cuisine and fresh California produce.  Chef Dave’s culinary rise began in Chicago, where he worked at MK, Tru, and Alinea, eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine. He later opened Next, earning 14 four-star Chicago Tribune ratings and a Ja...

In today's episode, we sit down with Chef Kelly Whitaker, the owner of Id Est and a James Beard Award-Winner for Outstanding Restaurateur. Chef Kelly shares how his travels abroad inspired him to launch Id Est and its acclaimed restaurants, including Basta and Denver’s Wolf's Tailor, named one of Bon Appétit’s top ten best new restaurants in the U.S. He also expanded his ventures with Dr...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Chef Johnny Spero, owner of Reverie and Bar Spero in Washington, D.C. Chef Johnny takes us through his remarkable culinary journey, starting at the age of 16 when he worked alongside James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Monis. He then staged at the renowned Noma in Copenhagen and later became the Executive Chef at José Andrés’ Minibar in D.C. These form...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Mason Snyder, an Escoffier graduate currently serving as the Executive Chef at Feast Your Eyes Catering. Some might even know him as the Cowboy Chef, featured on Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild . Mason’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion. Prior to his role as Executive Chef, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. In 2017, he made a pivot...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nancy Silverton, co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza, as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. She’s also the creative mind behind Nancy’s Fancy gelato. In today’s interactive chat, Nancy shares how she built an illustrious career based on prep, timing, and luck. This includes working for some of the most influential chefs in the nation,...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dr. Rollie Wesen, Executive Director of The Jacques Pépin Foundation and an assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI.  In 2016, Rollie founded The Jacques Pépin Foundation alongside his wife and father-in-law, Jacques Pepin. In the interview, Rollie shares how the foundation is dedicated to using community kitchens to train...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Eli Kulp, the decorated chef and partner of High Street Hospitality Group, host of The Chef Radio Podcast, and co-host of Delicious City Philly Podcast.  Before 2015, Eli's culinary journey was marked by impressive achievements: he earned coveted accolades like Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2014, honed his skills at renowned New York establishm...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Brian Arruda, founder & CEO of Executive Chefs at Home, a premier placement agency for hospitality professionals in private residences across the globe.  Brian shares the journey of building a thriving business during the pandemic out of necessity and how his experience working for acclaimed chefs, such as Charlie Palmer, José Andrés, Mario Batali, T...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Matty Edgell, the 28-year-old winner of the latest season of The Great British Bake Off on Netflix.  Matty’s journey to triumph was nothing short of extraordinary. Hailed as the “underdog” and “wild card” of the 14th series, he captivated audiences with his humble demeanor and remarkable baking skills he learned from his Nana at a very young age. Matty s...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Ferdinand Metz, instrumental in establishing the Chefs’ Apprenticeship, Certification, and Master Chefs’ Certification programs in the United States. He’s also the first Certified Master Chef in history. Honored with nearly every major award in the culinary world, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the esteemed “Who's Who in...

In today’s episode, we speak with Daphne Oz, Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times-bestselling author, natural foods chef, and daughter of Dr. Oz. As a previous co-host at The Good Dish and ABC’s The Chew, Daphne dives into what it takes to start a career in TV hosting and her best social media tips. With features in notable publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Kristen Kish, the new host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning Top Chef.* Kristen is the chef and partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, as well as the founder of Kish Apéritif. Kristen shares how remaining authentically true to herself has opened unexpected doors of opportunity, such as winning Season 10 of Top Chef and becoming the franchise’s second female win...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Bekei Ijewere, an Escoffier graduate and founder of Beks Culinary Academy in Lagos, Nigeria.  What makes Bekei's story truly captivating is her unconventional path into the culinary realm. Trained initially as a chartered accountant, she seamlessly merged her financial acumen with her deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts. In 2021, Bekei establi...