Beyond the Plate

Restaurateur Rich Melman of Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You currently operates over 125 restaurants coast to coast. In this episode, he breaks down the original menu from R.J. Grunts- the first restaurant he opened in 1971. Enjoy these stories, some dating back 46 years ago. Melman says, “I believe R.J. Grunts is the most influential restaurant we’ve ever opened.” If you missed Rich Melman’s full episode, check out Episode 007.

Rich Melman is Founder and Chairman of Lettuce Entertain You, a Chicago-based restaurant group that owns over 125 restaurants. Lettuce has done over 200 concepts to date and is known for founding some of the most celebrated restaurants in America. Melman formulated the widely-used philosophy based on the importance of partners, of sharing responsibilities and profits with them, and of developing & growing together. People claim Melman invented the salad bar- tune in as he settles this debate once & for all.

Chef Michael Solomonov is the executive chef and co-owner of Zahav, Philadelphia's pioneering modern Israeli restaurant and one half of CookNSolo Restaurant Partners. In this episode, he walks you through a one pot Iraqi Jewish chicken and rice dish called Tabit. This is a dish he makes at home for his two children. If you missed Mike’s full episode, check out Episode 005.

Israeli-born Chef Michael Solomonov is behind one of the country’s best restaurants, Zahav. He has multiple concepts around the city of Philadelphia as well as in NYC & Miami. Michael is a four-time James Beard Award winner. His philanthropic Rooster Soup Company donates 100% of its profits to support Philadelphia's most vulnerable citizens. Solomonov shares some ups and downs throughout his career and how he overcame them to get where he is today.

Andrew Zimmern walks you through his Chairman Mao Style Red Braised Chicken, a family favorite he makes at home at least once a week. He says it is the most requested meal from guests of his home and universally cannot be disliked. If you missed Andrew’s full episode, check out Episode 003.

He is the host of Bizarre Foods on Travel Channel. What you may not know is that he was homeless for over a year of his life & overcame a serious drug & alcohol addiction before making a profound impact on the lives of humans around the world. Andrew Zimmern shares which of the 170+ countries he's visited has had the most influence on him, & why just 3 hours before recording this interview he was sitting in his hotel writing letters to the Minnesota House of Representatives & the Minnesota State Senate.

Rachael Ray takes you step-by-step through her Carbonara Pasta recipe that she makes every year for her husband John Cusimano’s birthday, including what brand of pasta she uses (hint: it’s the Pope’s pasta brand of choice). Her husband John then walks you through how to mix a perfect Negroni cocktail.

Rachael Ray is one of the most well-known food TV personalities in the world, and one of the most generous human beings in the business. She has authored 22 cookbooks, logged thousands of hours of TV shows, established her own monthly magazine, created a line of cookware, developed food products, produced a line of super premium pet food & treats, designed a home furnishing collection & more. Her philanthropic initiatives include a cooking & kids charity called Yum-o!, as well as helping animals in need.

Host Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan introduces Beyond the Plate, a podcast dedicated to the culinary world + the stories behind an 800 billion dollar industry. During this introductory episode, Kappy shares who he is + why he started a podcast; what you're going to get out of each episode when tuning in; and he explains the shows format + schedule. After hearing all that, you're going to want to subscribe. Prepare to be inspired by these conversations with the world’s culinary elite.