Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

Karen Gershowitz is a seasoned pro at traveling. In fact, she wrote a book on it. Well folks, Mrs. Gershowitz not only wrote one book regaling her travel tales, she just came out with her 2nd novel: "Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places, and Curious Cuisine." In it she describes numerous activities, experiences, and her personal do's and don'ts when it comes to eating across the globe via her own positive experiences (and amusing mishaps). If you want to know more, tune in to Food Farms and Chefs to hear the stories straight from Karen's own lips--and be sure to pick up her books to find out even more!

We also spoke with Yvonne Yang, who is no stranger to opening and collaborating with highly successful restaurants, including a Michelin-Recommended restaurant. Yvonne joined us to describe what Takumi Bistro and Bar has to offer! With a lengthy history within the Hospitality Industry, Yvonne was integral with managing the daily operations of Takumi, which recently opened in Wayne, PA. Takumi offers a modern Sushi dining experience, with an inventive menu that includes options for non-sushi-eaters. For example, one of their most popular dishes is the Creamy Kimchi Udon, with a complexity of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Our last segment has two very familiar voices! Co-hosts Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock bring you to the heart of all hallow's eve and Halloween day. Not only did Gene and Amaris touch base on the history behind the holiday, they discussed what fun things are happening in Philadelphia and a little in New York, so if you're looking for some fun and festive ways to celebrate the spooky season--look no further because Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show has you covered!

Our first guest is a very familiar voice to our dedicated FF&C's fans, as our own Gene Blum updated us on all the goings-on at Tranquility Brewing Company. You may not know this, but Tranquility Brewing is located inside the former training facility for astronauts, so if you're looking to dress up for their upcoming Halloween celebration--you may bring home the top prize if you attend as one. And if you're looking to have some fun while giving back to a great cause, check out Tranquility Brewing's website as they host numerous events--some of which include FUNdraising celebrations. Speaking of which, they're amping up for their barrel-aged, whisky-infused Cider and Oktoberfest Beer which coincides with Tranquility's Oktoberfest Party! Don't worry, you needn't miss the festivities, as they're happening this Sunday (October 15th) at the Brewery!

We know from old commercials that, "Beef. It's what's for dinner," and our next guest is doing just that. Rachel Sickler and her husband had the farming bug, and began to farm as a young couple. Both Rachel and her husband have ties to the farming industry, albeit one more loosely related than the other--but farming was a passion for the duo. So when an opportunity arose for David and his brother to purchase a farm, they did. A few years later, Rachel and David took over as sole owners of the farm, and renamed it as Sickler's Circle View Farm. Then in June of 2019. Rachel and David saw an immediate need for proteins, so the pair began offering livestock farming so meat could be much more accessible to the community and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Take in the breath-taking views as we explore just why "Virginia is for lovers." Our last guest, Dorothy McIntyre, began Forest Farmers Market after she and her husband found themselves in a fresh-food desert. Having moved from New York to Virginia was a challenge, however, waking up and not having an opportunity for fresh produce can be extremely frustrating--this is why McIntyre grew weary of the 2+ hour drive to shop at the "local" farmer's market. So armed with a desire for quality ingredients, and with a goading husband's comment, McIntyre contacted her local government and advocated to establish a Farmer's Market. Eleven vendors later, the market was a huge hit, and grew to host over 40 vendors today--including three or four original vendors. Now, Dorothy's Forest Farmer's Market inspired her to establish another new one, named Moneta Farmer's Market in Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Want to know more? Then stay tuned thru the whole show to find out what to look forward to when you visit!

If you've ever tuned in to the show, then you're familiar with our first guest, Chef Elijah Milligan. He's joined us on several occasions, and now he's back to let all of you know about Rosemary Ridley Park. We dove deeper into the nuances behind choosing the freshest ingredients--including how he and the staff at Rosemary grow and pick their own herbs, which are then highlighted in the dishes and cocktails that are created. In addition to his fresh picks, Chef Milligan is building a menu that will change depending upon what is in season, bringing a fresh new vibe to the Ridley Park, PA restaurant scene. So if you are in the area and want an elevated meal that is less about the pomp and circumstance and more geared towards the enjoyment of every bite...check out Rosemary Ridley Park and tune in to hear more about Elijah and the restaurant!

Our next guest, Wyatt Piazza, is the Chef and Co-Owner of Kiddo Restaurant which is in the works to open around mid-October 2023. Now that is fresh! Piazza is opening Kiddo Restaurant with his wife, Elizabeth Drake; the duo has a strong focus on a vegetable-forward menu that is both organic and strives towards maintaining sustainable practices. And before you think strictly vegan or vegetarian...think again. They will offer all of us carnivores something to dig into, like locally-sourced Bison, however their aim is to balance the dishes with an abundance of boldly-flavored vegetables. And if you're not in the mood for a full meal, Chef Piazza has curated his menu to encompass lite (shareable) bites to full plates.

So be sure to tune in to Food Farms and Chefs this (and every) Tuesday at 6pm EST on WWDB and WPEN in Pennsylvania, and for our New York listeners you can turn your dials to WMLD at 1pm EST on Fridays, or listen at any time by searching for Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show on your preferred streaming platform!

When you visit our first guest's restaurant, you'll surely be as enamored with Chef Ehren Ryan's menu as I was from simply researching his culinary creations. After speaking with Ryan regarding Common Lot, his restaurant which is located in Milburn, NJ, I learned that his mastery of plating the perfect dish was founded upon a global background. That same background, from Chef Ryan's own description, consisted entirely from working inside Michelin Star rated kitchens. This is most likely the reason Common Lot's name appears on NJ Monthly's Top 25 restaurants to visit since it opened in 2016, and why so many other publications and shows have praised him and his co-owner/wife's business. If you want to learn more about Ehren and Common Lot, tune in to this week's show!

During our interlude, our own co-host, Amaris Pollock, takes you on a quick tour around the tri-state area for festive Fall fun! She took a short moment to help plan your festive fun this spooky season, including Pop-Up bars with Halloween-themed decor, festivals, and more! So get your calendars out and mark these events down--and get ready for some cheers, music, and lots of spooktacular fun!

Our next guest hails from the Philadelphia area, and is a long-time friend of the show! Charisse McGil has circled back to her origins in the industry with her new role as the Executive Director of the Farmers Markets Coalition. As you'll find out when you tune in, McGil took her skills as a leader in the scholastic sense and as an event organizer and transformed her role to manage the Lansdale Farmers Market. She then found out the fiscal difference between running a Market and being a vendor. So when her daughter further drove the point home by way of a successful venture--McGil aided her daughter's business and started her own: French Toast Bites. Years later, McGil has found herself in a new role within managing farmers markets, only this time on a grand scale.

We began by introducing you to David Dietz, Owner of BBC Tavern and Grill and the recently opened Bar Reverie in the adjacent venue. Dietz, who has worked in the restaurant industry since a youth, opened BBC Tavern and Grill under the original concept Brandywine Brewing Company. As time went on, they essentially switched venues with Pizza by Elizabeth's and Dietz re-established his business as BBC Tavern and Grill as the new venue lacked space for brewing craft beers. Now, Dietz has extended his culinary pedigree with his French-based concept, Bar Reverie. Bar Reverie offers "a travel-inspired menu with a nod to French cuisine" and an extensive wine selection.

Next, we caught up with the owner of Spotted Horse Provisions, Amanda Newman. Amanda's 'jam' is to focus on fresh ingredients from local farmers to create her sought-after sauces, preserves, and other delicious products. As a fourth-generation canner, Newman is well-versed in the versatility of creating scratch-made, sustainable foods for herself and her family. Now, she is bringing her family recipes (and delightful products) into our homes by selling them at local farmer's markets--and soon to the shelves of your favorite privately-owned grocery markets!

Lastly, we uncorked the story behind Maryland's first black family-owned winery: Boyd Cru Wines. Jon'll and Matthew Boyd, who are the dynamic duo behind Boyd Cru Wines, enlightened us with their brand's origin story and what inspired them. Initially, the Boyd's discussed investing in a winery since the couple enjoyed visiting wineries in their free-time. So when the pandemic shut down the world, the positive-thinking couple recognized the additional time and opportunity it afforded them to pursue their goals--and Boyd Cru Wines was born. Since then they've won awards for their wines and are currently creating new vintages for all of you to enjoy!

We sat down with Robert Woloshin, Co-Owner of Manny's Deli and Manny's Deli Stop in Pennsylvania. After years of friendship, Woloshin and his fellow co-founders, Jeremy and Chase Thomas, renovated and opened Manny's Deli located in Holland, PA with the mission to update the concept of how a traditional Jewish Deli is. Armed with modern twists on traditional menu items, they found success. Recently they've expanded on their brand by opening a new fast-casual version of their deli: Manny's Deli Stop is their concept of an on-the-go eatery where traditional deli items can be ordered and enjoyed, offering a more stream-lined menu with grab-and-go options!

Next, we spoke with Chef Elizabeth Falkner and her new documentary, "Sorry We're Closed." If her name is familiar to you, it's due to her numerous appearances on must-see culinary television shows as a competitor and judge, as well as being a cookbook author and successful restaurateur, having opened and run restaurants on both the West and East coast of the US. Now, she is taking us behind the scenes with an in-depth look at the mindset of fellow restaurateurs after 2020 and the impact that the pandemic and aftermath of civil unrest after George Floyd. You can stream "Sorry, We're Closed" online via Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime to see these heart-felt discussions with her colleagues and friends, and find the true depth of what it takes to own and operate restaurants.

Lastly, we sat down with Event Organizer for Up Coming Events, Ray Sheehan. Sheehan, whose enthusiasm for what he does was almost palpable throughout the entire discussion, chatted about what you can expect when attending one of their events. Set up to highlight local businesses, you can attend one of their 4-hour sessions and taste your way through area restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distillers. If you want to know more, you can visit them online at UpComingEvents.com and attend an ultimate tailgating experience, food and wine festivals, and charitable events!

We sat down with Marilyn Schlossbach, whose name is synonymous with the successful restaurants and community-related foundations within the Asbury Park area. Her drive to create supportive, educational, and sustainable environments in an industry, and let's face it, a general lifestyle that runs fast-paced and easy is beyond admirable. Marilyn's conversation touched on numerous points, however, her ability to continue pursuing a sustainable and supportive business for her community will always remain at the heart of her life's mission. If you want to find out more, stay tuned till the end of this week's episode!

We then switched gears and looked at the glitz and glam behind Superfrico inside The Hook by Spiegelworld in Caesars in Atlantic City, NJ. They're expanding into the east coast, and we spoke with their Executive Culinary Director, Chef Anna Altieri for an insider's look at the swanky new spot. Housed in what was formerly known as the Warner Theatre, Superfrico and The Hook offers an unapologetically entertaining and enticing venue and menu for visitors to indulge in. With a menu that mirrors the acts on stage, the acrobatics of flavors that touch your palate will leave you craving more. If that teases your curiosity, then be sure to listen to Anna's full interview for even more enticing info!

Lastly, we heard a quick update on what our favorite chef and co-host was up to on his foodie vacation! Hear from Gene Blum his delicious take on traveling in the Tennessee mountains, what he highly recommends for you to visit, taste, and potentially bring home a bottle or two of when you're there! From one smoky indulgent experience to the next--he will surely tempt your taste buds with his adventures!

Do you love dumplings? We do too. That's one of the many reasons we spoke with Nick Sordoni, one of the owners behind the growing brand Brooklyn Dumpling Show (Philadelphia). The brand, which originated in Manhattan, New York, quickly gained in popularity when it launched during the pandemic. As a fully automat-based eatery, visitors can order ahead and use a QR code to pick up their fresh bites. Guests can choose from a hot or cold menu, with options like Rueben, Philly Cheesesteak, or Peanut Butter & Jelly Dumplings. If you want to hear more about their brand new business--tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

Everyone loves a sweet ending--and our next guest is positioned to satisfy your sweet tooth! We spoke with Laura Carroll, whose role as Insomnia Cookies' Director of Sales offers not only insight, but sheer bliss with every delectable bite. Carroll's career took on a life of its own within the culinary industry, and after finding her path drawing closer towards food, she eventually began working for Insomnia Cookies. We chatted with Laura regarding her own history, as well as took a deeper look into what makes their cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats so irresistible. Also, be sure to visit their location in South Philly (across from Geno's & Pat's), just remember to follow their instagram stories to access some hidden fun!

Speaking of irresistible, we can't imagine leafing out some of the best things in life: Farmers Markets! Farms play an important role in all our lives, and our final guest, Bilal Rice, is the Program Manager for The Food Trust in Philadelphia. Bilal let all of us know what The Food Trust does, where to find them, and the importance in offering the opportunity to purchase nutrient-rich foods to communities that are in food desserts. The Food Trust originated by offering classes in Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market in 1992. Years later, they now operate Farmers Markets in 35 locations in Philadelphia. If you want to hear more of what you'll find at one of their markets, their locations & hours, or simply find out more information about the programs you offer, then tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

Be sure to set a reminder every Tuesday at 6pm EST on WWDB and WPEN and Fridays at 1pm on WMLD, or stream us at any time by searching for Food, Farms, and Chefs Radio Show on your preferred streaming platform!

We began our show with some 'Made with Love' comforts from Kathleen Bianco of The Crazy Kat and Crave Pitman.  Bianco not only grew up baking with her grandmothers, she brought those memories {and love} of baked goods to their businesses.  Later on, she and her husband expanded on their business ventures by adding ice cream in addition to introducing new items regularly, including a heavy focus on gluten-free options. So if you're Craving something like Cheesecakes, Cookies, or Mousse Bombs...tune in to our show to find out everything that Crave Pitman and The Crazy Kat offers!
 

"Never give up on your vision, always keep going" are words to live by according to Shamaya "Bella" Oberlton of Rock N Rolls Philly.  Since 2016, Oberlton has pursued her dreams of owning Rock N Rolls Philly, beginning with a business that was operated out of her family's home. That same business  transitioned into food trucks--and more recently, a brick and mortar location.  Speaking of transitioning, stay tuned to hear how Shamaya gives back to the community--offering positions to individuals via reintegration processes.  But the biggest benefit of all...a delicious array of unique egg rolls, ranging from savory to sweet, with sides to choose from as well. 

Our last guest taps into his passion of what local breweries have to offer with his business, BrewedAt.  Evan Blum and his friend crafted their business model based on the desire to try what different breweries had to offer on-tap; doing so by trying different flights and discussing them.  Now, they turned their fun nights out into a booming business where they track whatever is available to drink, as well as what events the individual spots offer.  So whether you are a craft beer aficionado or a novice, BrewedAt can offer one place that showcases whatever you're looking for--all you need to do is look them up to find out!