Today I’m talking to Chef Aaron Bludorn. Born in Minneapolis and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he’s known for his refined and personal style. He’s the creative force behind Bludorn Restaurant and Navy Blue, both located in Houston, Texas.You’ll hear about his youthful excursions catching fish in Seattle and his experiences working in some of the most coveted restaurants in New York, especially What it was like working with Chef Daniel Boulud. He shares his creative process and how it's driven by the seasonality of the Houston climate. You’ll also learn why it’s important to him that his team is always his first priority, and he shares a few recommendations for eating well in his Texas city.

What you'll learn from this episode with Chef Aaron Bludorn

Aaron Bludorn’s early memories of living and eating near the ocean 3:36Rudimentary fishing as a kid 4:24His first start in the food business 5:43Thoughts on culinary school at CIA 6:56The biggest lessons he’s carried from his early days 8:18What it was like working with Chef Daniel Boulud 10:37Why Chef Aaron Bludorn ended up in Houston 12:41How the culinary scenes in Houston and New York compare 13:39Exploring Gulf Coast cuisine 13:45The range of flavors you’ll find at his restaurants 15:45How Aaron Bludorn harnesses creativity 17:18Why it’s important to recognize a good idea when it’s there 18:14His seasonal process of coming up with a new dish 18:33Sourcing ethnic spices from local suppliers 20:49Seasonality in Houston versus other parts of the country 21:41His new concept, Navy Blue 22:10How Aaron Bludorn describes his culinary style 23:00His new bar in Houston 23:49Where to eat on a food tour through Houston 24:23His guilty pleasure food 24:56Cookbooks that have inspired him 25:15Pet peeves in the kitchen 25:50A culinary lesson to remember 26:17Ways to invest in your team 26:30Bad advice if you want a culinary career 27:26How loyalty pays better dividends 27:56One chef he’d love to work with 28:18What he’d be doing if he wasn’t cooking 29:07Aaron Bluedorn’s advice for aspiring chefs 29:40

I'd like to share a potential educational resource, "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door", my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.Get the book here!

Links to other episodes with the chefs

Don't miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the links below for more conversations with Chefs from Houston.Conversation with Chef Chris ShepherdChef Drake Leonards – EuniceBaker Matthieu Cabon – Magnol French Baking

Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)

Chef Sheldon Simeon

Chef Andy Doubrava

Chef Chris Kajioka

Chef Suzanne Goin

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You're always working with the best in the business when you're working for Daniel [Boulud]. And that's because that's who he is. Good people want to want to work for him. Greatness attracts greatness.Creativity, you have to use it. You have to make sure your imagination is freed up and you can sort of break down any barriers in your mind.

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