Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

Passion for creating and enjoying the highest quality of chocolates are what drives the owner of Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates and Cakes by Aarti to begin her business.  Aarti Khosla was inspired by memories of her father bringing home chocolates from France.  Years later, Aarti noticed there was a lack of artisanal chocolate shops where she and her family resided. Seeing a need, she began her pursuit of owning a chocolatier business in her hometown of Westport, CT.  Today, her decadent chocolates and custom cakes have won her many accolades from her community and localized media, as well as gaining the attention of our own host Amaris Pollock.  Aarti, who's passion for chocolate-making stems from worldly influences, combines unique flavors to tempt everyone's palates and creates each one by hand. So if you're craving richly decadent chocolates, make sure to stay tuned for the full hour of Food, Farms, & Chefs! (https://lerougebyaarti.com)

"Big Mike" Peacock began his Australian meat pie business in the early 2000's, under the original name Flying Pie Guy, having crossed paths with Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show's host since he first started out with a food truck.  Years later, and after several big opportunities had been successfully reached, Big Mike is the Founder and CEO of the newly-named G'Day Gourmet with his partner - someone very familiar to Philadelphia Eagles fans! Armed with a streamlined selection of Aussie meat pies, sausage rolls, and a new dessert option, Big Mike and his partner Jordan Mailata's pies are selling out fast from their location out of Lincoln Financial Field, in stores, and online!  If you want to hear Mike's story and where to find him next just tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show, Episode 297!
(https://gdaygourmet.com)

Hanging out with friends to watch the big game is a lot more fun when you're surrounded by the energy of a whole crowd, which is why visiting State Street Pub in Media, PA needs to be on your game-day hangout list.  Why?  Well, our next guest aims to make every night fun, especially when there's a specific event to celebrate!  Caitlyn Bramanti has worked in the industry, honing her skills of being the best host, manager, and server at her family's restaurant.  Which helped shape her knowledge on how to plan and host some of the most exciting events inside State Street Pub!  And be sure to check them out when you attend this year's final week to celebrate Dining Under the Stars, as they'll have exactly what you're hungry for on their menu!
(https://www.statestreetpubmedia.com)

We began the show with a venue that celebrates all things Austrian & German year-round, with surprisingly delicious twists to what you might think you'd find at a German-inspired pub. Entrepreneur Bibi Singh and her Culinary Director, Chef Pablo Torres decided to start an open The Hoboken Biergarten after Singh acquired The Pilsener Haus & Biergarten--a former business which is well known to locals and visitors alike. Armed with ideas on how to update and expand upon the venue and menu, they made sure that Hoboken Biergarten's food offerings are approachable to everyone's dietary needs--something that has already gained their pub-restaurant some notable attention. Currently, both Chef Torres and Singh are preparing for this year's Oktoberfest, so keep an eye out for specials, events, and so much more! Tune in to find out more about both Bibi Singh and Chef Torres, what they offer, and how you can enjoy your next happy hour when it's actually convenient by listening to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!
https://www.thehobokenbiergarten.com

Careful when you tune in to our last segment - as it's a smokin' good time for your taste buds! Owner and Pitmaster, Nick Hancock joined me on the show, and we dug into all the delightful details on how he began his pop-up business, OK Charley's! He landed on creating foods based on Texas-style barbecuing after taste-testing a variety of smoked meats, and felt that he found the GOAT of BBQ styles. Over time he kept his focus, refining the exact recipes and process to offer his smoked products for all to enjoy! And with some of the best timing possible, he joined Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show just in time for another of Philly's pig-skin love: It's E-A-G-L-E-S season!!! That not to say you can't enjoy his BBQ while watching other sports, celebrations, or as a regular meal--however, tailgating can be so much easier when you have it catered. So dig in to this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show to find out how!
https://okcharleys.com

We began with an inside look with Jake Kahan, the Chef and Partner of Sam and Maggie's Dockside Grill, located in Pasadena, MD. Having owned properties under Rockcreek Management Co. at Fairview Marina, it was a life-long dream of Jake's father to own a restaurant.  Although neither Marc nor Jake have attended culinary institute, both father and son dove into owning a family-run restaurant business with a huge success!  Extending the awe-inspiring vibes with views of the marina, each week the team of family members work together, creating a new menu for guests to enjoy.  Sam and Maggie's offers latin and caribbean-inspired cuisines, along with cocktails that are just a seasonally inspired as their dining options.  If you're looking to host an intimate wedding, gathering, or simply wish to enjoy a delightful night out--tune in so you can taste what the best of Pasadena, MD offers! (https://www.samandmaggies.com)

Patrick Kohr is a third-generation of ice cream aficionados, and his family's name might ring a bell for anyone visiting the East Coast.  Although related to the original Kohr's Bros brand, his mother (Eva) decided to break tradition and offer creative takes on ice cream flavors based on her Filipino roots. So they began offering takes on UBE ice cream, Mango, and other Filipino favorites at their Kohr Soft Ice Cream business, located in Little Egg Harbor, NJ.  The new flavors were a huge hit with locals, and now visitors to the non-traditional ice cream spot keep coming back for more of their small-batch ice cream, soft serve, and more!  You can hear more about Patrick and his family's Kohr Soft Ice Cream by tuning in to Food Farms and Chefs, or visit them in-person for a flight!  (https://www.facebook.com/KohrSoftIceCream/)

Lastly, I chatted with my long-time friend, influencer, and owner of Cultinary Family Farms, Eric de Grandmont.  I first came across Eric while scrolling through my social media threads, little did I know that he and I would constantly cross paths by knowing the same friends, covering the same places, and subsequently being at the same place and time.  So over the years I've come to know Eric and some of his family members-each time learning more about him and what he does.  So, it only made sense to bring him on so all of you can learn about Eric de Grandmont and his family-owned business: Cultinary Family Farms.  Eric's family grows garlic and other produce on small plots of land in south jersey, eventually roasting & producing his Vampire Killer-a black garlic-forward pesto (nut free).  Find out what else Eric offers and how to purchase his products by tuning in, and be sure to check out his foodie adventures on Cultinary Road Trip (https://www.instagram.com/cultinaryroadtrip) and his family farm (https://www.facebook.com/CultinaryFamilyFarms/)

Frank Sinatra had it right when he sang, "Luck be a lady...tonight," as my first two guests are co-owners of The Lady Fingers Bakery & Bar, located in Bloomfield, NJ.  Owners Lauren Kavourakis and Samara Cinque met while working, and continued working inside restaurants in New York and New Jersey, and at one point came up with a plan to start their own business.  Today, they are serving up a wonderful array of baked goods, meals, coffee, and cocktails that visitors keep coming back for.  And soon, they will be celebrating their one-year anniversary of Lady Fingers on Sept 28th, so stay tuned to find out how you can taste what they have to offer and help celebrate their first year! 
related link: https://ladyfingers.com

Philadelphia's known for their love of a good 'underdog' story, and my next guest, Richie Tevlin is banking on his up-coming brewery's branding, Space Cadet Brewing Company.  Richie's focus is to offer single-batch brews that offer unique only-offered-once craft brew experiences.  He coupled this with a mascot/on-going graphic story that reflects Richie's own journey into brewery ownership, with the concept that each unique can will also be a collectors item.  Launching sometime in October, Cadet Brewing Company will offer area bars and restaurants a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy what he has brewing.  If you're curious as to what he'll launch first, where he's brewing, and where his launch-party will be held then keep your ears peeled for what Richie has to say!related link: https://spacecadetbeer.com // https://www.instagram.com/spacecadetbeer

Lastly, let's not graze over one of everyone's favorite party platters--Charcuterie Boards!  April Collison started Grazing Affair in 2018; the business was such a new concept that there was no previous precedence for it.  So, April sought out township officials to ensure her business wouldn't end before it had a chance to begin.  Years later, the steps she took to establish her grazing-friendly foods landed her great success, and today she creates everything from 'A Graze for 2' to a full Wedding Table set up.  
related link: https://www.grazingaffair.com

I was first joined by Executive Chef Maurizio Peccolo from Ristorante Lucca, located in Bordentown, NJ. Chef Peccolo has traveled the globe, sharing his vast experience in the creative art of authentic Italian cuisine. Having earned global recognition, awards, and author of several recipe books, Chef Peccolo shares his background and passion for the industry he loves. His passion far exceeds the simplicity of an indulgent and delicious meal - as he takes pride in his achievements, Including showing a medal of honor given to him by (fill in the blank), as well as the honor of being a International Judge of the Tiramisù World Cup in 2021. His many achievements are remarkable and well-deserved, however, what he loves most is to create dining experiences for all to enjoy. So, he joined me to chat about the menu and desserts that he's created for Ristorante Lucca, and how you can indulge all your senses in them too.

Related Links:
https://ristorantelucca.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurizio-peccolo-20264323b/?trk=public_profile_samename-profile

I next spoke with Tony Altomare who is the owner of Gentili's Pizza & Steaks, located in Exton, PA. I first came across Gentili's while taking care of a friend's pet, trying to find an easy meal that I could have delivered to my friend's home. Little did I know that Gentili's was about to ignite my love for pizza all over again. And why, might you ask, am I sharing this? Because I tasted Gentili's for myself and found myself clamoring for more after just one slice. My adoration of this 'za can only be usurped by Tony's, who described how much effort he put into finding just the right tastes and textures for America's favorite guilty pleasure: Pizza, Cheesesteaks, and Hoagies! As much as he could allow, Tony shared some of his secrets on why his business keeps customers coming back, and what earned his rank in Main Line Today's "Best Of" list.

Related Links:
https://gentilispizza.com

My final guests co-founded the To The Table experience; To The Table is a roaming supper series, highlighting the chefs, farms, artists and more from what Chesapeake Bay has to offer. The intimate dining experience provides an opportunity for the participating chefs to stretch their culinary legs, giving them the freedom to curate a multi-course, farm-to-table and sea-to-table dinner, highlighting the bountiful array of ingredients and services from the Chesapeake region with every bite. The next TO THE TABLE event is happening on September 28th in Annapolis, MD featuring Chef Tae Strain while the soulful sounds from musician Noah Pierre fills the air. Guests will be treated to an immersive evening, hosted on the grounds of Hollywood Farm - a farm that is deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of community, connection, and culinary delight.

Related Links:

https://www.hollywoodfarm.com
Website: https://www.tttsupperseries.com/
Instagram: @tttsupperseries
Facebook: @ToTheTable

Upcoming Dinner: September 28th, 2024
Ticket Link: https://www.tttsupperseries.com/event-details/fall-supper

Time & Location
Sep 28, 2024, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hollywood Farm, 1701 Pleasant Plains Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA

Sydney Grims' family has been involved in the hospitality industry for several generations, a family that strongly believes in supporting the organizations and communities surrounding them.  So when the original owner of White Dog Cafe was looking to sell her restaurant, one that Judy Wicks founded through her passion for preservation, the Grims' and their equal passion were the perfect fit.  Years later, Sydney Grims and her father, Marty Grims have continued to grow the White Dog Cafe brand by acquiring, renovating, and offering a delicious variety of experiences through their company FearlessRestaurantsGroup (FRG). Having recently opened White Dog Cafe in Chester Springs, Grims is preparing to open three new concepts under Fearless Restaurants; if you want to hear more about them, then be sure to listen to the show and hear all about it from Sydney!
(https://www.fearlessrestaurants.com)

I next spoke with Koren Draper, who has worked within the catering industry for years. As a result of the pandemic she shifted to preparing meals on a smaller scale as a private chef and caterer.  And as one door closes, another one opens and soon Draper found herself building a foundation for her own business: Koren's Kitchen. Through her business, Draper offers healthy, delicious meals for individuals, families, and private parties.  In addition to that, she also offers cooking classes so you can prepare and cook meals at home using the same techniques!  If you want to learn more about Koren Draper and Koren's Kitchen, tune in so you can take a class, order meals for your home, or find out how she can cater your next event!
(https://korenskitchen.com)

Joshua Hertzberg is deeply involved in the community he grew up in, including working within the political field of his hometown of Sparta, NJ. where every detail counts.  Of course, this is also something that extends to his personal life too. So, when Joshua began focusing on what he and his family were eating, it started him down a path to only having the highest quality of meats and produce in his home.  This eventually led him to wanting the same quality for his family when they were dining out, and he found was missing from his town.  I will let Joshua tell you the rest in his own words when you listen to his interview. However, I will say that you should check out Burger & Butcher if you want to taste for yourselves the level of effort Joshua puts in to ensure that every detail behind his new restaurant matters-including what you eat.
(https://www.burgerandbutcher.com)

The world is a busy place, and we all know a good thing when we taste (and smell) it...and my next guest, Jonathan Pastore and his company Bean2Bean Coffee, is here to help you keep up with life's demanding pace. Jonathan is no stranger to the allure of a rich, dark brew--he started out working in the culinary industry since he was a youth. His passion for the industry grew stronger as he moved onto college, learning the business behind marketing food and beverage companies. Today, his passion for an eye-opening cup-o-joe filtered into providing locals a comforting cup through both the Bean2Bean Cafe, located inside of Billy Penn Studios and to anyone interested in buying their products wholesale. But our focus wasn't limited to that--tune in to hear from Jonathan what else is brewing for this coming September--you'll be barking up the right tree if you do!

My next guest who is the Owner of Lost Worlds Brewing Company, David Hamme, joined Food Farms and Chefs to talk about how he transitioned from his career as a successful business consultant to also owning his own brewing company. His forward-thinking brand has earned him recognition from his surrounding community. Not only for what he has on-tap, but also for all he did to establish Lost Worlds Brewing as the go-to location for night's out, markets, community involvement, and a fun way to learn a bit of history when you visit. With three locations in North Carolina, there's every reason to check out David's entertaining and engaging brewery...and let's not forget to taste whatever strikes your fancy on his beer list!

Lastly, I spoke with someone whose upbeat personality only adds to the sweetness you'll experience when visiting CJ's Sweet Palace in Glenside, PA. Co-owner Janelle White joined me on the show, discussing all things Philly but with a twist: Think water ice, ice cream, Philly Pretzels, and an interesting take on a City Wide Special. If that doesn't entice your sweet tooth, then perhaps one of their fresh-baked cookies can! But I don't want to spoil all the fun. Stay tuned while Janelle describes what CJ's offers and enjoy a sweet ending to this week's episode of Food Farms and Chefs!

Whatever you're looking for, whether to eat, drink, or wear an item...it boils down to the farmers that grow and tend to the land and animals. More importantly we need farmers like Matthew Braud who co-owns Hollow House Farms in Furlong, PA to help bring the farming community new ways to maintain regenerative and sustainable practices, so that local produce, livestock, and products will be available for generations to come. Matthew joined me to discuss the importance of his farming practices, what he and his wife offer, and a deeper understanding of what sustainable aquaponic farming is.

I next spoke with a long-time friend of the show, Megan Hilbert who is the CEO and Owner of Reds Rolling Restaurant I, II, and III. Megan originally joined the show in 2020, and has since grown her business from owning one truck to now having a fleet. There's a reason for that, as her entrepreneurial spirit was backed with a PR & Marketing education, along with a history within the food-truck and restaurant industry. So, it's no surprise that her menu is not only extensive, it's delicious and very filling! Today Megan is looking to expand her brand further - exciting news to be announced in the near future - but for now you can find her vending at local farmers markets, events, or reach out to her to have your next event catered by one of her trucks.

Lastly, I sat down with the co-owners of The Brass Tap in Manayunk, Izak and Danielle Du Plooy. The Brass Tap, which is a Florida-based company, allows owners to customize their menu and beverage program to reflect the surrounding community. As both Izak and Danielle have fondness of Philadelphia, they've since put down roots. The couple, who had originally purchased the building and rented the location out to another business, seized their opportunity to own a restaurant when the former tenant had to close. Today, the Du Plooys offer an elevated menu as well as 30 local beers-on-tap along with Happy Hour specials, Brunch, and special events like trivia nights, live music, and bingo!

Our friend, Niki Toscani, joined us on the show and we did a deep dive, discussing the many collaborations that both she and her co-founder (and husband) have participated in, including their about-to-launch collaboration and turning lemonade into a refreshing and unique mix! I know I was excited to hear about it, and even more excited to taste it once it launches!!! But you don't have to wait to bite into some of their delicious and crisp pickles--you can either pick up a batch at your local store, or have them shipped to your door (nationwide!)!!! If you want to hear more about it, and what Niki and Mike are doing in the very near future (including a sneak teaser for Philly Magazine's Best Of Event)...tune in till the end and find out!

Speaking of collaborating for the benefit of everyone...my next guest is the Market Manager for Rancocas Woods Farmers Market (RWFM) which happens every Sunday running until Oct 13th. Allison Coulter, who goes by Allie, is well versed in farming and the farmers market culture and was happy when she saw her childhood stomping grounds begin a revitalization process. So it made perfect sense for Allie to take on the Management role for the Rancocas Woods Farmers Market. Today, Allie selects farmers and vendors to cultivate a market that offers a one-stop shopping trip for your weekly needs. If you'd like to hear more about the RWFM, events they hold, and what you'll find when you visit--keep listening to find out, and feel free to share with your friends so they can join in on the fun too!

Lastly, I chimed in to boast about some of the places I've dined out at--all of which I recommend for you to visit (and enjoy) and try for yourselves! So if you're interested in some of my recommendations, then be sure to stay to the very end of the episode and hear from your favorite Food Farms and Chefs host's traveling foodie adventures!!!

We began with Jess Remshard and Liz Denon, two cousins who just happened to bartend in order to make a little extra money.  That side-hustle eventually blossomed into a business idea now known as Spartacus Events.  Their mobile bar can accommodate whatever your party-planning needs are including options for a full bar, a smaller pop-up bar, and more!  So reach out to Jess and Liz  to add that extra wow-factor for your next party, celebration, or event!

Family means everything to our next guest, which includes making you feel like part of the family when you visit his restaurants in Hatboro, PA.  Bob Ross and his wife both worked in the culinary industry, and according to Bob, he always wanted to start a restaurant of his own.  Years later that dream came to fruition as he and his wife opened Gypsy Blu.   Their new venture was a huge success, so the Ross' decided to expand on their dream and have since opened a second restaurant, Ross & Co.  And stay tuned to find out the exciting new events and offerings at Ross & Co. in the coming months!

Our last guest began his culinary journey at an early age, even attending the Culinary Institute of America at only 17 years old. After graduating from the CIA, Chef Matthew Collins eventually landed a position in NYC, working inside some of the more prestigious kitchens. Today, Matthew owns and operates a self-named business: Chef Collins Events.  Chef Collins Events is a private chef company where Matthew works with you to meet the needs of your next party, gathering, or intimate dinner, creating unique dining experiences for you and your guests.