Culinary Confidential hits the road again this week, this time to the Windy City! Christina Cates welcomes Susie Griffin and David Baez for a delicious journey into Chicago's unique hospitality scene.

Griffin is a hospitality expert with a reputation that extends past Chicago, building a career built on delivering excellent service and creating memorable dining experiences. She shares her insights on what truly makes hospitality great, handling tough situations with guests, and why genuine customer service is more important than ever.

Baez is a lawyer by day and foodie by night. Known as the creator of 'Baez Bitez', he is on a mission to find the best bites around Chicago while celebrating those that leave a lasting impression.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Culinary Confidential is shipping up to Boston for an exclusive look at the city's vibrant food and hospitality scene! Christina Cates is joined by Alyssa K. Stevens and Lisa Flores for this unforgettable culinary journey.

The founder and editor of The A-Lyst lifestyle blog, Stevens has curated a special list of must-visit restaurants, date night spots, and hidden gems showcasing the best of Boston. Alyssa also serves as Global Director of PR, Social Media, and Influencer Marketing at Connelly Partners, where she shapes brand stories and connects audiences globally.

A powerhouse in the Boston hospitality realm, Flores is the Director of Sales & Marketing for Columbus Hospitality Group, where she oversees some of the city's most celebrated restaurants and hotels. Lisa is also the founder of SERV (Society for Event Planners: Restaurant Venues), creating a platform where professionals can connect and elevate the Boston hospitality landscape.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes in food influencer Eric Hammer. Known for his engaging content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Eric shares food reviews, explores different cuisines, and spotlights the best stadium eats - and is especially famous for his love of Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps, recently releasing his Top 10 Chicken Caesar Wraps of 2024.

Also joining in on tonight's conversation is Chef Jamie Knott, New Jersey-based restauranteur and owner of four restaurants under the PB&J Hospitality Group umbrella. Having welcomed countless food influencers into his restaurants, Knott shares his perspective on how their opinions can help shape or in some cases, shake up brands.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes Austin Allan, founder and CEO of Sugar Wood, and Rachel Chitwood, VP of Marketing at Tipsy Scoop Ice Cream, to discuss their perspectives on their adults-only dessert brands and how they are redefining indulgence and creativity in the culinary space.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's special Cinco De Mayo edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates concludes her 'Spotlight On A Chef' series with Chef Scott Linquist, co-founder and owner of Coyo Taco, a global taqueria chain known for its authentic Mexican street food. Linquist holds a degree from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and has worked alongside legendary chefs across the U.S., including New York's Gotham Bar & Grill and Los Angeles' Border Grill.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates continues her 'Spotlight On A Chef' series with Chef Michael Lomonaco. Lomonaco is a Brooklyn-born American chef, restauranteur, author, and TV personality who is currently the Chef and Partner at Porter House Bar & Grill in The Shops at Columbus Circle. He has also worked at many favorable New York institutions including Le Cirque, 21 Club, and Windows on the World, the restaurant located atop the World Trade Center's North Tower.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates continues her 'Spotlight On A Chef' series with two culinary powerhouses making waves in the hospitality industry, Chef Coton Stine and Chef Kiersten Gormeley.

Chef Coton is a classically trained Le Cordon Bleu chef and owner of Table 165 in Delray Beach, Florida.

Chef Gormeley, known for winning the popular Food Network program Chopped in 2021, is also the co-proprietor of Shaka Kitchen, a chain of Hawaiian-influenced fast-casual restaurants with three locations in New Jersey.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates kicks off her 'Spotlight On A Chef' series by welcoming in Chef Jamie Knott. Knott is an acclaimed chef and New Jersey-based restauranteur, who owns four restaurants under his PB&J Hospitality Group umbrella.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes Football Hall of Famer Alan Page to discuss his new children's book "Baking Up Love," written in collaboration with his daughter Kamie. Also joining the show is Chef Richard Ingraham, renowned for his role as personal chef of Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and his family, to discuss his recently published cookbook, "Love: My Love Expressed Through Food".

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes “The Doctors”  TV personality Dr. Ian K. Smith for his perspective on healthy eating! You may have also seen him on “Celebrity Fit Club,” “The Rachael Ray Show,” and “The View.”! He is also a bestseller and Christina talks with Dr. Smith about his new book, 'Eat Your Age', Dr. Smith's new book can be found on his website https://doctoriansmith.com/! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.