CULINARY MECHANIC

In this episode, host Simon and guest Ryan Brown delve into the evolution of the culinary industry, from the "pirate" days to the pursuit of simplicity and balance. Ryan, a seasoned hospitality professional and the founder of Union38, shares his journey, from working in Michelin-starred restaurants to becoming a stay-at-home dad and launching his own advisory business. They discuss the importance of finding mentors, cultivating hobbies outside of the kitchen, and embracing the beauty of uncomplicated, yet exceptional, cuisine. This conversation offers valuable insights for both aspiring and experienced chefs, as well as anyone interested in the dynamic world of food and hospitality. Ryan's website

Ryan on LinkedIn

In this insightful episode, Simon Zatyrka interviews Scott Turner, the founder of Auden Hospitality, a consulting firm dedicated to helping hoteliers create exceptional food and beverage experiences. Scott shares his journey of leaving the corporate world twice to rediscover his true passion, and how he built a business around his values and principles. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to your calling, understanding your niche, and creating sustainable concepts that align with your core beliefs. website: www.audenhospitality.com

LinkedIn: scot-turner

IG: scot_auden

If you'd like to see how Culinary Mechanic can help you run your kitchen like a well-oiled machine, click here

In this episode, we dive into the captivating journey of Luke Simonds, a seasoned chef who transitioned from the high-pressure environment of fine dining to the world of foodservice equipment sales. Our guest shares his experiences climbing the ranks in competitive kitchens, developing recipes for renowned natural foods grocery stores, and ultimately finding a unique balance between artistry and science in cooking. Listen in as he discusses the challenges and rewards of adapting to different culinary roles, the importance of team building and leadership, and how his current position at Ignite Food Service Solutions is shaping his career in unexpected ways.

Find Luke on LinkedIn: here

Ignite food Service Solutions

Join us as we continue the Conversation with Christopher Wells. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of restaurant operations with a seasoned restaurant operator and consultant. Through his wealth of experience, Christopher shares anecdotes and insights that uncover the often overlooked secrets to restaurant success. From cost analysis to the pivotal role of hospitality, this conversation offers invaluable lessons for anyone in the restaurant industry or aspiring restaurateurs.

website:⁠ https://www.piecemeal.io/⁠

IG: ⁠@piecemeal_ceo⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠@wellschristopher⁠

Piecemeal LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/piecemeal---menus-reimagined/⁠

Join Christopher Wells, the founder and CEO of Piecemeal, in a dynamic conversation on his journey from the chaotic world of restaurant kitchens to the innovative realm of restaurant tech. Christopher shares anecdotes from his early days as a dishwasher, revealing how his adrenaline-fueled personality found its match in the fast-paced energy of the culinary world. Through insightful storytelling, he delves into the intricacies of restaurant operations, highlighting the importance of systems and teamwork in achieving excellence. Discover the genesis of Piecemeal, a revolutionary platform designed to empower restaurant owners with intuitive tools for sales prediction, inventory management, and more. website: https://www.piecemeal.io/

IG: @piecemeal_ceo

LinkedIn: @wellschristopher

Piecemeal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/piecemeal---menus-reimagined/

In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka continues his conversation with Josh Sharkey, diving deeper into the intricacies of recipe development and management. From the inception of Meez to the dynamic nature of ingredient sourcing and climate impact, they explore the essential role of precision in culinary artistry. Discover the behind-the-scenes journey of transforming traditional practices into innovative solutions that revolutionize the way chefs approach recipe creation and execution.

Josh Sharkey - CEO & Co-Founder, Meez

The founder and CEO of meez, Josh Sharkey is an entrepreneur, chef, and restaurant operator with over 20 years of experience in the industry (Oceana, Tabla, Bouley, Cafe Gray). After more than a decade cooking in Michelin-starred restaurants, he opened Bark Hot Dogs in 2009, which earned numerous accolades in the fast casual space. Sharkey spent five years as the Chief Operating Officer of Aurify Brands (Melt Shop, The Little Beet, Little Beet Table, Fields Good Chicken, and Le Pain Quotidien) before launching meez to the public in late 2020 following over two years of development. During the pandemic, Sharkey used meez's technology to create Recipes for Relief, an initiative that made interactive recipes available for purchase with 100% of proceeds going towards restaurant relief. Josh believes in building technology with domain empathy, ensuring software always conforms to how we operate, and fervently focusing on the finer details. www.getmeez.com

instagram: @getmeez

@joshlsharkey

LinkedIn: @joshua-sharkey

@getmeez

Join host Simon Zatyrka on the Culinary Mechanic Podcast for an insightful conversation with Josh Sharkey, founder of Meez, a revolutionary software transforming recipe management and restaurant operations. From his humble beginnings cooking at home to becoming a celebrated chef, Josh shares his journey through the culinary world and the unexpected twists that led him to entrepreneurship. Discover how a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for innovation shaped Josh's career, offering valuable insights for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka continues his engaging conversation with Anthony Bucco, a seasoned professional in the culinary world and Senior VP of Landmark Hospitality. They delve into the multifaceted aspects that make a chef stand out beyond just culinary skills, discussing the superhero-like responsibilities chefs often carry. From the importance of industry impact to the harmony of balancing kitchen creativity with managerial duties, Bucco shares insights from his 30 years in the industry. This episode is a testament to the passion and dedication that drives the culinary world forward.

Join us as we delve into the culinary universe with Anthony Bucco, Senior Vice President of Landmark Hospitality. Discover the art of transforming historic landmarks into extraordinary dining spaces, as Anthony shares insights into his career journey from culinary school to the bustling kitchens of New York City and New Jersey.

LinkedIn: @Anthony Bucco

Instagram: @landmakhospitality

Facebook: Landmark Hospitality

Anthony's Bio:

Anthony Bucco, celebrated mentor to his hospitality peers and noted top chef – serves as Landmark Hospitalities resident culinary innovator.  Bucco, collaborates with the Landmark Hospitality stable of Chefs to oversee the development of menu programming, signature events, brand standards and defining career paths for up-and-coming talent.   

Anthony is an industry thought leader whose accolades in the kitchen are only matched by his community engagement outside of it.  Advocating for the industry he loves, Bucco is currently on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association, working diligently at a state and national level to ensure sustainability for the industry's business owners and work force.  Bucco also sits on the boards of the Art of Hospitality.

Bucco's career is highlighted by being awarded 4 stars in the Star-Ledger; for his work at each Stage Left, Uproot, The Ryland Inn, and Restaurant Latour. Anthony was instrumental in reopening the storied Ryland Inn, garnering the first four-star review New Jersey Monthly has given in almost two decades, with Eric Levin noting Bucco was "a gifted chef whose time has come." Among other professional acknowledgement, Bucco has received The New York Times' highest rating (Excellent), & AAAs coveted Four Diamond Award.

Join us as we delve into the world of culinary craftsmanship with Pablo Valencia, the mastermind behind "Scratching the Plate" from Tucson, Arizona. From dishwashing beginnings to the art of fire cooking, Pablo shares his journey rooted in family traditions and the power of food to evoke cherished memories. Discover the beauty of cooking with intention, the magic of unexpected flavor pairings, and the wisdom gained from years in the kitchen.

Instagram: @scratchingtheplate

Facebook: @scratchingtheplate